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Step into the Past
Our museum displays are educational, interesting, historical and unique. They pertain to early area settlers and businesses in eastern Butte County, S.D. Stop by and enjoy our museum and the vast collection of history in honor of our ancestors.
A representative display of fossils that were rich in the vast ocean that once covered the prairie can be viewed. There are also many Indian artifacts from the natives and buffalo that once inhabited and roamed this area. A collection of dolls, Indian artifacts, fine china, furniture and other priceless antiques has doubled the inventory of the Museum and is a featured attraction at the Newell Museum. The doll collection has over 800 dolls ranging from china to life-size, and has been fully clothed by the collector. Musical instruments, clocks, Victorian lamps and furniture are other features of the collection.
The Backyard - including Irrigation History
The backyard of the museum has items from the birth of the irrigation project, including an original Orman Park road sign, narrow gauge rails and pumps used on the project. Numerous photos and maps pertaining to irrigation are also on file in the museum.
One Room School
Step back in time to experience how children were educated in days gone by. Read the roll call of students and teachers. It began as the Riverside School in 1887 in an abandoned log cabin 15 miles east of Vale on the Belle Fourche River. The men made a plank table and a woman donated a chair with no back for the teacher. The student sat on rough benches, on boxes or large blocks of wood. The school held sessions only three months of the year during the summer. The museum is pleased to have on display the roll call from 1896 to 1993 for classes held. In 1900, it was renamed the Smith School in honor of John Smith, an early settler and friend of education who lived nearby. In 1943, it was renamed the Wetz School.
Log Cabin
This fully restored, one-room cabin was built in 1890 with hand-hewn logs with dovetail construction.
Church Museum
1911 Congregational Church Building completely restored where all religious denominations are tastefully displayed.
Doll Tea Party
Tour the second story of the museum and see nearly 800 dolls and antique toys, Indian and fur trade artifacts, a judge's chamber as well as an old time bath scene.
