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The world's largest mountain carving,
located in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Outreach Programs

13 Jan, 09  

Crazy Horse Memorial works closely with other organizations and institutions to create meaningful educational opportunities for young people. For example, Crazy Horse Memorial partnered with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society to present a conference in the Native American Educational and Cultural Center.

Memorial staffers are also part of a collaborative effort that offers continuing education for teachers seeking a master’s degree in history-related fields of study. Partners in this effort include Technology and Innovation in Education, the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills State University and the Chiesman Foundation for Democracy. One of the recent programs included a presentation entitled “Three Voices Speaking from the Past” which provided a view of South Dakota’s history from the perspectives of three women from three different cultures.

Crazy Horse Memorial coordinates field trips for university students attending Black Hills State University and Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, SD. These include interpretive outings to the Pine Ridge Reservation, Fort Robinson Nebraska (where Crazy Horse was killed) and numerous historic sites in the Black Hills.

Crazy Horse educators provide guest lectures at various colleges and universities and are actively involved in the National Indian Education Association Conference, and the South Dakota Indian Education Association and Bilingual Association Conference.

Additional education initiatives include:

  • A coordinated program with the High Museum of Art in Atlanta Georgia, conducting classes in Native American culture and art.
  • The Annual Gift from Mother Earth Art Show every June.
  • Strong advocate of, and participant in, the reconciliation program initiated by Governor George Mickelson in 1990.
  • Presentation of Native American dancers on a daily basis at Crazy Horse Memorial during the summer visitors season. This program includes oral interpretation of the dances and songs and an audience participation segment.
  • “Heartdreams and Legends: The Story of Two Peoples”, an international exchange exhibit of Native American and Australian Aboriginal art that premiered at Crazy Horse Memorial in the summer of 2000.