South Dakota Questers

South Dakota Questers

"It's fun to search and a joy to find."

The Questers is an international study club which was founded in 1944 by Jessie Elizabeth Bardens. Its major objectives are to stimulate an appreciation of antiques and their collection and to encourage the preservation and restoration of existing historical landmarks. The motivating principles of the organization are to be found in the following words from Mrs. Bardens:

Antiques are part of human history, a tangible record of the things of everyday living. A fascinating hobby, the study of antiques gives the most pleasure to those who strive to learn all they can about where, when, why and how they were made. Through discovery and knowledge of antiques, we may bring the past to life and profit by the experiences of previous generations.”

News about the 2023 International Convention

The 2023 International Questers Convention is scheduled for May 9-13 in Sioux Falls at the Holiday Inn City Center.  “The Prairie is My Garden” has been selected as the convention theme — named for the iconic South Dakota painting by Harvey Dunn.  The Founder’s Award Topic is “Proud People of the Prairie”.  The topic is broad enough to include research on prairie settlers, Native American tribes, prairie writers like Laura Ingalls Wilder and prairie painters like Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe.

The tentative schedule for the convention: 

  • Registration and Early Bird Event: May 9
  • Council and other meetings: May 12-13
  • Post-Convention Tour to Black Hills: May 14

SUPPORT the 2023 Convention in South Dakota:
Going, Going, Almost Gone

The 2023 convention committee is selling “Have you Hugged a Quester Today?” aprons via email to all International Quester members. 

We placed an initial order of 100 aprons and a second order of 75 aprons.  We have about 30 aprons left.  We’ll have aprons at the 2022 convention in Belle Fourche this fall.  But, if you’d like to order an apron now, contact the 2023 convention committee at [email protected] or call 605-480-0125. Aprons are $25 plus $8.50 shipping.  If you’re ordering in bulk, we’ll refund excess postage. Or you can send an email message to [email protected] with the number of aprons and the mailing Zip code and we will let you know the actual postage amount.  (Postage is a function of weight, i.e., number of aprons, and the mailing zip code.)

The aprons are heavy-duty and stain-resistant fabric, 65% Poly/35% Cotton, 2 pockets, extra-long ties and adjustable neck strap, screen-printed logo in Quester colors.

Have You Hugged A Quester Today Apron