Ellsworth welcomes new base curator

  • Published
  • By Airman Alec Carlberg
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Ellsworth Air Force Base welcomed a new base curator for the South Dakota Air and Space Museum in early March, to ready the museum for its reopening in June.

Erika Cerveny, a Black Hills native and a connoisseur of American history, stepped into the role to offer a variety of services and resources to help make the Air and Space Museum as enjoyable of an experience as possible.

The museum, which opened in 1983 and contains a plethora of artifacts and stories from the past century detailing the South Dakota and U.S. Air Force aviation history.

With a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies, as well as certificates in both museums and archives and a passion for history, Cerveny knew this position would be a perfect fit.

“Getting this position was so exciting for me,” said Cerveny. ”It felt like all my hard work came full circle, and I couldn’t be happier to give back to the surrounding communities that shaped me.”

Cervenys duties as the base curator include overseeing museum operations, informing the wing commander on all matters pertaining to the museum as well as collection, preservation, conservation, accessioning, and cataloging of the museum’s artifacts and exhibits.

“I am excited to be part of reopening the museum for the base and community and am looking forward to continuing to make ongoing improvements to the museum facilities, exhibit displays, and educational programs,” said Cerveny.

As the base curator, Cerveny not only helps create museum exhibits, but also ensures Air Force Global Strike Command stays informed on the museum’s activities.

“Our new curator, Erika Cerveny, has plans to introduce new programs which will enrich our community’s connection to the museum,” said Col Derek Oakley, the commander of the 28th Bomb Wing during the museums reopening. “Erika’s vision and expertise promise to bring fresh energy and engagement to the institution.”

The museum’s hours will be Wednesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For any further questions or concerns the museum can be reached by phone at 605-385-5188