Events – W. H. OVER MUSEUM

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, October 25 | 2:00 PM UNTIL PUMPKINS ARE GONE

Join the W. H. Over Museum for Halloween Pumpkin Carving! Celebrate the spooky season with your local museum — we will provide pumpkins and treats (we will have a limited amount of pumpkins so it will be first come first serve). All are welcome. FREE Entry.

Sunday, December 6 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Please join us in celebrating the season! You will find unique and handcrafted items for your holiday shopping including baked goods, jewelry, woodwork, quilts, crochet, dry nail polish and more! Do your Christmas shopping at your local Museum and find amazing, one-of-a-kind gifts!

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please email sonia.hernandez@usd.edu.

PAST EVENTS

Sunday, September 27 | 5:00 PM – 7 PM

Join the W. H. Over Museum for the continuation of a beloved Vermillion tradition! Bring your appetite, enjoy dynamic live music, and cast your vote for the best chili in town.

Think your secret recipe has what it takes to win? Enter your chili to take home ultimate bragging rights and great prizes! There is NO FEE for chili cooks.

Date: Sunday, September 27

Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM | Voting ends promptly at 6:00 PM (Event runs until 7:00 PM!)

Location: W. H. Over Museum, 1110 N. University St., Vermillion, SD (Right next to the DakotaDome)

Your admission gets you tasting spoons and voting ballots!

Adults: $15
Members & Students: $10
Ages 6 –12: $5
Children under 6: FREE!

Spaces are limited! To register your chili recipe for the competition, please secure your free spot by contacting us:

Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: (605) 659-6151

Sunday, June 7 | 1:00 PM

Bring your favorite rhubarb creation for tasting at the W. H. Over Museum’s Annual Rhubarb Day Celebration! We will gather to taste and choose the best recipes, with prizes awarded for the best recipe. Three winners will be awarded!

The day will begin with the singing of the Rhubarb National Anthem! Entries and sampling will take place from 1:00 PM until 1:30 PM, at which time the guests will cast their votes for their favorite creation.

The silent auction will take place at the beginning of the afternoon at 1:00 PM. There will be minimum bids on some of the items. (For a silent auction, place your name and bid amount on a sheet, others can add their name and bid more and the highest bid wins the item). All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit W. H. Over Museum. All auction items have been donated to the W. H. Over Museum.

During the afternoon, Friends & Family Band will entertain our guests with live music. Guests are also invited to visit the exhibits. After tasting, winners will be announced, and the trophy will be awarded for the highest vote getter. Prizes will be given to the top 3 vote getters.

The W. H. Over Museum strives to host inclusive, accessible events. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact W. H. Over Museum by May 29, 2026, at the contact information below.

CONTACT
Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: 605-659-6151
Museum Hours: Mon – Sat, 10AM – 4PM

NDN Tacos at the Museum!

Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12 | 11:00 AM UNTIL SOLD OUT (or 4PM)

Visiting USD’s 52nd Wacipi? Head to the W. H. Over Museum for your powwow favorites Saturday & Sunday:

NDN Tacos: Loaded with all of your favorite toppings. $12

Beef Stew: Hearty & homemade. $5

Wozapi: Traditional berry sauce. $3

Plain frybread: Our golden, fluffy frybread — perfect for a quick snack. $4

Add frybread for additional $3

We will also serve super nachos ($10), hotdogs ($3), chips ($1) & drinks ($2)!

Find us at: 1110 University St. (Right across from the Dome!).

We accept cards, cash, venmo and cashapp.

Serving until sold out (or 4pm)!

Food made by Sara Packard.

Scavenger Hunt at the Museum!

Sunday, March 29 | 1:00 PM

Join the W. H. Over Museum in celebrating Easter with an Easter-themed Scavenger Hunt! Follow the clues to find goodies and treats!

Pi Day Pizza Party!

Saturday, March 14 | 12:00 PM

The W. H. Over Museum invites you to celebrate Pi Day with a pizza pie! This event is open to the public. Prairie Kids Club Parents are encouraged to stay! We hope to see you there!

Annual Meeting Change!

Sunday, February 15 | 1:30 PM

The Annual Meeting date has been changed from Sunday, February 1 to Sunday, February 15 at 1:30. The program has also changed. Our speaker will be Vice-President Dave Moen, who will present on Stanley Morrow, Frontier Photographer. The talk will be after the business meeting and potluck meal. We hope to see you there!

W. H. Over Museum’s Annual Christmas Festival!

Sunday, December 7 | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Please join us in celebrating the season! Once again, we are preparing for the end of the year festivities. We will have over 20 vendors for all of your holiday shopping needs! You will find handcrafted items including jewelry, home decor, wood items, suncatchers, ornaments and crochet. We will also have baked goods, dry nail polish, music boxes/clocks, books and clothing! Do your Christmas shopping at your local Museum and find unique gifts!

LIST OF VENDORS:

Dakota Art Trek – Jam, teas, jewelry.
Prairie Hills Home Goods – Home decor, concrete planters/plants, soy candles/melts.
Outside of a Dog – Books, games.
Joe Hembd – Wooden ornaments & signs.
Sonia Hernandez – Handcrafted, Native-made jewelry.
Sprinkles – Cake pops and cake balls.
Brenda Jensen – Crochet items, blankets.
Jensen Framing – Wood boxes, popcorn, furniture.
Katrina Johnson –
Sweetie’s Confections Co. – Baked goods.
Tru Family Crafts – Wooden engraved/painted signs, magnets, decor.
Maggie’s Farm – Everything from art to breads, etc.
Kekula Krafts – Suncatchers & yard dice.
Color Street – Dry nail polish.
Winding Down Timekeeping – Music boxes, clocks, small crochet, porcupine earrings.
Trudi Nelson – Quilts, table toppers, baby stuff.
Beads – 4 – U – Handcrafted jewelry, suncatchers.
Cottage Witch Crafts – Wreaths, fabric crafts, ornaments.
Carlena’s Creations – Crocheted items.
Norma & Jerry Wilson – Books.
Tiny Treasures Boutique LLC – Children’s clothing & accessories.

Pumpkin Carving at the W. H. Over Museum!

Sunday, October 26 | 2 PM – Until pumpkins last!

Join the W. H. Over Museum for FREE Halloween Pumpkin Carving! Celebrate the spooky season with your local museum — we will provide pumpkins and treats (we will have a limited amount of pumpkins so it will be first come first serve). All are welcome.

Visit the Facebook Event Page. Please feel free to like and share!

Celebrating Veterans Exhibit Opening

Sunday, November 9 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

In honor of Veterans Day, the W. H. Over Museum invites you to join us for coffee and pastries on Sunday, November 9th from 11am-2pm for the opening of our Celebrating Veterans Exhibit.

The W. H. Over Museum will proudly exhibit displays from Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War. The exhibit will also feature displays covering the battleship South Dakota, aircraft photos, and memorabilia from WWI & WWII. Display and information on minute man missile system, uniforms and other memorabilia.

The display is located in the W. H. Over Museum’s Sletwold Hall from November 9th to the 30th; curated by Dr. Lynn Muller.

Visit the Facebook Event Page. Please feel free to like and share!

W. H. Over Museum’s Chili Blues Cook-Off!

Sunday, September 28 | 5 PM – 7 PM

Join the W. H. Over Museum for the continuation of a Vermillion tradition – Chili Blues! Enter your best chili recipe to win prizes — chili will be judged by attendees. NO FEE FOR CHILI COOKS.

Bring your appetite and your best chili recipe! $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for ages 6-12 and children under 6 eat free.

There will be LIVE MUSIC and prizes! Doors open at 5 PM and voting ends at 6 PM.

W. H. Over Museum’s Annual Rhubarb Day Celebration!

Sunday, June 1 | 2 PM – 4:30 PM

The day will begin with the singing of the Rhubarb National Anthem! Entries and sampling will take place from 2:00 PM until 2:30 PM, at which time the guests will cast their votes for their favorite creation.

The silent auction will take place at the beginning of the afternoon, 2:00 PM and will conclude at 4:30 PM. There will be minimum bids on some of the items. (For a silent auction, place your name and bid amount on a sheet, others can add their name and bid more and the highest bid wins the item). All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit W. H. Over Museum. All auction items have been donated to the W. H. Over Museum.

During the afternoon, Dan Kilbride will entertain our guests with live music. Guests are invited to enjoy the afternoon visiting the exhibits. At 3:45 PM, winners will be announced, and the trophy will be awarded for the highest vote getter. Prizes will be given to the top 3 vote getters.

CONTACT
Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: 605-659-6151
Museum Hours: Mon – Sat, 10AM – 4PM

Earth Days

Saturday, April 25 | 1 PM

Happy Earth Day! Greening Vermillion has a whole week planned out full of events — make sure to stop by the W. H. Over Museum for Nature Play on Saturday, April 25th at 1PM and check out all the other fun events! You can also check out the Facebook Event Page.

CONTACT
Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: 605-659-6151
Museum Hours: Mon- Sat 10AM-4PM

NDN Taco Sale! Food Made by Sara Packard Johnson

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 | 11 AM until sold out

The W. H. Over Museum is excited to announce that we will once again be serving NDN Tacos, veggie beef soup, and frybread during USD’s 51st Annual Wacipi — made by local cook Sara Packard Johnson! Food will be served on Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 at 11AM until sold out! Mark your calendars for the Wacipi and be sure to stop by the Museum for a delicious bite!

CONTACT
Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: 605-659-6151
Museum Hours: Mon – Sat 10AM-4PM

Easter at the Museum!

Sunday, April 13 | 2 PM

Join the W. H. Over Museum in celebrating Easter with an Easter themed-Scavenger Hunt! The hunt begins at 2PM on Sunday, April 13 where items will be hidden throughout the Museum. Follow the clues to find goodies and treats! All are welcome.

The W. H. Over Museum strives to host inclusive, accessible events. If you require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact the W. H. Over Museum by April 6, 2025 at the contact information below.

CONTACT
Email: whover@usd.edu
Phone: 605-659-6151
Museum Hours: Mon- Sat 10AM-4PM

Annual Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 8th | 1pm – 4:30pm

Once again, we are preparing for the end of the year festivities. There will be homemade crafts, gift vendors, and food. Please join us in celebrating the season!

Pumpkin Carving at the Museum!

Sunday, October 27th | 2pm – 4pm

Join the W. H. Over Museum for Halloween Pumpkin Carving! We will provide pumpkins and treats. Celebrate the spooky season with your local museum for free!

W. H. Over Museum at Ribs, Rods, Rock N’ Roll

Friday, September 6 | 2pm – 5pm

Saturday, September 7 | 5:30pm – 7pm

MAKE MINI BANJOS

Make some mini banjos from old jar lids and loom bands with the W. H. Over Museum! This is a fun musical instrument craft for kids — once finished, your mini banjos loom band strings make a very soft strumming sound. Booth visitors will make their own instruments to take home!

Chili Blues Cook Off Competition

Sunday, October 6th | 5pm-9pm

Join the W. H. Over Museum for the continuation of a Vermillion tradition – Chili Blues! Enter your best chili recipe to win prizes — chili will be judged by attendees. Bring your appetite and your best chili recipe! $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for ages 6-12 and children under 6 eat free. There will be LIVE MUSIC and prizes!

Rhubarb Day

Sunday, June 2 | 2pm

Bring your favorite rhubarb creation for tasting! We will gather to taste and choose the best recipes, with prizes awarded for the best recipe. Three winners will be awarded!

The day will begin with the singing of the Rhubarb National Anthem! Entries and sampling will take place from 2PM until 2:30PM, at which time the guests will cast their votes for their favorite creation. (Rhubarb Jam courtesy of the W.H. Over Museum will also be available)

The SILENT AUCTION will take place at the beginning of the afternoon, 2PM, and will conclude at 4:30PM. There will be minimum bids on some of the items. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the W.H. Over Museum. Details about silent auction items can be found in the discussion section of this event page. All auction items have been donated to the W. H. Over Museum.

During the afternoon, Bruce Gray and Cindy Gehm will entertain our guests with live music. Guests are invited to enjoy the afternoon visiting the exhibits. At 3:45PM, winners will be announced and the trophy will be awarded for the highest vote getter. Prizes will be given to the top 3 vote getters.

Easter at the Museum!

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 1pm

For this year’s Easter event, the W. H. Over Museum invites you to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt and Mini-Piñata making! Bring your kids to the event for the festivities. This event is free and open to the public.

The W. H. Over Museum strives to host inclusive, accessible events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact the W.H. Over Museum by March 15, 2023 at whover@usd.edu or call 605-659-6151.

56th Annual Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 1pm-4:30pm

Once again, we are preparing for the end of the year festivities. We are planning to have lots of beautiful trees, cloggers, and the Friends’ hospitality table and bake sale will be ready for your enjoyment. We will also have the player piano playing during the afternoon. 4-H members will be in Sletwold Hall helping our young visitors create some lovely remembrances for the season including cookie decorating.

The Vermillion Children’s Choir will perform and the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission will have a table full of beautiful cards and bookmarks as well as some books for you to consider as unique gifts for those on your list. Check out our list of local vendors.

Veterans Display

On Display Sunday, November 12th – Tuesday November 30th, 2023

In honor of Veterans Day, the W. H. Over Museum invites you to join us for coffee and donuts on Sunday, November 12th from 10am-4pm for the opening of our Veterans exhibit. The Museum will proudly display: a series of photographs of early aircraft; a retrospective of Smithsonian prints and aviation memorabilia; uniforms and stories from local heroes; a flag from the U.S.S. South Dakota and a model of the battleship.

The display is in Sletwold Hall from November 12th to the 30th; curated by Dr. Lynn Muller.

Annual Pumpkin Carving

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Join the W. H. Over Museum for our Annual Pumpkin Carving event! We will provide pumpkins for you to carve as well as serve light refreshments for participants. Celebrate the spooky season with your local museum for free!

More information TBA. Stay tuned.

National Fossil Day

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Celebrate the 14th Anniversary of National Fossil Day! “Join paleontologists, educators, and students in fossil-related events and activities across the country in parks, classrooms, and online during National Fossil Day. National Fossil Day is an annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations.” Learn more about National Fossil Day on the National Park Service website.

W. H. Over Museum at Ribs, Rods, Rock N’ Roll

Friday September 8th | 5-8PM, Family Fun Area
Saturday September 9th, 2023 | 5-8PM, Family Fun Area

BUTTON SPINNER MAKING WITH THE W.H. OVER MUSEUM.
Button spinners and buzzers, are the oldest known whirligigs. Button spinners are simple spinning toys whereby two looped ends of twisting thread are pulled with both arms, causing the button to spin. Booth visitors will be able to design their own spinner to keep.

W. H. Over Museum’s Annual Rhubarb Day Celebration

Sunday, June 4, 2023 | 2PM – W.H. Over Museum

Bring your favorite rhubarb creation for tasting — we will gather to taste and choose the best recipes, with prizes awarded for the best recipe. Rhubarb Jam will be available.

Attendees will have an opportunity to listen to a talk about how to make rhubarb wine as well as listen to LIVE MUSIC by banjo virtuoso Dan Kilbride!

DAN KILBRIDE: Kilbride grew up one of 12 children on a farm near Wakonda, South Dakota. After hearing bluegrass for the first time, it took just two weeks for him to buy his first banjo and begin taking lessons with award-winning musicians in Oklahoma and Arkansas.