This category is designed to recognize a deceased individual who has made a significant contribution to or impact on South Dakota’s culture, history, or historical image. To qualify as an “Historical Figure,” the individual must be deceased for at least 50 years at the time of nomination. For clarity, South Dakota refers to the region that now includes the state and would cover Nominees pre-statehood. An elected Historical Figure would be the eleventh Inductee if chosen. Choosing an Historical Figure category each year is not required. Historical Figure Candidates are not to include current Inductees.