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Museum of Wildlife, Science & Industry

BRINGING THE PAST INTO THE PRESENT!

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History

In the early 1980s, Warren Green, superintendent of Waubay School instigated the idea of a Day County museum to showcase northeastern South Dakota’s accomplishments in agriculture. Implement dealers LaVerne “Baldy” Batie and Oscar Akerson of Webster agreed and had items that would illustrate the idea.  Also in agreement were big game hunters, Rich Fiksdal and William Peterson of Day County who had trophies to be displayed for educational purposes.  Northeastern SD historian Herman Chilson; farmers and collectors Alvin Block, Roger Johnson and Kevin Anderson and lawyer Leon VanderLinden joined the group of “founding fathers.”

 

They developed the philosophy “to preserve the items that best illustrate the life and culture of northeastern South Dakota for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”  The first building was opened in 1986.  The museum has since evolved and displays a vast array of household items, vintage clothing, many private collections, antique tractors, classic cars as well as a wildlife collection.  It honors some of our notable citizens.  It has something for everyone to enjoy:  the serious historian or the hobbyist; the young or the old.

Hours

Closed for the winter.

The museum board wants to thank all the donors who contributed to the museum’s fund raiser.  Your support was phenomenal, not only in money, but with your verbal support and encouragement.  It is very gratifying to the board to know what strong support there is for the success of the museum.

A big thank you also goes to all the visitors, volunteers, building adopters, the advisory council and the SD Humanities Council for awarding the museum a CARES Act grant for the preservation of historical buildings and the humanities.  While it was a difficult year for the museum, it was  better than the board could ever have imagined at the beginning of our year, thanks to all of you.

The museum is now closed for the season, but the board looks forward to seeing you next year and for a better year for all of us.  If anyone has any questions, such as a tour or donations, please call Duane at (605) 216-2415.

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the museum please call 605-345-4751 or email us at:
museumwsi@outlook.com

Location

760 West US Hwy 12
Webster, SD 57274

From the junction of Hwy 12 and 25, Webster, SD, we are located ¾ mile west on Highway 12. From I-29 take the Summit exit, go 24 miles west on Hwy 12.

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