The Dacotah Prairie Museum is operated by five full-time staff members, 3 part-time assistants, and numerous volunteers. Dick Schooley, Custodian, also pictured. Taken January 2023.

l-r, Marianne Marttila-Klipfel, Jay Hopkins-Entzel, Alaina Perry, Patricia Kendall, Levi Margolies, Sherri Rawstern, Brandon Duxbury, Kristin Boeshans, Dick Schooley.

Patricia Kendall, MSA, Director

Patricia is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s operations. Questions about artifact acquisition, research, programs, special events, policies, procedures, and general information can be directed to Patricia.
e-mail: patricia.kendall@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 11

Alaina Perry, Guest Services Coordinator

Alaina manages the museum gift shop, coordinates volunteers, is point person for event planning and handles marketing.

e-mail: alaina.perry@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 12

Sherri Rawstern, Curator of Education

 Kristin Boeshans, Curator of Education

Sherri & Kristin oversee tour scheduling and education program administration. The Education staff provide program visits to a number of area schools. In the spring, area schools come to the Museum for "Afternoons in the Past."  Contact either Sherri or Kristin for questions regarding school visits, special programs, tours, and outreach programs.
e-mail: Sherri.Rawstern@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 13
e-mail: Kristin.Boeshans@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 22

Marianne Marttila-Klipfel, Curator of Exhibits

Marianne is responsible for exhibit creation and the production of exhibits. She also coordinates outreach exhibits and events. Contact her for information about displaying art work/collections.
e-mail: marianne.marttila-klipfel@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 16

Jay Hopkins-Entzel, Part-Time Curatorial Assistant - Exhibits

Jay assists the Exhibits department with research, displays and special events.
e-mail: Jay.Hopkins@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 20

Brandon Duxbury, Curator of Collections

Brandon's main duty is taking inventory of the Museum’s vast collection and accepting items for addition to the collection. Brandon can assist in locating a previously donated artifact and answering donation questions. He is also available for research questions about Brown County history. 
e-mail: Brandon.Duxbury@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 15

Levi Margolies, Part-Time Curatorial Assistant - Collections

Levi assists the Collections department with artifact accession, research and special events.
e-mail: Levi.Margolies@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 15

Volunteers 

The Dacotah Prairie Museum could not successfully function without the help of our faithful volunteers. Museum volunteers assist with reception, gift shop operations, exhibits, and tours.

Interested in volunteering? Please contact the Museum at 605.626.7117.