HURON — Museum professionals from across the state are gathering in Huron this week for the much-anticipated Annual Conference of the Association of South Dakota Museums (ASDM). The event, which runs from Monday through Wednesday, will bring together curators, archivists, historians, and other experts from local museums to share knowledge, network, and discuss the future of preserving South Dakota’s rich cultural heritage.

This year’s conference theme, Spark Innovation in your Museum, will focus on the evolving role of museums in communities and the challenges they face in an increasingly digital world. The delegates attending are representing institutions of all sizes, from large urban museums to small historical societies in rural areas.

”We’re excited to host the conference in Huron this year,” said Louise Van Poll, the ASDM vice president and the Executive Director of Museums in Huron. “Museums play a crucial role inpreserving our state’s history and culture, and this event offers a valuable opportunity for professionals to learn from one another and explore new strategies for engaging the public.”

The conference will feature a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers covering topics such as fabricating mounts for museums, digital cleaning, and a round table discussion on issues facing our museums. Attendees will also tour the Dakotaland Museum, the Pyle House Museum and the Smithsonian Institute exhibition now in the Centennial Stone Church Center.

As museums continue to evolve in response to societal changes, the ASDM conference serves as an essential platform for sharing innovations and fostering collaboration among institutions dedicated to safeguarding South Dakota’s history.