Earlier this week, we checked in with Pam Breaux, the president and CEO of the National Association of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), on the role of the the state art agencies and humanities councils during this crisis, why they are natural partners at this time, and the challenges and needs of the communities we all serve.

Those employed with the task of keeping American culture safe and vibrant carry a great, yet unrecognized burden.  And in a crisis such as we now face, it is the proper role of the federal government to preserve the cultural fabric of the nation. 

In collaboration with the National Humanities Alliance, the Federation is requesting supplemental funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities to begin alleviating strains felt across the humanities sector, including the state humanities councils.

The fact that broad public interest in history, literature, ethics, art, and the power of ideas has never been higher should hearten academic humanists, despite the worrisome fact that our students are choosing to leave themselves out of the conversation.  While I have been involved in efforts on my campus to recapture student interest in the Humanities, I have also, during my five years as an academic administrator, recognized that we must work strategically with allies beyond the walls of the university to promote the value of what we do.   We have nothing to lose in this effort—and a great deal to gain.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Phoebe Stein as the new Federation president! Stein will succeed Esther Mackintosh who announced her intention to retire in 2019. Mackintosh will stay on as president until the end of April.

In order to assist our members and fellow humanities advocates in their advocacy efforts during Humanities on the Hill, and throughout the year, enclosed is a snapshot of materials and links to resources the Federation has currently developed.

Call with take place on Friday, February 14, at 2:00 pm EST. Call-in details inside.

With less than a month before Humanities on the Hill, here’s what you need to know for your Hill visits before and during the event, what materials and prep the Federation provides, and where to find additional information to assist with any advocacy needs.

Now accepting session proposals for the 2020 National Humanities Conference taking place in Indianapolis, IN, November 5-8, 2020. Deadline to submit is Friday, February 21, 2020.

The Federation of State Humanities Councils (FSHC) invites applications for a part-time Project Director of the “Humanities in American Life” initiative. This project builds upon resources developed in 2017-2018 and is designed to expand on and strengthen efforts to educate the public about the value of the humanities in American life.

We asked conference participants who dedicate their time to humanities advocacy what one piece of advice they would offer humanities advocates. Here are their answers!

New Chair and Members Elected to Federation of State Humanities Council Board of Directors: Arizona, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island Represented

“This year’s winners reflect the intimate connections the state and US territory humanities councils have with their people,” said Esther Mackintosh, president of the Federation of State Humanities Councils. “From climate change and sustainability to addiction and recovery, these two programs focused on vastly different audiences and challenges, but were similar in their commitment to address critical issues facing their communities; bringing people together, through the humanities, to acknowledge and respond to their unique needs. We are pleased to present the 2019 Schwartz Prize to both Humanities Guåhan and Ohio Humanities for their outstanding programs.”

“Mau was more than a navigator. He was a complete man and in many ways a prophet. He saw into the future – the challenges his people would face – loss of identity, health disparities, climate change, etc. He once said that he came to teach Hawaiians because one day we would need to reciprocate.” Encounter Grand Master Navigator Mau and his contributions through the eyes of NHC 2019 Closing Plenary Speaker Bonnie Kahape’a-Tanner

“It has been an education and a pleasure to watch the conference grow and evolve since those early days.  Although the formats have evolved and the issues have changed over the years, the core mission of the conference has remained constant: to provide an opportunity for humanities professionals and volunteers to gather together to exchange ideas that will strengthen their programs and practices and to constantly reaffirm the vital role the humanities play in our democratic society.” Journey through time as Federation President Esther Mackintosh unpacks 33 years of National Humanities Conferences.