Community Calendar

The Journey Museum is pleased to announce the opening of an exciting new exhibition, Where Eagles Soar, on October 11, 2024. The family friendly exhibition is free to the public in the Adelstein Gallery through May 25th, 2025. The exhibition includes twenty paintings from the collection of the Sioux Indian Museum. Lakota artist S.D. Nelson created these paintings to illustrate the book Wings of an Eagle. Written by Billy Mills and Janell Brown, the book tells the story of Billy Mills, a ground breaking Oglala Lakota athlete and the only American to win an Olympic Gold medal in the 10,000 meters.

Billy Mills, also known by his Lakota name Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla, is best known for winning a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history, as Mills was a relatively unknown runner at the time and the first (and only) American to win gold in the 10,000 meters. Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Mills overcame significant personal challenges, including poverty and the loss of both parents at a young age. A U.S. Marine Corps officer at the time of his Olympic triumph, Mills has since become a prominent advocate for Native American rights and youth sports programs. His life story was dramatized in the 1983 film Running Brave, and he continues to inspire generations with his message of perseverance and hope.

S.D. Nelson is an award-winning Lakota artist and author who has illustrated over 15 books. His work often depicts the imagery of the open prairies where S.D. spent his childhood summers, with expansive skies, towering clouds, and endless seas of grasslands. Combining timeless Lakota stories with contemporary art, his books have captivated audiences both young and old for over twenty years. A member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, spent his childhood summers on the Standing Rock Reservation. During this time, his mother told him the traditional Lakota stories that would become the subjects of his books. S.D. spent 26 years as a teacher in the Flagstaff public schools before his first book Gift Horse, a Lakota Story, was published in 1999.

NEW! Family Spanish Story Time
Join us for a fun and interactive Family Spanish Story Time at the library! This special event is open to all ages and offers a wonderful opportunity for children to explore the world of language through stories, songs, and engaging activities—all in Spanish. Perfect for families looking to introduce their little ones to a new language, this 30-minute session invites caregivers to join in on the fun as we read and sing together. No prior registration is needed, so just drop in and enjoy a lively and educational experience.
When: Tuesdays, January 14th, February 11th and March 11th
Time: 6:00-6:30PM
Age: All ages are welcome
Registration: No registration required

The South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists Program is now accepting applications for the 2025 class. The 12-week program with online evening classes begins Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Graduates will share their new knowledge with others through volunteer opportunities, including leading educational programs, participating in conservation activities, and contributing to citizen science projects.

South Dakota residents age 18 and older are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is January 27, 2025. To learn more and to apply, visit www.sdvolunteernaturalists.orgThe SDVN program is a collaborative effort between Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, the South Dakota Discovery Center, South Dakota Game, Fish and Park, and South Dakota State University Extension.

The Journey Museum is pleased to announce the opening of an exciting new exhibition, Where Eagles Soar, on October 11, 2024. The family friendly exhibition is free to the public in the Adelstein Gallery through May 25th, 2025. The exhibition includes twenty paintings from the collection of the Sioux Indian Museum. Lakota artist S.D. Nelson created these paintings to illustrate the book Wings of an Eagle. Written by Billy Mills and Janell Brown, the book tells the story of Billy Mills, a ground breaking Oglala Lakota athlete and the only American to win an Olympic Gold medal in the 10,000 meters.

Billy Mills, also known by his Lakota name Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla, is best known for winning a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history, as Mills was a relatively unknown runner at the time and the first (and only) American to win gold in the 10,000 meters. Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Mills overcame significant personal challenges, including poverty and the loss of both parents at a young age. A U.S. Marine Corps officer at the time of his Olympic triumph, Mills has since become a prominent advocate for Native American rights and youth sports programs. His life story was dramatized in the 1983 film Running Brave, and he continues to inspire generations with his message of perseverance and hope.

S.D. Nelson is an award-winning Lakota artist and author who has illustrated over 15 books. His work often depicts the imagery of the open prairies where S.D. spent his childhood summers, with expansive skies, towering clouds, and endless seas of grasslands. Combining timeless Lakota stories with contemporary art, his books have captivated audiences both young and old for over twenty years. A member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, spent his childhood summers on the Standing Rock Reservation. During this time, his mother told him the traditional Lakota stories that would become the subjects of his books. S.D. spent 26 years as a teacher in the Flagstaff public schools before his first book Gift Horse, a Lakota Story, was published in 1999.

Story Time
Story Time introduces your child to the incredible world of language and books through stories, songs, and activities. This program is designed to help prepare your child for successful school experiences using early literacy components and is a great opportunity for your child to develop social skills and make friends. Topics and themes change each program. Story time generally lasts 30 minutes and no registration required. Caregivers are expected to attend.
When: Every other Wednesday, starting January 15th through March 26th
Time: 10:00-10:30AM Age: 2-5yrs Registration: No registration required

Creatures Big & Small

"Creatures Big and Small" is an immersive art exhibition that explores the vast spectrum of animals, real and imagined, that inhabit our world — from the tiniest insects to the most colossal beasts.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of life on Earth, our collective imagination, and the urgent need to protect the biodiversity we share the planet with. By showcasing animals of all sizes — real, mythical, and speculative — this exhibit calls on us to consider how we coexist with the creatures that inspire our art and our imaginations.

This exhibit celebrates the beauty, diversity, and significance of creatures through various artistic mediums, encouraging viewers to reflect on humanity's relationship with the animal kingdom. Perfect for families, friends, and animal lovers alike, “Creatures Big and Small” promises to brighten your day.

A percentage of each artwork sold will be donated to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. We appreciate all that they do to care for Creatures Big and Small, and a pleased to help support their mission.

Come to the Sturgis Public Library on Wednesday, January 15th, at 11am for PreK Storytime for ages 3-6. Celebrate literacy with movement, stories and crafts every Wednesday with Miss Sierra.

Pie and Bingo!
Come to the library and play a few rounds of bingo, win prizes, and enjoy a slice of pie with friends as you listen to a guest speaker or musician from the community. Everyone is welcome. No registration required.
When: Wednesdays, Jan. 15th, Feb. 19th, Mar. 19th, April 16th, May 21st, June 18th, July 16th, Aug. 20th, Sept. 17th, Oct. 15th, Nov. 19th, and Dec. 17th.
Time: 1:30-3:00PM
Age: General/Adult
Registration: No registration required

You are invited to join us for "JAM!"
Jesus And Me activities for the whole family!
Dinner starts the evening at 5:30 PM, and at 6:00 PM, the kids start their KidRock activities. Adults are invited to Bible study.
If you are interested in singing, our choir meets directly after the activities at 7:00 PM in our sanctuary.
Please reach out if you have any questions! We look forward to "JAMming" with you!