The annual event’s theme this year is “The History of Schools in Meade County.”

Sturgis, South Dakota — May 20, 2026— The tenth annual Sturgis & Meade County History Day will be held Friday, June 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sturgis Community Center. “The History of Schools in Meade County” is the theme of the event this year.

There has already been a lot of interest in the schools topic, with the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society collecting 150 years of town and country school stories, and preparing exhibits and activities.

Booths displaying a variety of historical artifacts, pictures and other information and memorabilia will be open both days in the Sturgis Community Center gymnasium (See list below). A round table discussion on “Memories of Education in Meade County” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday night.
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On Saturday, the first presentation will be at 10:30 a.m. by Betsey DeLoache about country schools past and present. At 11:30 a.m., Jim Holland and Mark Rambow will present a timeline of Sturgis schools in the Community Center Theater. Boxed lunches will be available.
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On Saturday afternoon, special tours of three surviving country schools will be held culminating in an ice cream social at the recently restored Pleasant Valley School. The first tour will be at 1 p.m. at Spring Creek School west of Bear Butte, followed by the Alkali School at the Threshing Bee Grounds at 2 p.m., ending with a tour of the Pleasant Valley School at 3 p.m. with an ice cream social. Refer to full schedule of events below.
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For those who want to learn more about the Sturgis and Meade County Historical Society, a booth with information about the Society and membership will be available. There are five levels of membership in the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society, as follows: individual membership, $25 per year; family membership, $35 per year; student membership, $15 per year; life membership, one-time payment of $1,000; sustainer membership of $5,000 and business sponsorship, $250 per year.

History Day is possible, due in part, to the support from the City of Sturgis, HomeSlice Group, KBHB Radio and the Meade County Commission.

For more information, call 605-381-5395 or email presidentsturgishistory@gmail.com.

About Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society
Founded in 2014, the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society is the result of a cooperative effort of people within the local community who are dedicated to preserving and relating the history of the area. The official mission of the Society is to “Preserve, protect and promote Sturgis and Meade County History.” More information can be found at sturgishistory.org.

For more information, press only:
Logan Lamphere
Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society
605-490-0732
llampher@hotmail.com

A picture of the old Sturgis High School, later Erskine Building (Photo courtesy Deadwood History) ###