[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11729]
[From the U.S. 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 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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