Campus Master Plan, New Museum and Learning Center DeSmet SD
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society are the protectors and archivists of Laura’s well known childhood days in South Dakota. Formed in 1957, the society’s mission is dedicated to preserving her legacy now and for the future.
The society, based in DeSmet, SD, welcomes tourists and scholars alike to their collection of historic homes and vast archive. Realizing the necessity for a long-term strategic growth and campus plan, combined with the day to day operation of the museum, an ambitious, phased Master Plan project was initiated.
No clear or agreed upon vision existed for the architectural or programmatic future of the campus. Opinions from the board of directors varied between the need for only annual maintenance and upkeep, to long-term visioning for future generations with the expansion of the museum, new education programming, and full restoration and enclosure of its signature building, the Surveyor’s House. The Surveyor’s House was home to the Ingalls family when they first arrived in DeSmet in 1879.
This project involves both the architectural and programmatic master plan for the society and its campus, and the concept design for a new and expanded museum, gallery and learning center. The Master Plan balances the goals of increased visitation, restoration of historic buildings, and larger exhibition and retail spaces, with the constraint of a small-town, seasonal museum operating on a modest annual budget. Including the adjacent and underutilized city park into the plan greatly expands outdoor activities.
The New Museum and Learning Center replaces the deteriorating Gift Shop building and proposes a Surveyor’s Pavilion, permanently covering the Surveyor’s House, and allowing for a full historical restoration. The new buildings organize around a courtyard, which becomes the public center of the campus.
The Surveyor’s House (1878), lived in by the Ingalls family 1879-80.
1909 De Smet map (George A. Ogle & Co.)
preliminary campus sketch
preliminary museum sketch
Programming & restoration analysis flow chart
Preliminary master plan variations
Final campus master plan
Museum & Learning Center floor plans
Museum & Learning Center sections & elevations