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★★★★★

4.6

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History 605 explores the history of South Dakota, the northern Great Plains, and the Midwest. South Dakota’s State Historian Ben Jones will visit with guests about their books, museum exhibits and artifacts, and historic sites in the state and region. Along the way, you’ll learn how to think, not what to think, about history and the people of the past.The host is Dr. Ben Jones, State Historian and Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Ben grew up in Sioux Falls and De Smet, served in various locations around the world while in the USAF. He returned to South Dakota to become Dean of Arts and Sciences at Dakota State University, then served as South Dakota’s 15th Secretary of Education. Along the way, he earned his PhD in history and enjoys sharing history’s insights with all of you.

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Season 6, Ep 16: Doane Robinson's grand impact on South Dakota

2026/10/05

It’s rare for a historian to become a historic figure in their own right, but Doane Robinson was no ordinary scholar. From spearheading South Dakota’s archival legacy to envisioning the carving of Mount Rushmore, join History 605 as we dive into the life of one of the state's most visionary leaders.

Season 6, Ep 15: South Dakota Yesterday & Today with Paul Horsted

2026/09/21

Paul Horsted joins History 605 to discuss his new book South Dakota Yesterday & Today. He talks about the process behind putting together historical photos with the present day.

Season 6, Ep 14: Territorial Governors (Part 3)

2026/09/07

Ben and Braeden discuss the last three of Dakota Territory's ten Governors, Gilbert Pierce, Louis K. Church, and Arthur C. Mellette.

Season 6, Ep 13: Why does South Dakota have all these dinosaurs?

2026/08/24

South Dakota Mines paleontologist Darrin Pagnac joins History 605 to discuss why South Dakota and the Hell Creek formation is the world's best area for finding dinosaur fossils in the world.

S6, Ep 12: Dakota Territorial Governors (Part 2)

2026/08/10

In this episode of History 605, Ben Jones and Braeden Kluver discuss Dakota Territory Governors John Pennington, William Howard, and Nehemiah Ordway. They walk through the story about the origins of the state's penitentiary, its colleges, and the beginnings of the political push for statehood.

Season 6, Ep 11: Dakota Territorial Governors (Part 1):

2026/07/27

Ben and Braeden share the trials, tribulations, and the cast of colorful characters who served as Dakota Territory Governors. In this first of at least two episodes, they cover Governors Jayne, Edmunds, Faulk, and Burbank during the turbulent first years of the Territory.

Season 6, Ep 10: What was George Custer really like?

2026/06/22

As Tribal nations gather to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, History 605 highlights a major new book from SDHS Press by historian Sandy Barnard exploring a century and a half of commemorations. Then, we dive into our archives to replay our fascinating 2021 conversation on the brilliant, deeply controversial life and legacy of General George Armstrong Custer.

Season 6, Ep 9: South Dakota's First 4th of July: Expeditions, Treaties, Fireworks, and Horseraces

2026/06/08

What did the earliest Independence Day celebrations look like in South Dakota? On this episode of History 605, we dive into the archives to explore a fascinating era, which brought together a diverse cast of historical figures. Long before they shaped the future of the state.

Season 6, Ep 8: An America 250 Special on the Declaration of Independence

2026/05/25

Professor Brad Birzer joins us to discuss his new book, "The Declaration of Independence: A Radical Experiment in Liberty." We discussed the, "long train of abuses" that led up to the colonies deciding to declare their separation from Britain. Brad also shares how Jefferson took all the ideas to beautifully express the American mind, along with the compelling list of grievances against the king that still make Americans mad! Brad reveals how the signers gained their ideas from the ancients and were working to conserve them even if it meant beginning a violent revolution to do so.

Season 6, Ep 7: President Lincoln's response to the Dakota War

2026/05/11

Historian Paul Finkelman joins the History 605 Podcast to discuss his essay on the legal proceedings that led up to the nation's largest mass execution in December of 1862.

Season 6, Ep 6: "This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark."

2026/04/27

On this episode of History 605, Craig Fehrman discusses his new book, using the biographies of Jefferson, Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea, and others to illuminate the expedition through multiple perspectives. By weaving together these viewpoints, he offers a vivid account that clarifies key decisions, highlights the American Indian perspective, and deepens understanding of the expedition’s lasting impact.

Season 6, Ep 5: Deadwood's "Days of '76 Museum."

2026/04/13

Jim Williams, Executive Director of Deadwood History, joins History 605 to talk about the Days of ’76 Museum and the organization’s work to commemorate both Deadwood’s 150th anniversary and the nation’s upcoming 250th.

Season 6, Ep 4: Royce Williams: A South Dakotan's long path to the Medal of Honor

2026/03/30

On a frigid November day in 1952, Wilmot, SD native Royce Williams made split‑second decisions in the skies off North Korea that were worthy of the Medal of Honor but were buried in secrecy due to intense international tensions. After the mission was declassified and veterans rallied with Congressional support, he finally received the recognition he deserved in February 2026.

Season 6, Ep 3: Why is there a battleship memorial in a landlocked Sioux Falls park?

2026/03/16

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial has honored the bravery and service of the ship’s WWII crew since the 1960s, preserving the legacy of sailors who endured some of the war’s most intense combat. When the Navy planned to scrap the vessel after the war, a dedicated Sioux Falls group stepped in to ensure its story lived.

Season 6, Ep 2: Why is South Dakota's capital Pierre?

2026/03/02

Starting with Yankton, then moving to Bismarck, then considering half a dozen other locations during rapidly changing times, the centrally located small ranching river town of Pierre becomes South Dakota's permanent capital. Braeden Kluver joins Ben Jones in this episode of History 605 to go over the story of how all that occurred.

Podcast reviews

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4.6 out of 5

34 reviews

★★★★★

Revive2023 2025/09/27

New to South Dakota

My interest in SD developed because my Great Grandmother homesteaded in Aurora County in 1889-1900, your program has introduced me to some great resou...

★★★★★

Pony Creek Girl 2025/01/08

Gift of the Newell & Spotted Tail Families

This is the first episode I have listened to and it was interesting to hear how artifacts from Spotted Tail 144 years ago came into the possession of ...

★★★★★

Sharkushka 2024/08/29

History for Everyone

This is a South Dakota history podcast, but it’s really an American history podcast. Every episode teaches us more about our history as a nation, whet...

★★★★★

Dburgehist 2024/02/18

Enjoyable and informative podcast

I have been listening to this podcast and have been enjoying each episode. Ben does a great job of asking questions and letting his guests talk. I’m n...

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