Introducing a New Look for the South Dakota Hall of Fame
We’re proud to unveil the new brand for the South Dakota Hall of Fame–where excellence is celebrated and legacies live on. At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, we believe in the power of a legacy and the impact of our collective stories.
For over half a century, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has made it our purpose to honor, inspire, preserve, and educate, recognizing the legendary achievements, acts of service, and legacies of individuals and organizations throughout South Dakota who have impacted our state, nation, and world.
Rebranding the South Dakota Hall of Fame was not a decision we made lightly. As our organization has grown and evolved over the years, we’ve developed five distinct programs that reflect our mission and expand our impact across the state. This growth prompted us to step back and evaluate how we present ourselves, who we’re reaching, and how our work is truly making a difference in South Dakota. We also looked outward, studying organizations like the New Jersey Hall of Fame to better understand how we connect with our audiences and how we can continue to grow. While our programs serve a wide range of people–from students in classrooms to the movers and shakers investing in our state’s future—they all share one purpose: to celebrate and champion excellence in South Dakota. Here’s a closer look at each of the five programs driving that mission forward.
Our Programming
LEGACY OF ACHIEVEMENTS
A one-of-a-kind collection of South Dakota Champions. Visit our website to get to know the current 792 Inductees through video, audio, photos, exhibits, and more.
Honors Ceremony
Each year, up to ten outstanding South Dakotans are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their achievements that inspire our youth, lead the generations and build our future.
VISITOR & EDUCATION CENTER
Our Visitor & Education Center in Chamberlain, South Dakota, is an inspiration of interactive and hands-on exhibits highlighting the Champions and our state’s excellence. Open year-round.
ACTS OF EXCELLENCE
Recognizing the many South Dakotans who achieve excellence in everyday acts that make the state so extraordinary.
LEGENDS & LEARNING
Our educational program tells the inspiring stories of South Dakota’s
Champions, while helping teachers fulfill curriculum requirements in
core subjects with a comprehensive digital collection.
It was also time to clearly define our mission and values. By clearly expressing our mission and values, we are creating a powerful foundation of trust, guiding others to understand not just what we do but why it matters.
Our Mission
To Champion a Culture of Excellence
The South Dakota Hall of Fame’s mission is “To Champion a Culture of Excellence.” And, our purpose is to Honor, Inspire, Preserve, and educate others about the rich histories of excellence in South Dakota and beyond.
Our Values
Honor Excellence
We are dedicated to honoring excellence in all its forms. By recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and contributions, we elevate their legacies, not just for their accomplishments but for the values and standards they set for future generations.
Inspire Excellence
We inspire excellence and leadership throughout the state by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of those who have made a difference in the lives of South Dakotans and beyond.
Preserve Excellence
We believe in honoring those who have shaped the great state of South Dakota into what It is today, and we recognize and honor their paths of community impact, preserving their legacies for future generations.
Educate Towards Excellence
We value education and share the stories of legendary individuals and their legacies, inspiring South Dakota communities and individuals to pursue excellence.
The Look
The primary logo for the South Dakota Hall of Fame has been redesigned with a fresh, modern, and strong aesthetic. In our updated logo, the name South Dakota Hall of Fame now takes a more prominent place. While Champions for Excellence continues to guide our work, we wanted to ensure that the name of our organization stood clearly at the forefront. It's a simple change, but one that makes a big difference—honoring the legacy of our past while welcoming the promise of the future.
Along with the primary logo, we designed new program marks to enhance the visibility of our programs. The new submarks are more than just visual elements — they’re powerful tools that help communicate our mission and broaden our impact.
We sought to bring in fresh new colors that feel as rooted in South Dakota as our organization’s mission is. The colors are brighter. The design is more modern. But at its core, the brand is still deeply rooted in our commitment to celebrate the achievements of South Dakotans who inspire us all.
Already, we’re seeing how this refreshed look is helping us connect. More people are pausing to learn about our honorees. More are engaging with the Hall’s work. And more are discovering the joy and meaning in celebrating excellence, right here at home.
This new brand is not about standing out—it’s about standing true. To our mission. To our values. And to the many South Dakotans whose stories deserve to be seen, shared, and preserved for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.
This rebrand was conducted by Vela Creative Co., an agency based out of Rapid City.