STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society has announced its latest project, a comprehensive research study of education in Meade County, past and present. They are seeking the public’s help with this study.

The research project encompasses all known schools in what is now Meade County, one of the nation’s largest counties. It will identify and document both town and country schools, which number in the dozens and represent every size and shape of district. Public help is needed to identify and document the individual schools and the student experience of any given era. Also needed are stories, records, photographs, and relics from the schools.

The preliminary results of this project will be presented at the Historical Society’s annual “History Days” celebration, scheduled for June 12-13, 2026. The Historical Society will feature booths from a variety of historic schools and districts, along with presentations, a roundtable discussion, and tours of two locally preserved country schools.

“This is a huge project, and we need the public’s help,” said Mark Rambow, President of the Sturgis & Meade County Historical Society. “While Meade County is currently represented in four school districts, there were originally 93 separate districts, most with several individual schools. So, we are looking at well over 200 separate schools. While a handful have documented histories, most are at risk of being permanently lost and forgotten.” Education in Meade County began before the county itself did, when the communities of Sturgis and Fort Meade were established in 1878 within the limits of Lawrence County. With the establishment of Meade County in 1889 and its expansion in 1899, the need for additional schools grew as homesteading activity expanded in the area.

The Historical Society aims to document the histories and memories of schools in towns such as Sturgis, Piedmont, and Faith, as well as the numerous isolated country schools. “Memories, photos, and even school buildings still exist,” said Rambow. “But time is against us. Help is needed from residents who still hold the knowledge of this disappearing legacy.”

Historical Society board member Betty Jo Huff is the project coordinator and welcomes contact from individuals who can assist. She can be reached at huff1227@gmail.com or (605) 490-5511.