National Music Museum gets $1M boost from Denny Sanford
Donation to support continued renovations at Vermillion museum
South Dakota billionaire T. Denny Sanford is chipping in a million bucks for an ongoing makeover at the National Music Museum in Vermillion.
The museum announced Wednesday that the 89-year-old philanthropist and businessman’s donation will support second-floor galleries and advance the mission of the University of South Dakota-based attraction to become a world-class visitor experience, according to NMM.
“This significant gift marks a milestone in the museum’s efforts to enhance our offerings and expand our educational impact,” said Scott Lawrence, NMM board chairman. “It provides essential momentum toward the completion of our exhibit renovation project, ensuring that the NMM will continue to inspire and educate future generations.”
In 2023, the NMM successfully completed the renovation of its first-floor exhibits, featuring seven galleries that explore the many music’s affect and place in humanity. Since then, the museum has continued fundraising efforts to finish the second-floor galleries.
"The generosity of Mr. Sanford is pivotal for the future of the National Music Museum," said Dwight Vaught, executive director of the NMM. "We have been working for some time to bring the museum alive with renovated galleries and exhibits. With this gift, we are one step closer to realizing that goal.”
When complete, the second-floor galleries will explore the contributions of inventors and innovators in the music history and highlight the technology and craftsmanship that have shaped the sound of instruments over time.
According to NMM, visitors will “experience the intersection of art and science, with exhibits that showcase the ingenuity behind some of the world’s most iconic musical instruments.”
Sanford made his fortune in the credit card and banking industries, primarily through his company First PREMIER Bank. He became namesake of Sanford Health following a $400 million pledge to the Sioux Falls-based healthcare system in 2007, which helped expand the system into one of the largest rural health providers in the U.S.
Since then, he’s continued to contribute to high profile, public-facing initiatives and capital projects.
“We are grateful to Mr. Sanford for his generous support of the National Music Museum,” USD President Sheila K. Gestring said. “This gift will benefit generations of USD students, increasing their access to world-renowned instruments and music history. As the museum continues to evolve, so will the opportunities for our students and our community.”
Fabulous museum. That is great they received such a wonderful donation.