By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by 51 humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Humanities = Supporting HBCU Scholarship
Virginia Humanities’ HBCU Scholars Fellowship supports faculty and alumni of HBCUs by giving these humanities scholars time to focus on research projects. In this episode, we speak with current HBCU Scholars Fellow Dr. Monika Rhue and Virginia Humanities’ Yosef Medina, who runs the program.
Humanities = Poetry in the Great Outdoors
Every summer, Vermont Humanities hold a series of poetry readings in Vermont state parks called Words in the Woods, which connects participants with the state’s natural resources and its living literary legacy. Dive into the relevance of poetry in our modern world, the relationship between nature and poetry, and the importance of supporting living poets.
9 Ways Humanities Councils Serve and Honor Veterans
Here are just a few examples of the many ways humanities councils serve and honor veterans.
Save the Date: Humanities on the Hill 2026
Humanities on the Hill (HoH) is a three-day event taking place in Washington, DC during March 3-5, 2026 that brings together humanities councils from all over the greater United States.
Humanities = Empowering Teen Leaders
In this episode, learn about two programs using the humanities and public libraries to inspire and empower teens: the Democracy Project from Humanities Montana and Youth Led Humanities from PA Humanities.
How Humanities Councils Bring Joy, Education, and Connection to People Affected by Incarceration
Stories of humanities council programs and their grantees improving the lives and futures of people affected by incarceration.
Humanities = Families That Read Together
Podcast episode: Empowering and equipping families to read aloud at home is a powerful way to boost childhood literacy and help families bond. In this episode, we take a closer look at two family reading programs: Humanities Nebraska’s Prime Time Family Reading and Colorado Humanities’ Motherread/Fatherread.
Humanities = Veterans and the Power of Conversation
Podcast episode: How can reflective conversations help veterans open up and share their experiences? In this episode, two conversation programs are creating spaces where veterans can reflect on their service and find connection through dialogue.
Humanities = Healing through Prison Programs
Podcast episode: Two stories about how the humanities can provide healing for people during and after incarceration. The Mississippi Humanities Council’s prison book club program and a theatrical program called Ritual4Return for returning citizens.
