"The South Dakota State Railroad Museum, Ltd. is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization established for the purposes of preservation, education, promotion, and interactive interpretation of railroad equipment, memorabilia, and the ever-changing historical material specific to South Dakota and related American railroads. It is a destination designed for all ages and levels of interest."
This is our mission statement, but it's easier to say that we're all about "People, Places, and Trains."
South Dakota has a long and interesting history with railroads. From the fertile farm country east of the muddy Missouri River to the mineral-rich Black Hills in the western reaches of the state, railroads have fueled and supported South Dakota's economy. Today, railroads like the Rapid City Pierre and Eastern still transport bulk commodities like ethanol, grain, and cement from facilities in South Dakota to places all over the continent. Railroads connect our communities economically, but they also have had an impact on our state's culture. The window to the outside world for towns big and small all across the state was the railroad depot. Our work at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum is to preserve that history and tell the story of South Dakota's railroads to the public.
Board President
Lesta V. Turchen
Lesta V. Turchen, PhD, HD, a member and President of the Board of Directors since 2016, is primarily responsible for planning, organization, and personnel. A retired university educator Dr. Turchen’s career included serving as a history professor, Vice President for Academic Affairs, President of the University of Houston-Victoria, Senior Fellow at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, DC, and System Chief Academic Officer for the South Dakota public universities. In 2006 she received the University of South Dakota Alumni Achievement Award for Contribution to Profession.
Board of Directors
Mikal Lewis
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Born in NY, raised in rural Ohio & lived in the Black Hills for over 53 years.
Retired from GE Sealants on the road. Have been with the Museum for 8 yrs -- I represent the Black Hills Central RR on our Board and the current treasurer for the museum. A train nut, for sure.
Bonnie Guerre
Bonnie Guerre retired from The Hartford Insurance Company and moved with her husband to the Black Hills in 2010. She volunteers for local organizations and currently serves as an officer and a board member for the Hill City Public Library and the Friends of the Hill City Library, Inc.
Guerre was appointed to the South Dakota State Railroad Museum Board in 2021 and has served as the secretary since early 2022. In between serving and contributing time to these organizations, you will find her hiking in the Black Hills and taking road trips.
Tom Dains
Board member since 2018
Dan Van Bogart
The first half of Daniel’s adult working history began in the metal stamping industry, where he did estimating, sales and engineering. In 1994 he started a Montessori school in Anoka, Minnesota, in which he acted as administrator and principal. The school accommodated toddlers through grade 8. He sold the school in 2017, retired and moved with his wife to the Black Hills in 2020. He enjoys woodworking and spending time at their northern Minnesota cabin during the summer months.
Wayne Kerslake
Wayne Kerslake has been a railfan and collector for as long as he can remember. Wayne spent over 30 years as owner of a small railroad track construction company. He has been a board member for several years and is also currently involved with the railroad at Prairie Village. Wayne has owned several railroad cars (HO and real) over the years and at one time with his father started a railroad restaurant in some ex-Santa Fe diners, but that’s another long story.
James Willmus
James has been a volunteer at the museum since 2010 and worked alongside Rick Mills through many projects during Rick's tenure as the museum curator. He has a lifelong passion for trains and for the history of the local area. James joined the board of directors in 2024.
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In addition to volunteering at the museum, James works as a high school science teacher and is a model railroader. You can also find him at the Black Hills Railway Society (BHRS) in Rapid City. James currently manages the curator's email account (sdsrrm@gmail.com) and is owner/editor of Dakota Modeler's Group, a collaborative YouTube channel focused on modeling railroads in the upper midwest.
Val Manes
Val Manes is a retired USAF NCO and college instructor. He became interested in railroads and model railroading late in life. When the opportunity to volunteer at the SDSRM arose, he became active in improving the model train layout and guiding guests. As the newest board member, he is finding new ways to enhance the museum’s mission.
George "Alex" Huff
Am a retired railroader. Incorporated railroads; Michigan Northern Railway between Grand Rapids and Mackinaw City, connecting with the last U. S. registered, hand fired, coal burner (rail) car ferry. In South Dakota co-owned with brother Dakota Southern Railway Company and Sisseton Southern Railway Company for twenty four years. Operated year round with light GE-70 ton four axle locomotives. DSRC operated on state-owned, ex-MILW track from Mitchell west to Kadoka hauling grain seasonally.
Randy Sprung
retired Associate Professor of Behavioral Science , served as Registrar, Director of Human Service Program and Director of Advising and Test at Dakota Wesleyan University. Dean of Student Services at Huron College. Coordinator for Private and Tribal Colleges in South Dakota. Member of DWU Team makers and board member of the Mitchell Concert Series and DWU President Circle.
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