This museum was founded in 1883, six years prior to South Dakota’s entry into statehood, and is reportedly the oldest museum in the state. It began as a natural science study collection at the institution which would eventually become the University of South Dakota.
Although the Museum’s location has changed several times it has always been located on the USD campus. Named for one of its first curators, William Henry Over, who directed the Museum’s activities from 1913 to 1948, the museum collections initially reflected the natural history of South Dakota. However, during the 20th century the collection and exhibits of the museum have been expanded to reflect the natural and cultural history of the state. Preserving interpreting and exhibiting the heritage of the land and people of South Dakota remains the principal mission of the W. H. Over Museum. The present museum was completed in 1988 and was constructed to house and exhibit its extensive holdings. The building encompasses 29,200 square feet of space, of which 70% is devoted to exhibition areas.
There are five galleries. The Southwestern Gallery houses pioneer cultural objects used between 1880 and 1945 and is called “A Time To Remember Exhibition.” Its featured object is a 1912 Moline Dreadnought automobile.
The West Gallery features Native American cultural objects, a majority of which are from the Clark collection. The main display is a tipi in a diorama depicting a Lakota Family Camp.
Natural History is the emphasis in the North Gallery and literally represents an exhibition in progress. Current exhibits include rocks, fossils, plants and animals. Dioramas of prehistoric human inhabitants and a Claim Shanty used during the late 19th century represent cultural exhibits in this gallery. The newest additions to this exhibit are “Migratory Waterfowl”, “Endangered and Threatened Species of South Dakota”, and “Visitors to the Great Plains.”
The Hall Gallery displays reproductions of Stanley J. Morrow photographs taker by the Yankton-based Civil War photographer between 1866 and 1880. Important Native American chiefs, U. S. Army encampments and Deadwood Gold Rush day are featured. A corner of the hallway highlights the interests and accomplishments of W. H. Over, the museum’s namesake.
Sletwold Hall, the Southeastern Gallery, is maintained for circulating and short- term exhibits. The gallery contains a pull-man kitchen and is used for Museum and Community gatherings.
The Friends of the Museum Gift Shop features Native American Arts and crafts, books, regalia, and Native American medicinal plants and is located off the lobby.
Other areas of the Museum not generally open to the public include a Collection Care Laboratory used to research and repair museum items and an Exhibit Design and Construction Workshop. Outside a Heritage Garden is incorporated into the landscaped grounds. This Garden consists of a variety of trees, shrubs, plants and interpretive features creating a living exhibit, which serves as an extension of the interpretive natural history exhibits inside the museum.