View Exhibits by the NSU Archives

The Oahe Project

Oahe Dam Groundbreaking

South Dakota’s Oahe irrigation project (technically called the Oahe Unit) had its roots deep in the history of America and the Missouri River. The sequence of events leading to the intense and history-making public debate in the 1970s over the billion-dollar (today’s dollars) Oahe irrigation project began with the earliest relationship of American citizens to the Missouri River. Issues related to the Oahe project and the Missouri River are inexorably linked, as the Oahe project was an integral aspect of plans to control and develop the Missouri River. This timeline delineates and discusses Missouri River and Oahe irrigation project events and provides a background showing how those events are related. It is notable that the political fight over the Oahe irrigation project had national implications, and resolution of that fight led to significant and lasting changes in federal water development strategies.

NSU Marching Band in Washington D.C.

DC Marching

After the 2004 election, President George W. Bush came out the victor to claim a second 4 year term. Part of the festivities of naming a successor to the presidency is the inauguration, which includes the official swearing in and a parade. The Northern State University Marching Wolves were invited to march in the parade. This collection contains documents and photos from the event that focus on the Marching Wolves.

Memoirs of a Gypsy Queen

Mary Carlson Scrapbook Front Cover

During Homecoming, Northern State University celebrates the Hall of Fame inductees, sports reunions, 1964 class reunion, and the induction of a new Gypsy Queen and Marshal. To go along with these events, the Northern State University Archives and Special Collections celebrate the crowning of our Gypsy Queen from 50 years ago: Mary Carlson, Gypsy Queen of 1964. This online exhibit contains the entirety of Mary’s scrapbook from her year as Queen. To see the full physical exhibit please visit the Beulah Williams Library.

Germans from Russia

Exhibit x

Visit our 2,200 square foot permanent exhibit on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen. Our physical displays chronical the journey to the plains of the South Dakota, tell the story of what life was like for the settlers and describe their influence on the region. While you’re here, you’ll also be able to listen to and view video footage of oral history interviews.