WESSINGTON SPRINGS — History and heritage came to life as the Beadle County Genealogy Group visited Wessington Springs for their June genealogy tour and educational meeting. The day was filled with rich local stories, historical insight, and fellowship as attendees explored several key landmarks in the community.

Thank you to Connie McLaughlin for coordinating the historical tour in Wessington Springs. The event was attended by three from Beadle County, two from Brown County, five from Kingsbury County and five from Jerauld County.

The group gathered at the iconic Shakespeare Garden, where Susan Arnott welcomed guests with a guided tour of the Anne Hathaway Cottage, showcasing the area’s literary and architectural charm.

The tour then continued at the Wessington Springs Opera House, where Brian Bergeleen provided a behind-the-scenes look at the beautifully restored venue and its significance to the town’s history, including an addition built as a tribute to the late musician Kyle Evans of Company Cowboys.

Dinner followed at Sweet Grass Eatery, offering participants a chance to connect, reflect, and share stories over a meal.

The group then made their way to the Pioneer Museum of Jerauld County, where they explored themed exhibits dedicated to local heritage — including displays on agriculture, religion, quilting, weddings, schools, medicine, and individual towns across the county.

June’s educational topic focused on how to use religious records to trace family history. Attendees gained valuable tips on locating baptism, marriage, and burial entries in church archives, they are vital tools for those researching ancestors prior to the availability of where to find the many different religious records.

Beadle County Genealogy
The Beadle County Genealogy Group meets monthly in Huron at the Huron Public Library’s S.D. Resource Room, except for June and July when they are on tour the first Wednesday of the month. They also meet on the second Wednesday of the month in the evening.

The July tour was held July 2 in Lake Preston. July’s featured topic was how to use cemetery records to find your ancestors.

For the full 2025 event schedule or to RSVP, visit https://beadlecountygenealogygroup.com/events.

Attention:
The genealogy group is collecting Small Town Memories to be displayed at the S.D. State Fair.

More information and a genealogy display is available at the Centre Plaza in Huron until July 5. The submission deadline is Aug. 10.
For more information contact Kathy Micheel at 605-354-4829 or at https://todayforwardconsulting.com/genealogy.