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SDHC Tells Its Story at Humanities on the Hill

March 15, 2025

During a time of uncertainty for federal funding, representatives of the South Dakota Humanities Council had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and share stories of the organization’s impact across the state.

SDHC Executive Director Christina Oey and Board Chair Stephen Williamson met with members of South Dakota’s Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., during Humanities on the Hill, March 4-6. Oey was pleased with the positive reaction they received as they explained how SDHC fulfills its mission of celebrating literature, promoting civil conversation, and telling the stories that define our state.

“We were honored to meet with Representative Dusty Johnson and staff from the offices of Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, all of whom expressed their support for the humanities,” Oey said. “Everyone we talked to was impressed at our programming for groups ranging from youth to military veterans, and they especially appreciated that SDHC serves communities in all corners of the state.”

Oey and Williamson shared information about the scope of SDHC projects, which in 2024 served 39,174 individuals through 254 unique grants and programs. They also delivered copies of the 2025 Young Readers One Book, Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills to each Congressional office, and they discussed upcoming SDHC projects, such as programming for the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“We’re always happy to tell the SDHC story to our federal representatives and to demonstrate that we are good stewards of the funds they appropriate to us,” Oey said. “We truly appreciate their continued support in these challenging times.”

The Federation of State Humanities Councils hosts this advocacy event in Washington and invites all 56 humanities councils, affiliates of the National Endowment for the Humanities, around the country to participate.

Learn more about humanities programming in South Dakota by signing up for SDHC e-Updates!