Identifier
MA 17
Dates
1970-2017
Extent
48.0 linear feet (48 records boxes)
Abstract
This South Dakota Humanities Council Records provides a comprehensive record of the South Dakota Humanities Council's activities, grants, proposals, research, publications, and correspondence from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It documents the Council's extensive efforts to advance humanities education, cultural engagement, and community outreach throughout South Dakota. Key materials include documentary and educational films focused on Native American culture, South Dakota history, and environmental issues, along with research on reservation life, ethnic groups, rural development, and regional history. The archive also contains proposals and records related to funding for humanities projects, correspondence with educational and government institutions, and detailed financial documents ensuring transparency in the Council's operations.
The collection also includes meeting minutes, publications, and promotional materials that highlight the Council's ongoing initiatives and outreach efforts. Special projects, such as the South Dakota Festival of Books and Chautauqua programs, are well-documented, along with photographs capturing events and educational activities. Through its extensive records of meetings, proposals, and community-based cultural projects, this archive offers significant insight into the development of humanities education, state-level cultural policies, and community engagement in South Dakota, making it an invaluable resource for researchers exploring the region's cultural history and the evolution of its humanities landscape.
Historical Note
The South Dakota Humanities Council (SDHC) was established on February 16, 1972, as the South Dakota Committee on the Humanities, becoming the eighth state humanities council in the U.S. Initially an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), it later evolved into an independent nonprofit organization, expanding its impact statewide.
Designated as the South Dakota Center for the Book by the Library of Congress in 2002, SDHC launched the annual Festival of Books, now a cornerstone of the state's literary community. The festival marked its 20th anniversary in 2022. Other key initiatives include One Book South Dakota, the Speakers Bureau, and Book Club To-Go, all aimed at fostering discussion and appreciation for literature and history. SDHC also provides grants to nonprofit and educational organizations for humanities programming.
As the state's only organization dedicated solely to the humanities, SDHC promotes cultural awareness and understanding through literature, history, and related disciplines. For over 35 years, it has supported public programming and financial assistance through Discussion, Media, and Research Grants.
The Council is operated by five full-time staff members and governed by an 18-member volunteer board, which sets policy and programming priorities. The Governor of South Dakota appoints four members. In 2022, SDHC celebrated 50 years of service, reinforcing its commitment to enriching the state's cultural and intellectual landscape.
Content Notes
The South Dakota Humanities Council Records encompass a comprehensive record of activities, grants, proposals, research, publications, and correspondence related to the Council and its affiliated programs from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It documents the Council's efforts in advancing humanities education, cultural engagement, and community outreach throughout South Dakota. The materials include a variety of documentary and educational films, which focus on topics such as Native American culture, South Dakota history, and environmental issues. Also included are studies and research on reservation life, ethnic groups, rural development, and regional history, reflecting the Council's commitment to promoting local culture and understanding.
The collection contains extensive publications, including annual reports, resource catalogs, newsletters, and program guidelines that detail the ongoing initiatives and projects within the humanities field. Proposals and records related to funding requests for humanities projects, such as those focused on Native American culture, South Dakota history, and education, are well-documented, highlighting the Council's strategic efforts to secure financial support for its work. Correspondence with government agencies, educational institutions, and external partners reveals the Council’s collaborative nature and its extensive outreach efforts, while financial records, including audits, receipts, and funding allocations, ensure transparency in the management of the Council’s operations and programs.
In addition, the collection contains documentation from council and executive committee meetings, providing insight into the decision-making process, funding strategies, and overall direction of the Council's activities. Special projects, such as the South Dakota Festival of Books, Chautauqua programs, and various community-based cultural initiatives, are also represented, along with a large collection of photographs that capture humanities events, community engagement, and educational programs. This archive offers valuable insight into the development of humanities education, state-level cultural policy, and community-based programming in South Dakota, making it a vital resource for researchers interested in the region’s cultural history and the evolution of its humanities landscape.
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Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Rights
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Recommended Citation
SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, "South Dakota Humanities Council Records" (2025). Archives Finding Aids. 17.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/archives_finding_aids/17
