FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 16, 2008
CONTACT:  Helen B Louise, (605) 773-3798

Free admission Sunday at Cultural Heritage Center

PIERRE, S.D. -- The museum at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is celebrating International Museum Day by offering free admission on Sunday, May 18.

This year’s theme is “Museums as Agents of Social Change and Development.” The museum is open 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

International Museum Day has its origin in 1977, when the International Council of Museums, during its 12^th General Assembly, adopted a resolution designating the date for recognition throughout the world.

In turn, museums, traditionally known for their collections, more frequently are taking an active role in exploring social issues with communities.

“Museum’s should serve as centers for ‘civic dialogue’ and ‘civic engagement,’” said Helen B Louise, museum director. “ The museum that serves as a resource for people to explore their shared history sends a message that what we value as a society is the democratic process that shaped our history.”

Political ads, bumper stickers, lawn posters -- signs of an election year -- are all around us, Louise said. New laws passed by the Legislature will take effect July 1. Politics is a part of today’s world, she added.

The museum recently presented an event building on the democratic process, in partnership with the South Dakota Issues Forums, a project of the Chiesman Center for Democracy in Rapid City. The museum hosted one of the project’s forums on the legislative process and how citizens can participate and influence legislators. Results of the Pierre forum and other forums held throughout the state in 2008 will be shared with legislators and the media. 

“There is an extraordinary variety of museums across South Dakota which offer a number of ways to learn about local history and offer programs that encourage civic engagement in the legislative process or politics in general,” Louise said.