How did South Dakota's state Constitution come together? What is the state's basic law? How did South Dakota become the first state in the nation to enshrine the popular referendum and how often have the people used this power? In this episode of History 605, Dr. Jones discusses the state's constitution with the former South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson. His expertise in the state and tribal law make for a great conversation. To read the hand written original constitution, see this link at the State Archives: https://sddigitalarchives.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/government/id/751/rec/1

In this episode, we speak with Historian Sean Flynn from Dakota Wesleyan University about his biography on Ben Reifel. How does a boy born into poverty on the Rosebud Reservation become a man who advocates for Indian education and an Indian policy that is, "Without Reservation"? I hope you'll join us for this discussion on how one South Dakota leader sought to manage the challenges of two different cultures. Sean Flynn's book is available here: https://sdhspress.com/books/without-reservation

Dakota Territory was settled by thousands of Civil War veterans. As Dr. Jones discusses with History 605 guest, USD Provost, and Professor Kurt Hackmer, those vets had a higher rate of combat experiences than the typical Civil War veteran. While the details are murky due to having no medical terminology at that time for conditions such as PTSD, many of those who experienced a great deal of combat dealt with it in interesting ways for the rest of their lives.

With Veteran's Day in view, Dr. Jones speaks with filmmaker John Mollison about what he's learned about character from veteran aviators or, as he says, "old guys and their airplanes." John is the recipient of the SD Governor's Award for History and his documentary films of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans are made with K-12 audiences in mind. John has produced very effective "educator kits" about these aviators' actions. We also discussed their views on character, courage, and service. For more information about John Mollison's work go to: DFCSociety.org or JohnMollison.com.

Special Edition: We’re pleased to have the exhibit, “No Child’s Play” come to Sioux Falls and Rapid City in the first two weeks of November 2021.

How did Laura Ingalls Wilder come to be one of the nation's best-selling children's writers? By failing to get her autobiography published. In today's episode, Dr. Jones speaks with editor Nancy Koupal on the new book Pioneer Girl: The Revised Texts.

In this episode of History 605, Dr. Jones speaks with Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Historic Preservation Officer Dianne Desrosier. She shares the meaning and the history of the Wacipi, which is Dakota for "They all dance." Listen in to their discussion on the local meaning of what is commonly referred to with the Algonquian words, Pow Wow.

History 605 explores the history of South Dakota, the northern Great Plains, and the Midwest. South Dakota’s State Historian Ben Jones will visit with guests about their books, museum exhibits and artifacts, and historic sites in the state and region. Along the way, you’ll learn how to think, not what to think, about history and the people of the past.

State historian Ben Jones talks with Dakota State University Professor Justin Blessinger about General William Henry Harrison Beadle. It's all part of the podcast project History 605.

State historian Ben Jones talks with Dakota State University Professor Justin Blessinger about General William Henry Harrison Beadle. It's all part of the podcast project History 605.