HURON — Attendees from museums and historical societies across the state of South Dakota concluded their annual Association of South Dakota Museums conference Wednesday with a round-table discussion and a tour of the Pyle House. The talk ranged from insurance concerns to museum software to fundraising ideas.

Each organization also gave an update on past and future activities and plans.

Karen Holzer, Executive Director of the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery reported on the hatcherey’s museum grand re-opening planned for 2025 and delegates were given a status report on the progress at the State Historical Society in Pierre.

Earlier in the conference, members were presented with a variety of workshops.

The first was led by Larry Hutchings, Creative Director of Museology LLC, a company from Minneapolis that specializes in making mounts for museum displays. Part of his workshop included a hands-on session when the assembly worked in small groups to design mounts for various objects.

Louise Van Poll, Executive Director of the Dakotaland Museum, gave an overview of all three historic places in Huron and a workshop about planning and exhibiting a Smithsonian Institute “Museums on Main Street” traveling display.

The group then toured “Spark! Places of Innovation,” at the Centennial Stone Church Center.

The afternoon workshop was led by Huron’s Erica Woodbury, owner of Digital.leigh LLC. She gave a click-by-click demonstration on how museums may increase exposure on the Internet and make the most of their digital presence.

The final speaker of the conference was Julie Breu from Lake County Museum, who encouraged museums to begin planning now on special events to mark the nation’s 250th celebration coming soon in 2026.

Before dinner Tuesday, members were able to visit the Dakotaland Museum. The conference also included display tables with brochures, books and pamphlets from the participating organizations and several silent auction items.

“Everyone had a wonderful time,” said Van Poll. “They all had very nice things to say about our venue and the food. I would especially like to thank the Huron Event Center and the Crossroads for their efforts, the Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau for their assistance, and Coborn’s for sponsoring the meet and greet affair Monday night.”