The South Dakota State Historical Society recognizing people and organizations for their work to preserve South Dakota's history.
Individual Award: This annual award was first given in 1989 to honor an individual or individuals whose efforts demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the sharing, collection, preservation and interpretation of South Dakota history.
Organizational Award - This award was first given in 1989 and is presented annually to honor an organization or organizations whose efforts demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to the collection, sharing and preservation of South Dakota history.
History Teacher of the Year Award - Established in 1989, the History Teacher of the Year award was created to recognize and honor teachers who have exhibited excellence in the teaching of history at the elementary and secondary levels in South Dakota. One award will be given to a K-12 teacher.
The Robinson Memorial Award - This is the highest award given in the field of history in South Dakota. First given in 1976 to Herbert S. Schell, the Robinson Memorial Award is named after Doane Robinson and his son Will G. Robinson, both of whom served as director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Recipients of this award have excelled in their commitment to the interpretation, preservation, and advancement of South Dakota history. Robinson Awards are not given every year. When and if an extraordinary candidate emerges, the Board of Trustees of the State Historical Society gives this award for outstanding and meritorious service in the field of history or a related field.
The Herbert S. Schell Award was created to honor the author of the most outstanding article appearing in each volume of South Dakota History, the award-winning quarterly journal of the State Historical Society. Formerly called the Robinson Award, it was renamed in 1989 for Herbert S. Schell, the first modern scholar to publish extensively on South Dakota history. The award was first given in 1974, and the recipient is chosen by an award committee of four scholars in consultation with the journal editors.
This video was made possible by our partner, the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.