The lasting impact of Harvey Dunn, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs gifts, and Ben Reifel continues to echo at the museum and across the planet. Merkt says Reifel’s vision helped shape values and approach, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive representation of artistic expression. “Benjamin Reifel's election as the first Oceti Sakowin tribal citizen to the U.S. Congress in 1960 was a groundbreaking achievement, not only for Native American representation, but also for his impactful contributions to the arts and humanities,” added Merkt. Reifel was an advocate for the establishment of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts . Merkt says this demonstrates his devotion to cultural development, education, and the arts. He also notably served as the board president for the SD Art Museum. “The same year he joined the board, Reifel attended a board meeting with a suitcase full of precious objects from his personal collection,” said Merkt. An Advocate for Art Ben Reifel donated 19 items to the South Dakota Art Museum. Pieces include a tablecloth and napkins embroidered by Nellie (He Dog) Black Crow ( Rosebud Sioux ). Four Oscar Howe paintings included in the exhibition were transferred to the Museum from the Bureau of Indian Affairs under Reifel’s stewardship.
Benjamin Reifel
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