About the Federation
Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils is the membership organization of the 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils. Through advocacy, events, partnerships, and shared resources, the Federation unites the work and voices of our nation’s humanities councils as they bring wisdom and vision into our everyday lives. Scroll down to learn more about what we do.
Mission
The Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils.
We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and
cultural vibrancy.
Vision
We envision a fully-resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a better future.
Advocacy
The humanities are at the heart of a thriving democracy. Learn more about why federal funding is essential to the nation’s humanities councils and their work supporting local cultural organizations and infrastructure, producing humanities programs, and supporting treasured resources in your community.
Capacity Building
We believe that an engaged community thrives together. Through collaboration, conversations, advocacy, partnerships, tools, trainings, and resources, explore ways to connect, learn, and grow with others through the in-person and virtual events, our Member Portal, and more.
Photo credit: Vermont Humanities, Vermont Reads 2019: March: Book One
Partnerships
Now, more than ever, the humanities are needed to help us make sense of a complex and changing world. We work closely with our partners to support projects that address today’s pressing issues, reach all Americans, and build a better future. Learn more about the organizations we’re proud to call partners, recent collaborations, and how to partner with us.
Photo credit: 2023 National Humanities Conference in Indianapolis, IN
Our Initiatives
The humanities councils work together through a variety of national initiatives to design, implement, and share free public humanities programs uniquely tailored to their communities.
Recent work includes exploring civic participation as it relates to electoral engagement in a multivocal democracy and what it means to be an informed citizen today.
Making Meaning: Why Humanities Matter
Listen to our podcast exploring the role the humanities have played during the pandemic and in our recovery across the United States. Subscribe to the season and listen to all six episodes!
