About Us
History of the Lake County Historical Society
Founded in 1952 by 122 charter members, many descendants of Lake County’s original settlers, the Lake County Historical Society was established to preserve the artifacts and stories of early pioneers. The initial museum, located in the courthouse basement, expanded to a larger facility funded by George Smith and Lillie Zimmermann. This new museum, situated on the Dakota State University campus in Madison, SD, was dedicated on March 2, 1961, and officially opened on November 24, 1961.
In 1978, the museum received state funding and came under the jurisdiction of the Board of Cultural Preservation, with a full-time curator appointed. This arrangement continued until 1996, when control reverted to the Lake County Historical Society.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was revitalized and rebranded in the summer of 2021, changing its name from the Smith-Zimmermann Museum to the Lake County Museum, as originally proposed by donor George Smith in 1961.
Mission
The Lake County Historical Society and Museum presents our local and regional past to inform the present and inspire the future.
Vision
The Lake County Historical Society and Museum seeks to inspire dynamic human experiences, create a passion for history and celebrate Southeast South Dakota’s rich and diverse culture.
Staff
Julie Breu
Executive Director
Julie Breu is originally from Minnesota. She has lived in South Dakota for 24 years with her family. She became the Executive Director of the Lake County Museum in 2020. She holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Art History, and an M.A. in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University. With over 20 years of experience in southeast South Dakota museums, Julie previously worked at the Siouxland Heritage Museums in Sioux Falls, progressing from intern to Operations Manager and then Curator of Collections.
In 2013, Julie moved with her family to Belgium, where she contributed to local historical projects and volunteered at the Rubens House Museum & Archives in Antwerp. After three years in Belgium, her family had an opportunity to move to Ireland and explore numerous European museums, before they returned to South Dakota.
As the director, Julie has not only led the successful rebranding of the Lake County Museum, her strategic vision and leadership have also significantly increased membership and business support. Julie’s achievements also extend beyond the museum, as she has completed her first three-year term on the Board of the South Dakota Historical Foundation and is a member of the 250th Commission for the State of South Dakota, preparing for the United States semiquincentennial.
Christina Blessinger
Programming Coordinator
Christina, originally from Kansas, has spent the past 23 years in South Dakota. She is an educator, artist, and avid reader of history. When not at the museum, Christina enjoys spending time with her husband Justin and daughters, Anna and Grace. Not to be left out and never far from reach are her pets: Clementine, a yellow lab, and Olaf, a tabby cat.
Christina takes pride in bringing creative and new programs to the museum and Lake County area. She enjoys working with local educators and organizations to provide a hands-on approach to learning about our rich history. Whether she’s conducting research, leading field trips, visiting area schools and service organizations to present history kits, or hosting guest speakers and events, she enjoys every aspect of her job and being part of a great team at the Lake County Museum.
Lake County Museum Board of Directors:
President – Gayle Cole
Vice President – Danny Frisby-Griffin
Secretary – Vacant
Treasurer- Marilyn Halgerson
Carol Allgaier
Susan Conover
Dr. David Kenley
Denise Lewis
Steve Stunes
Equity & Inclusion Statement
The Lake County Historical Society is committed to fostering equity and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and strive to create a welcoming environment for all. We believe in the power of history to unite and enrich our community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all voices and stories are heard and valued.