Interview with Humanities Montana on Gather Round / Montana Conversations Virtual Programs

I think the humanities shift our perspective and give us a little bit of distance from current events in a way that lets us engage more. That sounds a little paradoxical, but I’ve found that focusing on stats, curves, protests, and antibody testing can be both overwhelming and narrowing in our understanding and response.

What Our Members Are Saying: Virtual Community Conversations

Last week, we spoke with Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis, Delaware Humanities Deputy Director and Senior Program Officer Ciera Fisher, and Humanities Montana Program Officer Samantha Dwyer about their recently launched virtual programs to gather their tips for making community conversations, Zoom calls, and other online discussion programs work for their states.

Interview with Esther Mackintosh

After a career dedicated to serving, strengthening and supporting the state humanities councils, Federation President Esther Mackintosh officially retired as of April 30, 2020. The Federation staff was honored to toast to her retirement and to sit down and ask her a few last questions!

11 Tips for Virtual Board Meetings

In the age of physical distancing, how do you convert and run meetings, such as what was traditionally a multi-day, in-person Board meeting? We checked in with our members and Federation Events Manager Tom Marabello for his input. While some challenges just can’t be helped (poor wifi, unmuted background noise, and those who don’t ‘video conference’), many reported positive experiences overall. Check out the tips and resources and share your experiences!

Humanities At Home: Podcasts and Radio Programs

32 Podcasts on History, Journalism, Literature, and the Human Experience from the State and Territorial Humanities Councils Refresh your audio library and tune into a wide variety of podcasts that use the humanities disciplines to explore important areas of everyday American life. With over 30 different podcasts by councils from across the United States and US territories, there is something for everyone!

Q&A with NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux

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.

Why Funding for the Humanities and Arts Cultural Agencies is Key to America’s Future

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. 

Humanities Guåhan and Ohio Humanities Win Schwartz Prizes for Outstanding Humanities Programming

“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.”

Celebrate Halloween with the State Humanities Councils!

From haunted historical houses to spooky storytelling and re-enactments, councils celebrate Halloween with the humanities!

FSHC Announces 14 Public Humanities Programs Nominated for 2019 Schwartz Prize

“These programs saw significant impact in their local communities, brought people together, promoted understanding and broke down conversation barriers resulting in real change, growth, and empowerment in their states and territories with reverberations that will be felt across the country.” – Esther Mackintosh, FSHC President

What is the Annual Business Meeting and Should You Attend?

We encourage all members who are interested in the future and direction of the Federation of State Humanities Councils to attend as it is an excellent time to learn about the accomplishments, challenges, and future needs of the Federation as well as interact with Federation board members, both existing and upcoming, and staff.

September is Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, learn about the experiences, contributions, cultures, and histories of the Hispanic community in the United States through a variety of public humanities programs hosted by or conducted by the state humanities council community.