Dear friends,
Writing from the nation’s capital on the eve of July 4 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I celebrate the fact that humanities councils across the nation are bringing together neighbors and strangers in every corner of the country to explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine our shared future.
Our By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 initiative, made possible through the Federation’s inaugural collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, exemplifies the powerful reach and lasting impact of humanities councils as anchors of cultural and civic infrastructure in their states and territories.
Humanities New York’s “Speaking of Revolution” program has prompted New Yorkers to ask big questions about revolution through site-based conversations around Indigenous history, jazz, American art, and more. Humanities Nebraska took Cornhuskers on a journey through history, exploring a selection of lesser-known stories from history during their two-day “Weaving a Nation” Chautauqua. Arizona Humanities partnered with NDN Girls Book Club on the “Blue Corn Festival,” a joyful month-long celebration honoring Indigenous foodways, art, storytelling, and community. The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands held an inaugural humanities conference amplifying Virgin Islands voices.
These are just four of the 51 council programs created through By the People. Of course, councils have also supported the wider ecosystem of humanities commemorations through leadership on 250th Commissions, programming, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Most importantly, humanities councils will continue bringing people together around big questions and big ideas for the rest of this Semiquicentennial year and long after it is over.
With gratitude,
Phoebe Stein, President
