The Federation of State Humanities Councils is now accepting nominations for the 37th annual Helen and Martin Schwartz Prize, made possible through an endowment established by former Federation board member Martin Schwartz and his wife Helen to recognize outstanding work in the public humanities.

“The councils are uniquely equipped to bring journalists into meaningful conversation with the communities they serve, to help citizens distinguish trustworthy from unreliable news, and to explore the historic role that journalism and the humanities have played in informing Americans,”

The 2019 National Humanities Conference banner is comprised of several images that explore the conference theme, “Roots and Routes: Navigation, Migration, and Exchange in the 21st Century.” The images were selected to represent the unique histories and cultures of each island by the co-hosts of this year’s conference

“For the first time in our organizational history, the National Humanities Conference will be held outside the continental US, in the powerful realm of Oceania.” Be the first to view the conference line-up! Here’s your first look at the 2019 NHC schedule. Email events@statehumanities.org with any questions.

Join us in welcoming new Minnesota Humanities Center CEO Kevin Lindsey to the state humanities council community!

A warm welcome and congratulations to Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Smithsonian Institution’s new director! Mr. Bunch is the first historian appointed to this position and marks a “significant tilt toward the humanities for the nearly 175-year-old Smithsonian.”

The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2020 Interior Appropriations bill in a party-line vote of 30-21.  The bill includes $167.5 million for the NEH and $51 million for the Federal/State Partnership, representing an increase of $12.5 million for the agency and $3 million for the councils, along with $6 million “to advance cross-cutting NEH initiatives.

Are we more divided than ever? Well no, argued BackStory’s Ed Ayers, Brian Balogh, and Joanne Freeman on May 21 in a special live event, “Divided States of America,” at the U.S. Senate Russell Building.

House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee marks up FY 2020 appropriations bill with $167.5 million each for NEH and NEA, an increase of $12.5 million over FY 2019 funding level. Other agencies that saw increases include National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution.

As the president of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, I can attest to the hunger for the content and approaches of the humanities that is so evident in communities throughout the country.

View the different registration rates for members and non-members, teachers, students, session coordinators and panelists here. Also available are day rates. To get the best deal, be sure to book by September 30, 2019!

Learn more and book your room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the National Humanities Conference Hotel. Room block ranges from November 5-10, but is expected to sell out quickly. Contact 1-808-949-4321 for any questions regarding your reservation. We look forward to seeing you in November!

The Federation of State Humanities Councils and the entire humanities community suffered an inestimable loss this past week with the passing of Rob Vaughan.

Find everything you need to know for Humanities on the Hill 2019. From links to advocacy and event resources to hotel and app information, here’s your one-stop spot for HoH information. Questions? Email events@statehumanities.org.

The 2019 Advocacy Handbook for Humanities on the Hill, which takes place March 5-7, 2019, is now available.