PIERRE, S.D. – Current and former state lawmakers are set to honor a century of policy-making with a fresh commemorative logo, and a rare gathering of past and present legislators and support staff.
In January 2025, the Legislature will open its doors for its centennial session, marking 100 years since the state’s legislative body first convened.
That affords a celebration to match the milestone, according to the One Hundredth Session Planning Committee – a special committee appointed by the Legislature. Its members met over the last several months to make plans for what festivities will look like – which will now include a series of events leading up to the session’s opening, and culminating in a gathering on April 12, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre after the session has come to a close. The gathering will include a program at the State Capitol before activities move over to the Convention Center for a reception, with music performed by the South Dakota Army National Guard band.
Those invited to attend include former and current lawmakers, Legislative Research Council staff, interns, and pages. Registration is $20 per person, with attendees able to bring one guest.
“I hope all former legislators and others who have been involved will plan to attend this historic reunion,” said Rep. Tony Venhuizen, who came up with the idea of the planning committee and now acts as its chair. “It will be a great opportunity to celebrate our citizen Legislature and its rich history, and to see old friends.”
Venhuizen, a historian of state government, said the first legislative session of statehood was held in January 1890 – South Dakota was granted statehood in November.
“After that, they met every other year in odd numbered years – 1891, 1893, 1895, etc. – up until 1963-64 when they switched to annual sessions,” Venhuizen said.
The commemorative logo, which will be displayed on official state materials throughout the session, symbolizes the legacy of South Dakota’s lawmakers and a century of achievements from that branch of the state’s government. It will make its debut in state communications and documents in the months leading up to and during session.
Organizers are urging former legislators and staff to register for events and learn more on a special website set up by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. The upcoming celebrations, they say, are a rare opportunity to honor South Dakota’s legislative history and the individuals who have served.
