About Us

About Us

Supporting the Humanities in South Dakota Since 1972

The South Dakota Humanities Council (SDHC), founded in 1972 in response to an act of Congress, is the only cultural organization in the state whose sole mission is to deliver humanities programming to the people of South Dakota. As a steward of the state's cultural awareness and heritage, the Council cultivates statewide interest in South Dakota history, literature and other related humanities subjects, while stimulating an interest in the state's place as part of the universal human experience. This programming vision forms the core mission of SDHC "to support and promote the exchange of ideas to foster a thoughtful and engaged society."

The staff and board of directors of SDHC envision a South Dakota:

• Where we fulfill our essential human need to tell our stories, satisfy our curiosity, and take action in response to our vision of a better world.

• Where we have the tools we need to participate fully in the cultural and civic life of our communities.

• Where we celebrate the tapestry of life, family and place that make South Dakota unique and unifies us in our diversity.

Financial Support for Humanities Programming

The agency supports and promotes public programming as well as providing grant funding for programs in traditional humanities disciplines. Financial Grant Support is provided to community organizations through Discussion Grants, Media Grants, Research Grants, and an annual Teachers' Institute Grant focusing on American Indian culture. (Deadlines are Sept. 30 or Jan. 30 depending on category of funding for grant requests over $1,000).

A Strong Force for Literary Arts Programming

In 2002 the Library of Congress designated the South Dakota Humanities Council as the home of the South Dakota Center for the Book (SDCFB). Since its inception, the Center for the Book has carried out its mission to celebrate the written word in South Dakota, extol the rich heritage of the state, and encourage authorship, literacy and reading. It houses "Community Reading Programs," the "One Book South Dakota" program and an annual Festival of Books, as well as authorship and research opportunities. 

Traveling Scholars and Exhibits in Your Community

The Speakers' Bureau program provides funding for humanities scholars to present on various topics throughout the state. An annual catalog features over nearly 60 presenters with more than 80 unique presentations, including Chautauqua-style characterizations. With this program, $5,000 is set aside in perpetuity specifically for American Indian cultural programs. Programs are encouraged on or near reservations.

Museum on Main Street brings Smithsonian exhibits to rural communities in our state. Beginning in March of 2012 and concluding Jan. 13, 2013, the exhibition "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" will appear in six South Dakota communities.

New Harmonies is an exhibit that showcases the history of American music in genres such as blues, country western, folk ballads, and gospel. Features familiar songs, histories of instruments, roles of religion and technology, and the connection of musical roots in all popular American music.

Civic Education for Students

History Day is coordinated by the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum with funding and support through SDHC. Students in grades 6-12 complete a documentary, performance, website, exhibit, or write a paper about an annual theme. The theme for 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Sharing the Stories of South Dakota

The South Dakota Humanities Foundation launched the publication of South Dakota stories as a collection around topics sure to interest all South Dakotans. To date, four books organized around South Dakotans' unique experiences with one-room country schools, country churches, farm and ranch and home front efforts have been published. This fall, watch for the release of the volume that will answer the question, "What Makes A South Dakotan?"

1215 Trail Ridge Road, Suite A • Brookings, SD 57006 • Tel: 605-688-6113 • Fax: 605-688-4531 • info@sdhumanities.org