ABERDEEN, S.D. – United States Representative Dusty Johnson will speak at the grand opening event of the Northern State University Center for Public History and Civic Engagement.

Johnson will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, in the Centennial Rooms of Northern’s Avera Student Center. He will discuss the importance of civic engagement and current affairs in Washington, D.C.

“Only 56 percent of American adults can name the three branches of government. Our country needs to get back to the basics, and that begins with civic education,” Johnson said. “As we’ve seen a growing interest towards civics over the last few years, it’s crucial that schools and universities take advantage of this and promote civics competency. I’m proud that’s exactly what Northern State University is doing, and I look forward to celebrating this new initiative.”

The NSU Center for Public History and Civic Engagement, which opened in fall 2021, encourages public interaction with history and history education while promoting greater civic knowledge of an active citizenry through programming, research and archival preservation.

“We’re pleased that Rep. Johnson could find time in his busy schedule to meet with the NSU and Aberdeen communities,” said Dr. Jon Schaff, director of the Center for Public History and Civic Engagement. “The interaction between elected officials and citizens is at the heart of what civic engagement is all about.”

The grand opening event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit the NSU Center for Public History and Civic Engagement.