Pettigrew Home to Open New Exhibits in November

The historic Sioux Falls site will unveil second-floor displays on Nov. 19.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Home Renovation

Pettigrew Home to Open New Exhibits in November

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The Pettigrew Home and Museum in Sioux Falls will open new second-floor exhibits on Nov. 19, 2026. This project marks the first update to the museum's second floor in a decade.

Why it matters

Updating museum displays helps staff protect historic artifacts from light and environmental wear. These additions aim to better showcase the history and future of the Big Sioux River.

Built in 1889, the Pettigrew Home is currently free to visit. The new collection features items dating back to 1856, including a mill grinding stone and a historical Western Town Company report.

The players

Pettigrew Home and Museum

This historic house museum in Sioux Falls preserves the legacy and personal collections of R.F. Pettigrew.

R.F. Pettigrew

He was a prominent figure in South Dakota history whose extensive personal collections serve as the foundation for the museum.

The details

Museum staff are currently painting galleries and cleaning carpets to prepare for the reveal. The new installations include photos and documents detailing the Big Sioux River falls, alongside a Making a Museum exhibit featuring artifacts collected by R.F. Pettigrew.

1856: Western Town Company published its first annual report.
1889: Pettigrew Home was built in Sioux Falls.
2016-2026: The museum went ten years without a second-floor exhibit update.
Nov. 19, 2026: New museum exhibits will open to the public.

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Culture Shift

The museum's renovation aligns with the broader push to modernize heritage sites by rotating collections to preserve local history. This mirrors a shift toward deeper community engagement with the historical significance of the Big Sioux River region.

Residents can visit the updated galleries for free starting Nov. 19 to see rare artifacts and documents of the Big Sioux River. The current closure allows staff to complete the necessary cleaning and exhibit rotation to ensure the displays remain in top condition for visitors.

The takeaway

Historic sites require periodic updates to balance public access with the long-term preservation of delicate artifacts. Visitors should check local museum schedules regularly to ensure they do not miss limited-time exhibit rotations.