Representing and supporting our nation’s humanities councils
to strengthen the civic, cultural, and social fabric of our nation through the humanities.
Our members tell the stories of our shared human experience, strengthen communities, and help bridge divides.
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!
Access member benefits
Join our online community of humanities councils, connect with other members, share resources, ask questions, and engage in a variety of forums.
Add your voice to advocacy efforts
Now more than ever the humanities councils are needed to support their communities. See how you can play a part in this nationwide effort!
Partner with the humanities councils
Together we can use the humanities to help us make sense of the world.
Schwartz Prize Winners Archive
Below is a comprehensive list of past recipients for the Helen and Martin Schwartz Prize, which is the highest honor awarded to humanities councils by the humanities community. 1982 “The … Read more

Schwartz Prize FAQs
The Federation is celebrating 40 years of Schwartz Prizes! In 1982, the Rhode Island Committee for the Humanities (now the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities) won the first Schwartz … Read more

Nominate a Council Program!
We are now accepting nominations to the 40th annual Schwartz Prize!
Header photo credit: Caryl Hale, Norton County Arts Council/Humanities Kansas, Responding to the Moment: Connecting Kansans in 2020