HISTORY OF THE MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL SOCIETY

Incorporated in 1930, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, educating and celebrating the sculpture and all that it represents while enhancing the visitor experience. Goals of the Society include building a legacy of stewardship of Mount Rushmore through private philanthropy, volunteer leadership, creation and sale of educational products, and public outreach through partnership with the National Park Service.

Our history is long and rich and nationwide in reach. In 1930, Articles of Incorporation were filed in Washington, DC, to create the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society of the Black Hills. Among the original signers was Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore. First fundraising efforts to complete the carving included collecting pennies from school children. Corporate and individual donations, as well as federal appropriations funded work on the sculpture. Mount Rushmore was carved in 14 years, from 1927-1941, at a cost of just under one million dollars.

In the 1990s, the Society took the lead on organizing and fulfilling a $56 million capitol campaign with a goal of complete renovation of all visitor facilities. In 1998, the project was completed and the Memorial received all new, completely handicap accessible buildings and walkways. A beautiful museum, outdoor performance amphitheater, and a walking trail providing unprecedented access to the sculpture greatly enhanced the visitor experience. This extraordinary example of the power of a successful private/public partnership stands as a premier example for other public lands and private foundation fundraising successes.

Today, the Mount Rushmore Society continues as the official fundraising partner and “friends group” for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The Society also operates as a “cooperative association.” That’s a fancy NPS term for our Mount Rushmore History Association that produces and sells world-class educational products, books, videos etc. Currently, there are three bookstore locations at the Memorial as well as an on-line store.

Donations to the Society support many projects, scientific studies, educational forums and events. Although federal funding provides baseline support for the park, it is not enough for programs and projects that bring new opportunities and positive change for Mount Rushmore and its visitors. The Mount Rushmore Society, working on behalf of America’s Shrine of Democracy and one of the world's most recognized symbols, plays a leading role in the protection, education, promotion, and celebration of our National Memorial. The Society has been contributing to the success of Mount Rushmore since the beginning and will remain steadfast in shaping the future with the help of citizens and business of future generations.