The BHSU Archives contain the academic and administrative records of BHSU as well
as materials relating to the activities of its students, faculty and alumni. The BHSU
Archives strive to collect and preserve records pertaining to the origin and development
of Black Hills State University. Yearbooks, campus newspapers, photographs, and momentos
are just a few of the many treasures found in the archives.
E. Y. Berry served as South Dakota's western district congressman from 1951 - 1971.
When Berry retired from Congress in 1971, he donated his papers to Black Hills State
University. The Berry Collection is organized by subject and comprises more than 500
boxes of manuscript materials. The current finding aids are divided into the following
categories:
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- Departmental
- Indian
- Jobs
- Legislation
- Military Academy Appointments
- Miscellaneous
- Post Offices
- Public Relations
- Reference Materials
- Special
Located on the basement level of the E.Y. Berry Library-Learning Center, the Special
Collections department is normally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
However, to ensure access to the collections researchers are strongly urged to contact
the librarian before arriving. The library also includes many manuscript collections.
In 1974 Leland D. Case, a noted historian, journalist, Black Hills native and co-founder
of the Westerners International, donated his private library, of approximately 5,000
volumes, to Black Hills State University. This donation is the core of one of the
most thorough western history collections in the area. Today the Case Library contains
over 15,000 volumes covering all aspects of western history. The collection is especially
strong in South Dakota, Black Hills and Native American history.
