Local Teacher and Attorney Team Up to Offer Free Classes on the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A former Social Studies teacher and a local attorney are partnering to offer a free three‑part educational series on the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
The classes will be taught by Tommy Mattingly, WHS ’02, and Nancy Turbak Berry, WHS ’73. According to the release, the pair designed the series to help community members better understand the founding documents that shaped the United States.
Presenters Bring Decades of Experience
Mattingly spent 17 years teaching and coaching in Minnesota and South Dakota before transitioning into his current role as a wealth advisor. His passion for early American history — including the thirteen colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the nation’s founding — remains central to his work.
Turbak Berry is a trial attorney, former magistrate, and former State Senator with a 45‑year legal career. She has taught continuing education for attorneys and public education courses, and in 2013 was recruited by the University of South Dakota School of Law to create and teach a Constitutional Law class.
Three‑Part Series Focuses on History and Modern Impact
The free series will explore the historical background of the Declaration of Independence and each of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Mattingly will lead the historical portion, while Turbak Berry will discuss how each amendment “continues to affect our lives as Americans.”
Mattingly said he hopes the classes attract a broad audience, noting, “It is important to me that we get a wide range of people interested in attending and have people understand there is a lot of common ground for us as citizens.”
Turbak Berry echoed that sentiment, saying, “The Bill of Rights is not a partisan matter. All people, whatever their political leanings, deserve to understand the rights we have as citizens.”
She added that the idea for the series came as more news stories began touching on constitutional issues. With the 250th anniversary approaching, she said it felt like “a great time to offer the classes in a spirit of unity and celebration.”
Class Dates and Registration
The classes will be held at Element, located at 1 North Broadway, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. on:
· June 16
· June 23
· June 30
The sessions are free and open to adults and young adults. Tweens with a strong interest in early American history are also welcome.
To help organizers prepare materials, pre‑registration by texting or calling (605) 880‑1588 is appreciated.
