South Dakota National Guard Museum...
Preserving our military heritage.

The National Guard Museum, located in Pierre, South Dakota was established to provide a facility for memorabilia and historical documents pertaining to the South Dakota National Guard.  The museum is a repository of historical information for both the Army and Air National Guard.  The museum originated as the 147th Field Artillery Historical Society in 1975.  In 1983, the South Dakota Legislature put forth legislation to create an official South Dakota National Guard Museum and place its control under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The mission of the National Guard Museum is to acquire, preserve, protect, and display military equipment equipment, records, relics, and memorabilia representing the heritage of the Dakota Militia and the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard.  The museum also educates National Guard members and the general public about the heritage of the South Dakota National Guard both in place and at war.  The South Dakota museum is one of only 20 authorized National Guard museums in the nation.

The South Dakota National Guard Museum has a large exhibit area.  On display outside the museum is an actual A-7D jet, Sherman tank, 75mm Cannon, 105mm Howitzer, anti-aircraft guns and an Armored Personnel Carrier.  Inside the museum are displays covering each period of the South Dakota National Guard and Militia's existence.  Each collection reflects the heritage of the National Guard in South Dakota and accomplishments of the period.  Collections include memorabilia and artifacts from the Dakota Militia of the 1860's up through and including the modern equipment South Dakota guardsman have used in the Gulf War, the Bosnian peace keeping mission and Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.

Monetary gifts are recognized through the Museum Membership program:

Organizational Sustaining Member.  Group sustaining membership for South Dakota National Guard units or for civic service organizations for one year may be obtained by application and contribution of a sum of money equal to one dollar for each member of the group at the time of application.  Membership is for one fiscal year.

Individual Sustaining Member.  Any person may become an individual sustaining member by payment of an annual membership fee of $10.00 or more.

Life Member.  An individual or organization that contributes $100.00 to the National Guard Museum.

Adjutants General Club.  An individual or organization that contributes a minimum of $500.00 to the National Guard Museum.  Payable in not more than five annual installments.

Governor's Club.  An individual or organization that contributes $500.00, in addition to the Adjutants General Club, to the National Guard Museum.  Payable in annual installments.

Checks should be payable to the SDNG Museum Fund and sent to the attention of:

     LTC Vern Erickson
     Camp Rapid
     2823 West Main Street
     Rapid City SD   57702-8186