[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5207-S5208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SOUTH DAKOTA HUMANITIES COUNCIL

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize the 40th anniversary of the South Dakota Humanities Council, 
SDHC. As an organization dedicated to promoting culture and our State's 
rich history, SDHC plays an integral role in fostering an interest in 
history, literature, and other humanities subjects. Founded in 1972, 
this important anniversary gives us the opportunity to recognize and 
celebrate 40 successful years of SDHC humanities programming in South 
Dakota.
  SDHC serves as a faithful steward of our State's heritage and a 
leader in promoting cultural awareness. After 40

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years, SDHC continues to fulfill its mission ``to support and promote 
the exchange of ideas to foster a thoughtful and engaged society.'' 
With funding from the National Endowment for Humanities and support 
from local communities, SDHC has improved access to outstanding 
cultural and civic opportunities for all South Dakotans. Virtually 
every county and most school districts in our State have benefitted 
from SDHC-sponsored programs. Especially at a time when many school 
districts have been forced to make difficult cuts to their budgets, 
SDHC has served as a valuable partner to schools across our State 
through its support of programs like National History Day. In addition, 
SDHC grants to community organizations provide critical ``seed money'' 
that promotes the preservation and study of humanities topics in cities 
and towns across South Dakota.
  In addition to enriching the lives of South Dakotans, humanities 
programs represent an important source of economic development. The 
annual Festival of Books attracts thousands of booklovers every year 
who are given the chance to talk with locally and nationally recognized 
authors. In addition, the Museum on Main Street program brings 
Smithsonian exhibits to rural communities. This year, six communities 
in South Dakota will be hosting the exhibit ``New Harmonies: 
Celebrating American Roots Music.'' The SDHC's Speakers' Bureau 
provides funding for humanities scholars to present and lead 
discussions on humanities topics. These and many other programs 
sponsored by SDHC play an important role in attracting visitors to our 
State, which in turn brings in tourism dollars and supports jobs in 
local communities.
  I appreciate the valuable role of SDHC in promoting the humanities in 
communities and schools across South Dakota. As a member of the Senate 
Cultural Caucus and a lifelong supporter of the arts and humanities, I 
congratulate SDHC on 40 successful years and thank the organization for 
its service to our State.

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