The McGovern Legacy Museum, offering visitors a unique look at the lives of George and Eleanor McGovern, opened to the public in October 2006.

Split Rock Studios, which specializes in creating cultural and natural history exhibits for museums, developed the displays in cooperation with DWU archivist Laurie Langland and other library staff members. The museum provides visitors a unique journey through the lives of two of Dakota Wesleyan University’s most recognizable graduates.

The exhibit begins with the McGoverns’ humble upbringing in rural South Dakota, continues through the challenges they faced during World War II as a young married couple trying to raise a family, and their years as leaders in the South Dakota Democratic Party. The 1972 presidential race is featured prominently, as is George McGovern’s continuing commitment to fight global hunger.

During the self-guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to view a variety of short films narrated by George McGovern which include commentary from a variety of scholars and noted experts.