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Exhibit Opening Oct 3, 2026
A Dakota Story was written, designed and built by a team of staff, volunteers and The Sea Reach, Ltd design firm. The Mead Museum Exhibit Design Team worked diligently over a 5 year period to make this exhibit a reality:
Crystal Mensch, Exhibit Coordinator
Megan Hansen, Exhibit Curator
Robert Hahn, Exhibit Carpenter
Jane Bobzin, Volunteer Team Member
Stan Hoffart, Volunteer Team Member
Lori Ibarolle, Volunteer Team Member
Carol Ryan, Volunteer Team Member
A Dakota Story Grand Opening Calendar of Events
Thursday,
October 1st
A private, invitation-only, event will be held from 4-6pm to thank those individuals who gave financial gifts to the exhibit.
Friday, October 2nd
October's Feed Your Mind on Friday, October 2nd at noon is the start of a celebration! Mead Museum Executive Director and Exhibit Design Coordinator Crystal Mensch will share the 8 year journey of developing and implementing the new permanent exhibit A Dakota Story featuring Yankton's first 100 years. This huge project - 2500 square feet! - has 12 galleries and over 600 artifacts installed.
Feed Your Mind will be followed by a Yankton Thrive ribbon cutting at 1:30pm
And then at 1-4pm a MEMBERS-ONLY first look at the new exhibit!
Saturday,
October 3rd
The exhibit is open to the Public from 1-5pm!
Sunday,
October 4th
October 4th includes a Native Nations Blessing Day. This special opening day will be hosted along with members of the Ihanktonwan Nation, who partnered with the exhibit design team during the creation of A Dakota Story.