Center for Western Studies
Organization Overview
Located on the Midwest/West divide, where the Great Plains begin, The Center for Western Studies (CWS) focuses on South Dakota and six surrounding states. Beginning in 1964 as a research agency funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, CWS grew into a library and archives, book publisher and sponsor of public programs in the arts, humanities and public affairs.
CWS' mission is to preserve and interpret the history and cultures of the Northern Plains and improve the quality of the social and cultural life in the region, achieve a better understanding of the region, its heritage and resources, as well as stimulate interest in the solution to regional problems.
In 2001, CWS moved into its new home - the 2-story glass, brick, and limestone Fantle Building, featuring expansive art and museum galleries on the first floor and research areas on the second.
CWS is guided by a board of directors and national advisory council. Funding for staff and programs is derived largely from annual memberships and endowment, with matching grants from the national Endowment for the Humanities. CWS employs 4-6 student interns each year.
The CWS has three Signature Events annually. The Boe Forum on Public Affairs brings national and international speakers to South Dakota to discuss issues or problems of broad public interest. The Dakota Conference focuses on contemporary Northern Plains issues in their historical context. The Artists of the Plains Show & Sale features more than 20 living artists during the weekend-long event, held in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, South Dakota.
Recent publications of the CWS include cultural and environmental histories of the Big Sioux River (Heartland River 2022) and the Missouri River (forthcoming in 2026), and Old Trails and New Roads in South Dakota History (2023),
CWS' mission is to preserve and interpret the history and cultures of the Northern Plains and improve the quality of the social and cultural life in the region, achieve a better understanding of the region, its heritage and resources, as well as stimulate interest in the solution to regional problems.
In 2001, CWS moved into its new home - the 2-story glass, brick, and limestone Fantle Building, featuring expansive art and museum galleries on the first floor and research areas on the second.
CWS is guided by a board of directors and national advisory council. Funding for staff and programs is derived largely from annual memberships and endowment, with matching grants from the national Endowment for the Humanities. CWS employs 4-6 student interns each year.
The CWS has three Signature Events annually. The Boe Forum on Public Affairs brings national and international speakers to South Dakota to discuss issues or problems of broad public interest. The Dakota Conference focuses on contemporary Northern Plains issues in their historical context. The Artists of the Plains Show & Sale features more than 20 living artists during the weekend-long event, held in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, South Dakota.
Recent publications of the CWS include cultural and environmental histories of the Big Sioux River (Heartland River 2022) and the Missouri River (forthcoming in 2026), and Old Trails and New Roads in South Dakota History (2023),