History of the Moody County Historical Society and Museum
In 1956 a group of nine private residents founded
the MCHS to ... "collect, preserve, exhibit and publish material for the
study of history, particularly the history of Moody County and the
adjacent areas... to acquire documents, letters, reports, newspapers,
books pictures and relics pertaining to the said area and to obtain the
narratives of pioneers... to promote in all the schools of said County
of every type and kind, the study of the history of the County and the
State of South Dakota."
Land on the east side of Flandreau was leased from
the city for 99 years, funds raised and a museum building was opened on
July 4, 1965. An annex (1968) was
added to the west side of the museum building. The Jones Country School
(1970), cupola from the old jail (1985), a windmill, gasoline pump and
some bells from other Country schools were placed nearby to create the
"museum complex".
Since 1984 major changes Include reroofing the
museum and Jones School, new exterior siding to save deteriorating block
walls, better lighting, new insulated drywall interior, remodeled
restrooms, rejuvenated exhibits, improved display cases, room
partitions, and re-landscaping for reduced upkeep.
In 1989 the City deeded the “leased land" and a
large parcel of adjacent land to the Society so that two more historic
buildings could be placed near the museum. Flandreau's Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul RR Depot built in 1880 and the Riverbend Indian
Meeting House built in 1871 is oldest wood frame building in Moody
County.
Until 1991 the complex was open to visitors from
2-5 on Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day and also
by special appointment. It was staffed by volunteers and funded by
membership dues, gifts, memorials, fundraisers.
Our members are kept current
through the Moody County Pioneer newsletter.
Today, the Moody County Historical Society’s museum
is open 20 hours per week year-round with a part-time director and many
volunteers. Events sponsored
by the Society include a Dad’s Belgian Waffle Feed, 4th of
July Summerfest, Christmas at the Museum, brown bag lunch programs, and
other activities.
