John Phillip Sousa Band Uniform
Russell D. Henegar was born in Chamberlain in 1897. An accomplished cornet player, Henegar became a well-known bandleader and musician in eastern South Dakota. While in the state on tour, noted composer and conductor John Philip Sousa recruited Henegar to play with his band during the 1924-25 season. Henegar later moved to Sioux Falls, playing with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band before serving as its director from 1935 to 1963. This April, artifacts donated by the Russell D. Henegar family were displayed at South Dakota State University as part of the Sousa Symposium. The event featured speakers from across the country and included performances of some of Sousa’s works. This uniform, worn by Henegar during his time with Sousa, is part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums’ collection and was displayed during the two-day event.