Sturgis, South Dakota — February 8, 2026

The Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society will host a “Scoop of History” event to present their current research study, “Education in Meade County, Past and Present.” The presentation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1 pm at the Sturgis Public Library. Scoop of History events are held quarterly to present historical topics of interest to the Sturgis and Meade County area. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

During the Scoop of History, volunteers from the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society will present their comprehensive research project on the historic schools of Meade County. They will share the project’s goals, the methods and resources used, and a few early results. They will also seek input, help, and documentation from those in attendance. Scanning and recording will be available for attendees to share their memories, photographs, and other items that document their experiences and those of their ancestors.

“We will explain the research underway in the ‘Education in Meade County, Past and Present’ project, but it is a huge undertaking, and we need the public’s help,” said Mark Rambow, President of the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society. “While we will outline the objectives, resources, and early discoveries of our research, we hope that attendees will bring their photos, ephemera, and, most importantly, knowledge of the schools from the past 150 years.”

The research project encompasses all known schools in Meade County, identifying and documenting all town and country schools. While Meade County is currently served by four school districts, there were originally 93 separate districts, many with several individual schools. It is thought that there were as many as 200 separate schools. Although a handful have documented histories, most are at risk of being permanently lost and forgotten.

“The Historical Society will document the histories and memories of schools in towns such as Sturgis, Piedmont, and Faith, as well as the numerous isolated country schools. Memories, photos, and even school buildings still exist,” said Rambow. “But time is against us. Help is needed from residents who still have knowledge of this disappearing legacy.”

Historical Society board member Betty Jo Huff serves as the project coordinator and welcomes contact from individuals who can assist. She can be reached at huff1227@gmail.com or (605) 490-5511.

About Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society

Founded in 2014, the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society is the result of a collaborative effort by local residents dedicated to preserving and sharing the area’s history. The Society’s official mission is to “Preserve, protect, and promote Sturgis and Meade County History.” For more information, visit sturgishistory.org.