Summer 2014 The Star-Spangled Banner Mount Rushmore National Memorial The Mount Rushmore Society through the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, Mount Rushmore Memories, the Mount Rushmore Institute and other activities is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the values it represents through a partnership with the National Park Service. www.mountrushmoresociety.com www.facebook.com/mountrushmoresociety www.facebook.com/mountrushmorememories www.twitter.com/mtrushmrsociety Mount Rushmore Society: Leading the Charge! By Diana Nielsen Saathoff, Executive Director Does the work of the Mount Rushmore Society and your investment as a member and donor make a difference? The impact on the visitor experience since the 1990s would say yes! At the conclusion of our last major fundraising campaign 15 years ago, we raised $25 million in total, which spurred $56 million in facility improvements. That effort has benefited nearly 30 million visitors in the years since and contributed to the economic health of the Black Hills community, as well as the state as a whole. As they say, if you snooze, you lose. In the next two years, we will once again be embarking on some exciting projects. For one, we will be leading the charge in a 75th anniversary celebration of the completion of Mount Rushmore in 2016 with excitement and enthusiasm. Our anniversary committee is planning ways to throw a year-long From the President 2 Member News 3 Development News 4 Park News 5 Publishing News 6 Mount Rushmore Memories 7 Photo by Rodger Slott party to celebrate this milestone. We will keep you informed of our progress. This is an exciting time, and we want you to enjoy the ride with us. Stay tuned for ongoing developments as we work toward our goals for the next few years. While there will never be another Rushmore, there WILL be more to do and see. That s why we are here, working on your behalf. Thank you for the privilege and honor of representing you! Sculptor Gutzon Borglum shown erecting an American flag on top of Mount Rushmore at the first dedication of Mount Rushmore in 1925. The carving began in 1927 and ended in 1941. We hope to be just as celebratory as Borglum when Mount Rushmore celebrates 75 years in 2016.
Who We Are: Mount Rushmore Society President: Andy Knight Mount Rushmore Bookstores Chair: Justin Cutler Photo left: Long-time volunteer Nancy Gowen accepts the Individual Friend of the Faces Award at the Society s 2014 Annual Meeting held in January. Photo right: KOTA Anchor Eric Gardner accepts the Corporate Friend of the Faces Award on behalf of Duhamel Broadcasting and Bill & Judy Duhamel. President s Letter By Andy Knight, President It looks like 2014 will continue to be a great year! At our annual meeting this past January, we announced that our organization contributed over $430,000 to the National Park Service at Mount Rushmore National Memorial during calendar year 2013. What can not be conveyed in this column was the enthusiasm in the room as we visually recounted our Top 15 successes and briefed the membership on our plans for the future. We also welcomed three new directors to the Society board: Michelle Lintz of Rapid City s Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rollie Noem of Crazy Horse Memorial and Dr. Toni Logar of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Dr. Sid Goss and Tom Griffith were recognized for their many years of dedicated and distinguished service to the board. They were also elected as emeritus directors. A highlight of the evening was presenting the Individual Friend of the Faces Award to Nancy Gowen for her years serving on the Society board, serving as chair of the Mount Rushmore Bookstores committee and serving as chair of our annual fundraiser. Duhamel Broadcasting received the Corporate Friend of the Faces Award 2 for their support in promoting Society events and efforts, as well as promoting Mount Rushmore as a whole. My personal, heartfelt thanks to Sid, Tom, Nancy and Bill and Judy Duhamel for their commitment to Mount Rushmore and the Society. They have always followed up their words with actions, hard work and perseverance to our mission. Speaking of volunteers, if you re interested in volunteering at Mount Rushmore, contact maureen_mcgee-ballinger@nps.gov for more information. In February, Society staff and executive committee members attended the Association of Partners for Public Lands (APPL) conference in Albuquerque, NM. The convention is a gathering of nonprofits and land management agencies who work together to protect, preserve and enhance the visitor experience on public lands. Sound familiar? As the NPS continues to face serious funding challenges, it is imperative that we continue our financial support. We hope you continue in your partnership with us, as we remain dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Mount Rushmore Institute President: Jim Nelson Executive Director: Diana Saathoff Finance Director: Lynn Bauter Retail Manager: Laura Jones Parking Division Manager: Bob Dominicak Communications Director/Newsletter: Debbie Ketel Development Director: Gary Keller Office Manager: Anna Raue Administrative & Accounting Assistants: Kim Taylor and Lisha Hagen Mount Rushmore Memories Retail Manager: Deb Rudolph Special Projects Coordinator: Cindy Mayes Contact Information Society Office Mailing Address: PO Box 1524 Rapid City, SD 57709 Location: 711 North Creek Dr Rapid City, SD 57703 (605) 341-8883 Fax: (605) 341-0433 info@mtrushmore.org Bookstores and Audio Tour Office: Mount Rushmore National Memorial 13036 Hwy 244 Keystone, SD 57751 605-574-3142/1-800-699-3142 bookstores@mtrushmore.org Mount Rushmore Memories PO Box 90 263 Main St. Hill City, SD 57745 memories@mtrushmore.org www.mountrushmoresociety.com
Dakota s Best Provides Member Special By Gary Keller, Development Director Dakota s Best is offering a 10% discount to Mount Rushmore Society members for the next year. Located at 818 Main St and The Rushmore Mall in Rapid City, Dakota s Best carries the largest selection of Dakota-made products in the state and specializes in gift baskets and boxes, among other things. They also sell the Rushmore Red table wine, which has Mount Rushmore on the front with the private label of the 1964 aerial photo on the back. More on the business may be found at dakotasbest.biz. Even better, Dakota s Best will donate 10% of any purchases made by a Society member back to the Mount Rushmore Society from now throughout 2014. Do your gift giving at Dakota s Best and give back to the Society at the same time! Society members should identify themselves at point-of-purchase. Discounts available for online and in-person purchases. Wine can not be shipped. Look for upcoming information on how you can be a table sponsor! Save the Date: Flag Day June 14 Anniversary of Dedications Theodore Roosevelt July 2, 1939 George Washington July 4, 1930 President Calvin Coolidge committed government funding Aug 10, 1927 Thomas Jefferson Aug 30, 1936 Naturalization Ceremony July 2 The Society sponsors the naturalization ceremony for those becoming American citizens at this 11 am event. Independence Day Celebration July 3-4 Updates on events at www.nps.gov/moru Gutzon Borglum Day Aug 10 National Park Service Birthday Aug 25 Mount Rushmore Society Picnic Aug 24 An Evening with President Woodrow Wilson Oct 4 You are not here to only make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more simply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand. Woodrow Wilson An Evening with President Woodrow Wilson October 4, 2014 5 pm Social. 6 pm Dinner/Program Mount Rushmore National Memorial s Carvers Cafe Tickets $85 each before September 1 $90 each after September 1. Register www.mountrushmoresociety.com and click on events, 3
Youth Exploration Area Fundraising 95% Complete By Gary Keller, Development Director We are happy to announce that fundraising for a new and permanent Youth Exploration Area shelter to be built at Mount Rushmore in 2015 is 95% complete. When constructed, the shelter will serve as a multi-use facility for not only the kid-friendly Youth Exploration Area program but for other special events held at the Memorial as well. The Society is raising all funds for the $396,000 project privately, and we are only $20,000 from our goal, says Society Executive Director Diana Saathoff. We have had great donor support from all over the country and are hoping to find our final support from local individuals, Society members or companies who can help make the shelter a reality for children who visit Mount Rushmore. Individual gifts and proceeds from three annual dinners have contributed to the fundraising effort to date. In addition, local grants from Black Hills Corporation Foundation; Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Mary Mastrovich Adams; South Dakota Community Foundation s South Dakota Fund; and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., have also been secured for the project, as well as a $100,000 National Park Foundation Legacy Project grant. The Youth Exploration Area program has proven successful over the past seven years, with National Park Service rangers and volunteer educators giving hours of hands-on programming for children, using temporary facilities such as a tent, tubs for exhibit materials and a folding table. In April, the National Park Steve Conzet of Wells Fargo Bank presents a $5,000 check to Society President Andy Knight and Executive Director Diana Saathoff for the Youth Exploration Area. Foundation deemed the project one of only eleven icon park projects for funding at the $100,000 level, highlighting it among projects nationwide for the National Park Service s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2016. Construction and completion of the shelter are scheduled for 2015. Mount Rushmore Society Donation Form This is your opportunity to step up and make a difference at one of America s best ideas Mount Rushmore. Donations are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt and required 501(c)(3) information. Yes, I want to give to the Mount Rushmore Society s Youth Exploration Area project OR Yes, I want to make an unrestricted donation to the Society Name: Address: City: State: Daytime Phone: E-mail: I pledge $ per month for years or a one-time gift of $ Invoice me for my gift. Accept my check made out to the Mount Rushmore Society for my gift. Charge my credit card for my pledge and/or one-time gift. American Express VISA Mastercard Discover Card Number: Exp. Date: Cardholder s signature: Zip Code: Mail to: Mount Rushmore Society PO Box 1524 Rapid City, SD 57709 Online donations accepted on our secure server at www.mountrushmoresociety.com Donate $100 or more to the Mount Rushmore Society (using the form to the left) and receive a FREE Mount Rushmore panoramic poster of the photo above! 4
2013 aid-to-the-park funds were used for Amphitheater upgrades. Society Gives $95,000 to Park Service By Laura Jones, Retail Manager Mount Rushmore Society President Andy Knight and Mount Rushmore Bookstores Committee Chair Justin Cutler recently presented checks totaling $95,000 in aid-to-the-park funds to Mount Rushmore National Memorial Superintendent Cheryl Shreier, Chief of Interpretation & Education Maureen McGee-Ballinger and Assistant Chief of Interpretation & Education Blaine Kortemeyer. Each year, the Society gives a portion of proceeds generated through Mount Rushmore Bookstores sales back to the Memorial in aid-to-the-park funds, according to Cutler. Including the $95,000, the organization gave more than $200,000 to the park for educational projects and publications through the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, Cutler said. Home Show Update: 2013 aid-to-the-park funds were used to fund seasonal National Park Service employees. Since 1993, more than $2 million has been donated back to the park for educational projects and publications in this way. Every time someone makes a purchase in a bookstore, over the phone or on the website, they are helping fund much-needed projects, explains Finance Director Lynn Bauter, who oversees operations at the three bookstores located in the park. These projects include Amphitheater upgrades and repairs; curatorial supplies; a Mount Rushmore hologram; transportation for school groups; Volunteer-in-the-Park Program; replacing flags on the Avenue of Flags; new publications; funding for seasonal National Park Service employees; and cultural performers and re-enactors, among other needs. We sold 698 parking passes, which came with two coupons for a Mount Rushmore breakfast in the Carvers Café, during the Black Hills Home Show. We partnered with Xanterra Parks & Resorts to offer a discounted deal to attendees of the home show. Thanks for your support! Mount Rushmore Visitor Study Released The National Park Service recently released data from a visitor study conducted in summer 2013 through the University of Idaho Park Studies Unit. The report includes information about visitor demographics, including age, group size, group type, race and ethnicity, number of visits and activities enjoyed while at the Memorial. The full visitor study report is available online at http://psu. uidaho.edu/c5/vsp-reports. Some interesting facts observed from the report are the following: 80% of visitors are traveling with families. A higher percentage of visitors traveled from Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin than other states. The average time spent at Mount Rushmore is 2.6 hours. 92% of visitors were visiting the park for the first time. A high percentage of visitors surveyed have college degrees. 50% of visitors surveyed make $50,000 or more. Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park were top on the list to visit in addition to the park. 66% of visitors came to the Black Hills because of Mount Rushmore. 5
Mount Rushmore Bookstores Announces New and Old Favorites for the 2014 Season By Debbie Ketel, Communications Director Since its creation, the Mount Rushmore Bookstores has published new publications in partnership with the National Park Service and other organizations to educate the visitor on the many aspects of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. This year was no different, as two new books were developed and several books were updated and reprinted. Look for the following books and products online or in our stores at Mount Rushmore or at Mount Rushmore Memories in Hill City. Cooks in Parks ($12.99) This new book is published by Stories in Stone, a collaboration of Badlands Natural History Association, Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, Devils Tower Natural History Association and the Mount Rushmore Bookstores. The book is a collection of 90+ recipes by those who love, enjoy and support our national and state parks in South Dakota, Wyoming and beyond. In partnering together, our organizations have created this publication as a legacy to the food and parks we enjoy. 160 pages. Softcover and spiral bound. Four Famous Faces ($16.99) When Prairie Dog and his friends search for the Four Famous Faces, they become confused. They think they re looking for animal faces! With wordplay, poetry, and rich illustrations, the award-winning team of Jean L.S. Patrick and Renee Graef leads readers through the famous parks, memorials and monuments of the Badlands and Black Hills region. It 6 includes six pages of facts about the animals, geology, and history of each location This book is also published by Stories in Stone. 32 pages. Hardcover. 2015 Mount Rushmore Calendar ($9.99) This 12-month calendar features historic photos of the mountain during the carving. Mount Rushmore ($16.99) Reprinted for the 12th time, we updated the cover of this official historical record of the carving. Written by Gilbert C. Fite, it tells the fascinating story of the origin and development of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 302 pages. Softcover. Joy at Mount Rushmore ($6.99) Reprinted for the fifth time, this children s book follows Joy through dream sequences as she arrives at Mount Rushmore and meets a pal the lovable mountain goat Roy, who helps create an exciting experience for her at the Memorial. 24 pages. Softcover. Hall of Records ($7.95) Winner of two national awards and reprinted for the fourth time, this book includes the complete story of the Hall of Records plus the text from panels now sealed inside Mount Rushmore s vault. 22 pages. Softcover. A comprehensive history of the carving. National Park Service Mount Rushmore GILBERT C. FITE Do You See Mount Rushmore ($9.99) Reprinted for the third time, this touchn-feel board book introduces young people to the natural resources of the park, including critters that call Mount Rushmore home. 16 pages.
Mount Rushmore Memories Opens for the 2014 Season Mount Rushmore Memories, located next to Black Hills Harley Davidson in Hill City, opened for its second season May 1. The store is open 9 am - 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am - 4 pm on Sunday. With Retail Manager Deb Rudolph and Special Projects Coordinator Cindy Mayes (see related story on this page), the store features cool items related to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and just looking good! You can find apparel, jewelry, lotions and home decor that you can t find anywhere else. A work in progress, some of these items can now be found at mountrushmoresociety.com so you can shop anytime, throughout the year. We are also working on a fun addition to the store that will allow you to picture yourself on top of Mount Rushmore. It will be the next best thing! As always, the merchants of Hill City have planned events throughout the summer to add something new to your visit. Mount Rushmore Memories is participating in Your 15% Society membership applies here too! many of these events so look for our coordinated specials by liking us on Facebook. New Team Members to Make Mount Rushmore Memories Memorable Two new staff members have joined the Society team. We welcome Deb Rudolph of Lead, SD, as the retail manager of Mount Rushmore Memories, and Cindy Mayes as special projects coordinator with the Society. Deb brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to the position. She has 20 years of retail experience and most Deb Rudolph recently served as the retail manager/buyer for the Deadwood Mountain Grand. Deb More Mobile: is married to Cordell Rudolph who works for the South Dakota Department of Transportation. They have three children and seven grandchildren. A Custer, SD, resident, Cindy is not a stranger to the retail and marketing world. With over 30 years experience Cindy Mayes promoting tourism in the Black Hills, she will lend a hand in store merchandising, marketing and helping with special projects for the organization. Our website (mountrushmoresociety.com) is now mobile friendly! Order everything Mount Rushmore right from your ipad or phone. Learn more about our events and book signings through social media. For instance, author Mike Graf will be signing Going Underground, a book for young adults, on June 29-30 at Mount Rushmore Memories. Visit Mount Rushmore Memories and receive $5 off your $25 purchase. 263 Main Street Hill City, SD next to Black Hills Harley Davidson 605-385-0251 Some exclusions apply. Can not be used in combination with membership discount. 5dollars off 7
by Artist Gutzon Borglum Mount Rushmore Society Mount Rushmore Bookstores Mount Rushmore Institute PO Box 1524 Rapid City, SD 57709 Address Service Requested NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Rapid City, SD Permit No. 618 Coming Soon: These unique Christmas cards will be available at the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, Mount Rushmore Memories and online soon. Exclusively from the Mount Rushmore Society. When the concept for Mount Rushmore was first conceived, supporters recognized that the monumental vision would require adequate funding. President Calvin Coolidge first committed government funding for the project on a matching basis in 1927. Soon after, the people of South Dakota got busy. Selling boxes of greeting cards, which incorporated 17 of sculptor Gutzon Borglum s original sketches, was just one of many fund raisers. The box of greeting cards sold for $1 and included a membership in the Mount Harney Memorial Association, which was the precursor to the Mount Rushmore Society. In honor of the original supporters of America s Shrine of Democracy, the Mount Rushmore Society has reproduced 17 of these rare, vintage sketches by Gutzon Borglum of the mountain memorial and the beautiful Black Hills. Below is a sample of three of the 17 cards included in this box: Season s Greetings by Artist Gutzon Borglum Merry Christmas and Happy New Year by Artist Gutzon Borglum Merry Christmas and Happy New Year www.mountrushmoresociety.com