Andrew and Mary Stavig House, located at 112 1st Ave W, Sisseton, SD 57262, USA, is a museum dedicated to preserving the local history and culture of South Dakota. Built in 1898 by Andrew Stavig and his wife Mary, the house was originally their family home. They raised nine children in the house before Andrew passed away in 1919. The house was then passed down to their only surviving son, who lived in the house until his death in 1960.
The Stavig House has seen many changes since it was first built. In the 1950s, the house was heavily remodeled and modernized with additions such as a second story and a bathroom. These updates were done partly because at that time there were no more children living in the house - all of the Stavig’s children had moved away to pursue their own lives.
After the death of Andrew and Mary’s last remaining son, the Stavig House was acquired by the South Dakota Historical Society in 1961. Since then, the house has been preserved as a museum in order to keep alive the memory of Andrew and Mary Stavig and to celebrate their commitment to their community. The museum is filled with artifacts from the era, such as furniture, photographs, and even clothing worn by Andrew and Mary.
Visitors to Andrew and Mary Stavig House can gain an understanding of life in early 20th century South Dakota. Guided tours are available every Friday during summer months from 10am-4pm with additional tours on weekdays by request. Visitors will get to explore not only the house itself but also enjoy a scenic view of Lake Traverse from its upper deck.
The mission of Andrew and Mary Stavig House is to bring their story back to life and remind visitors that family legacies live on through generations. The stories shared at this museum are a reflection of an entire community – from one family’s struggles to another’s successes – that is capable of meeting life’s challenges together. This legacy is part of what makes South Dakota an extraordinary place to call home.
Plan your visit today at Andrew and Mary Stavig House - where history comes alive!