The South Dakota Historical Society is looking for public nominationsof places and buildings to add to the National Register of Historic Places.
Along with nominations to the national register, officials say they’re also interested in learning about other properties in the state that are in disrepair or in danger of being lost to development. Jay Vogt is with the Historic Preservation Society.
“To be listed in the National Register typically a property has to be at least 50 years old, maintain its historical integrity, basically looks like it did in its historic period of time and then be associated either with events or people or design features that are important in our history,” says Vogt.
Vogt adds that the majority of preserved places in the state are still standing thanks to the public.
“Most of the time it actually comes from the public, people, property owners who take great pride in the business building that they’re in, or the home that they own, or they’re aware of an important site in their community will come forward and say “We really think this should be listed in the National Register,” says Vogt.
Vogt says suggestions can be made on the historic society’s website or sent via mail to its Pierre office. The public comment period ends October 31.