FORT SISSETON HISTORIC STATE PARK – Every day, Americans are hard at work on farms, factories, in homes, or at desks keeping communities thriving. Fort Sisseton State Historical Park, in cooperation with the Fort Sisseton Commission, will explore the professions and the people that sustain American society when it hosts “The Way We Worked,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition.
The exhibit will be on view March 30 through June 26.
“The Way We Worked,” adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives and Records Administration, explores how work has become a central element in American culture. It traces the many changes that have affected the workforce and work environments over the past 150 years, including the growth of manufacturing and the increasing use of technology. The exhibition draws from the Archives’ rich collections, including historic photographs, archival accounts of workers, film, audio, and interactives, to tell the story of how work impacts our individual lives and the historical and cultural fabric of our communities.
“We are pleased to be able to bring ‘The Way We Worked’ to our area,” said Ali Tonsfeldt, park manager at Fort Sisseton. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our own region’s history, and we hope that it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life of our community. With this special tour, we are pleased to be working with the surrounding businesses and museums to develop a local exhibition and public programs to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition.”
Programs include a grand opening on April 6, educational classes, book discussions, and more.
“The Way We Worked” is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). SITES connects millions of Americans with their
