Restoring faded memories: Volunteers labor to refurbish historical markers across state

Upkeep for hundreds of signs is the responsibility of local groups
Jim Carlson, with the Minnehaha County Historical Society, repaints a historical marker at Falls Park in Sioux Falls Sept. 23. Reporter & Farmer | Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight
Jim Carlson, with the Minnehaha County Historical Society, repaints a historical marker at Falls Park in Sioux Falls Sept. 23. Reporter & Farmer | Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight

SIOUX FALLS — Jim A. Carlson steadies his hand as he balances on a ladder in Falls Park, concentrating as he paints the raised lettering on a cast aluminum historical marker.

The marker explains how the region earned its “Siouxland” nickname from 20th century author Frederick Manfred. After the marker was erected in 2000, it became discolored and faded within a decade.

Carlson, who’s 84, has volunte…