South Dakota Hall of Fame

06/02/2026

Save the date!

The Class of 2026 Honors Ceremony is taking place on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, in Chamberlain/Oacoma.

The public is invited to join us in honoring the 10 newest extraordinary individuals as they join over 800 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees.

Meet the newest class of Inductees here: https://www.sdhalloffame.org/honors-ceremony

05/31/2026

The South Dakota Hall of Fame wishes Shawn Martin, former Visitor & Education Center Manager, the best of luck in his new endeavors in Pierre, South Dakota.

After two years with the South Dakota Hall of Fame, Shawn has accepted a position as advertising director with Forum Communications Company in Pierre, South Dakota.

We thank Shawn for his dedication to uplifting excellence at the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

05/30/2026

At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, we are honored to serve as stewards of the sculpture Dignity - Of Earth & Sky - Sculpture's legacy.

The South Dakota Hall of Fame holds the copyright to Dignity's image, entrusted to us by 1987 Inductee and Dignity’s creator, Dale Lamphere. Through this gift, we ensure that everything bearing her likeness honors the Indigenous women, cultures, and communities she was created to celebrate, now and for generations to come.

Are you interested in bringing the spirit of Dignity into your establishment, through merchandise and more?

Reach out to us with the request and description of the proposed use to [email protected].

Learn more about Dignity here: https://www.sdhalloffame.org/dignity-of-earth-and-sky

05/29/2026

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the new Visitor & Education Manager, Mark Wofford.

Mark is from Chamberlain, South Dakota, and comes from a long history with Globe Life Insurance, serving as an agent and agency director. He won several awards for top director and owner, with his highest award being the #5 agency director among 600 directors nationwide.

Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. He holds numerous certifications in the insurance industry and excels in sales, communication, and customer service.

Mark will lead daily operations of the Visitor & Education Center, curate and enhance educational programming, manage the gift shop with the administrative assistant, and serve as a critical member of the management team for the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Join us in welcoming Mark to the South Dakota Hall of Fame!

05/28/2026

From repairing televisions as a teenager in Mitchell to building Innovative Systems, Roger helped bring cutting-edge communications and software technology to South Dakota while creating opportunities for engineers who wanted to stay and build their careers here.

Inspired by great teachers and mentors, Roger and his wife Vicki have also made transformational investments in education that will benefit students for generations.

Join Roger as he shares the curiosity, innovation, and community spirit that have shaped his remarkable journey.

Read the full story and watch the interview here: https://www.sdhalloffame.org/news/opportunity-through-technology-with-roger-musick

05/27/2026

Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first poet laureate, captured the spirit of the American West through words that continue to resonate today. Drawing from his experiences as a cowboy and his time in the Black Hills, his poetry reflects the landscape, people, and culture of the region.

Best known for “A Cowboy’s Prayer,” Clark’s work has been shared widely for generations, preserving the voice and character of the Old West. His collections, including Grass-Grown Tales and Sun and Saddle Leather, remain enduring contributions to American literature.

Clark made his home in Custer State Park, where his cabin, the Badger Hole, still stands as a tribute to his life and work. His legacy lives on through his writing and the lasting impression he left on South Dakota’s cultural heritage.

Learn more about Badger here: https://sdexcellence.org/Badger_Clark

05/26/2026

Planning a summer adventure through South Dakota? Make a stop in Chamberlain and let us inspire you.

Here at the South Dakota Hall of Fame's Visitor & Education Center, you'll discover the remarkable stories of the champions, legends, and leaders who have shaped our great state.

Whether you're traveling with family or flying solo, we promise you'll leave feeling uplifted and inspired by the excellence that defines South Dakota.

We'd love to see you this summer!

📍 1480 S. Main, Chamberlain, SD
🕘 Monday–Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM

Tag someone you'd love to bring along.

05/26/2026

Every legacy tells a story. Some of those stories stretch far beyond the borders of our state, shaping industries, inspiring communities, and leaving marks that endure long after the moment has passed.

The South Dakota Hall of Fame exists to honor those legacies, and now, we're bringing them to you in a bold new way.

We're proud to introduce South Dakota Storytellers. Head to our website to read more:

Introducing South Dakota Storytellers: a video interview and podcast series featuring in-depth, personal conversations with South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees.

05/23/2026

⭐ Meet a South Dakota Legend: Mary Hart!

Born in Madison, South Dakota, Mary Hart grew up to become one of television's most iconic faces, hosting Entertainment Tonight for an incredible 29 years and earning a Guinness World Record as the longest-serving entertainment news host. She even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989.

But before the Hollywood spotlight, Mary was right here in South Dakota, crowned Miss South Dakota in 1970 and working as an English teacher in Sioux Falls. Her journey from the classroom to the camera is a story of courage, hard work, and heart.

Mary also dedicated herself to giving back, championing causes like the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, proving that true legends lift others up along the way.

Through the Legends & Learning Program, Mary's remarkable story is available to classrooms across South Dakota, inspiring the next generation of students to dream big and reach for the stars, no matter where they start.

Explore Mary Hart's full Legends & Learning page and discover how her story can inspire your classroom: https://www.sdhalloffame.org/legend-mary-hart

05/21/2026

Did you catch the most recent South Dakota Storytellers interview with Dr. Pamela Homan? You can now listen to her inspiring stories on the go through the South Dakota Storytellers Podcast!

Listen now wherever you find your favorite podcasts, or on our website here: https://www.sdhalloffame.org/legacy-podcast