October is Archives Month in South Dakota. Archives Month is celebrated nationally every year in October to highlight the importance of archives. “South Dakota Archives Month is a time to focus on the importance of historical records and to recognize the archivists and archival programs that are responsible for maintaining our state’s history,” said State Archivist Chelle Somsen. To help South Dakotans learn more about South Dakota history and the State Archives, the following activities are planned: Thursday, Oct. 10: Electronic Records Day Oct. 10 is designated as Electronic Records Day by the Council of State Archivists. Electronic files are much more fragile than paper records, and their long-term survival requires attention and planning. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (CDT) #AskAnArchivist Day #AskAnArchivist Day is a national event sponsored by the Society of American Archivists. Follow the Twitter conversation using #AskAnArchivist and send questions to @SDArchives. The focus this year for the South Dakota State Archives is the renovation of the Cultural Heritage Center. The renovation is nearing completion, and the archives staff are preparing to move back into the building. More information on these activities, as well as a poster you can print and display to help promote Archives Month, is available on the State Archives website (https://history.sd.gov/archives).