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.”
2026 South Dakota Convention
The 2026 South Dakota Convention will be held in Belle Fourche on September 11-12 at the Tri-State Museum and Visitors Center, 415 5th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717.
Hotel Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the AmericInn, located at 2312 Dakota Avenue in Belle Fourche. The double-occupancy room rate is $126.90 plus tax, if you make your reservations prior to August 15, 2026. Each additional adult is $5.00 per night, with up to 4 adults in each room. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. The hotel offers all guests an enhanced hot, homestyle breakfast, an indoor pool, hot tub and complimentary Wi-Fi. Please call the hotel directly at 605-892-0900 to receive the special convention rate.
Friday, September 11:
- 3-4 pm: Registration at the Tri-State Museum
- 4:30 pm: Executive Board Meeting at the Tri-State Museum
- 6 pm: Dinner followed by speaker Lori Hutchinson of Hey Creek Ranch, WY, near Aladdin. Lori is a certified herbalist and has a line of homegrown, wild-harvested and handmade products, including bath salts, lip and hand balms and lotion bars.
- 8:30 am: Registration and Coffee at the Tri-State Museum
- 9 am: Speaker Jodene Shaw, artist from White Owl, SD. Working from her studio, White Own Wings, she uses flowers, feathers, leaves and other items in her mixed-media art pieces.
- 10 am: Break, visit with Jodene and bid on silent auction baskets.
- 10:45 am: Presentation by Mrs. Small, on the artwork housed in the Tri-State Museum.
- 11 am: Annual Council Meeting
- Noon: noon
- 1 pm: Last change to buy raffle tickets and bid on baskets. Raffle drawing and results of silent auction at 1:15.
- Download the Registration Form for 2026 Convention (Word .docx) here.
Going, Going, Almost Gone
We have a few remaining “Have you Hugged a Quester Today?” aprons that will be available for sale at the 2026 State Convention. Aprons are $25.
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.
Updated May 2026
