Step back into the 1860s and rediscover the elegance of a lost art at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park.

The Art of the Letter: 19th Century Penmanship and Documentation

Date: May 21st, 2026

Location: Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, 11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247

Time: 6:00 pm

In an age of instant digital messaging, there is a profound beauty in the deliberate, rhythmic flow of ink on paper. Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where you will trade your keyboard for a quill and learn the sophisticated scripts that defined 19th-century frontier life.

What You’ll Experience:

Master the Spencerian Method: Practice the sweeping, ornate cursive styles that dominated American correspondence and official military documentation in the mid-1800s.

Authentic Tools of the Trade: Learn to handle traditional quills and flexible nib pens, discovering how to control pressure and flow to create the "thick and thin" lines of classic Copperplate.

Documenting History: Explore the fascinating mercantile forms of the era—from bills of lading to formal letters of credit—that were essential to the survival of frontier outposts.

Mindful Craftsmanship: Experience the meditative benefits of penmanship, a practice known to improve focus, patience, and fine motor skills.

Set against the backdrop of one of the most well-preserved 1864 army outposts in the Dakota Territory, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with the heritage of the Great Plains through the stroke of a pen.

Prepare for your visit:

Entry: A valid South Dakota State Park entrance license is required for all vehicles.

Accessibility: The park features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms.

To register for this event: please click the "log in to register button". Having issues logging in? Try a new browser type or contact the park at 605.910.4465