Zechariah “Zach” Van Harris III is a researcher, content creator, and social scientist with backgrounds in Archaeology, Anthropology, Sociology, and filmmaking. He has been active with SDAAHM since 2017, starting out as a student researcher. In 2020, he became researcher and curator and began guest speaking at schools, leading tours, raising funds, and renovating the entire museum. In 2021, Zach established scholarship and internship programs for local student artists. He was among the board of directors that championed getting Black History Month officially recognized in the state of SD, and for the Mayor of Sioux Falls to declare a proclamation honoring MLK, JR. Day as a holiday.
During 2023/2024, along with history professor Dr. Will Wright, Augustana University, and student interns, he identified and documented hundreds of African American Heritage Sites in Sioux Falls dating back to the 1870s. Also in 2024, Zach successfully commissioned creative SD artists to help introduce a new season of SDAAHM exhibits titled “Space Exploration & Navigation through Black History.”
Zach is founder and consultant of Galaxy Consulting Group LLC. He helps individuals with personal / professional growth and development. He coordinates micro workshops and mentorship programs in the Sioux Empire for youth, and regularly assists elders and retired seniors with daily tasks and errands. Zach lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Laura. They enjoy traveling and being outdoors in nature.