We strengthen our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state.

Learn about the 50 year history of Wisconsin Humanities

Celebrating our past, envisioning our future

Step up, feel the vibe!
The humanities are alive
in your community:

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News

Read our latest announcements and take a deeper dive into topics that bring together experiences and reflections from across the state.

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Programs

We make connections happen! Explore our unique programs that spotlight contemporary issues and extraordinary individuals who contribute to the rich fabric of Wisconsin.

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Grants

We offer grant opportunities throughout the year to support locally-initiated public humanities programs that promote reflection, dialogue, and civic participation. Learn about projects we’ve funded and how to apply.

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Podcast

Human Powered is a podcast series produced by Wisconsin Humanities. Each episode tells the story of a community where imagination and relationships have changed the landscape.

Finding Hope Here in Wisconsin

Hope often appears in the form of a story. These are some of the stories that keep us hopeful.

Alexa’s 99-year-old mother receiving her college diploma on her COVID-safe porch in Stevens Point.

Coggin in Sturgeon Bay creating a virtual archaeological dig for kids stuck at home.

Gary from Lac du Flambeau sharing his healing cultural practices at a ceremony for other veterans.

Thanks to our generous donors – people like you – Love Wisconsin stories like these reach tens of thousands of your fellow Wisconsinites, lifting hearts and bringing us closer together despite our greater isolation.

With your help, we can raise silenced voices, spark our civic imagination, and bring the people of Wisconsin closer together.

Happenings

Why do you do it?

Because it is how we maintain connections across generations. Because it is how we nurture our human potential. Because it creates safe spaces for people to show up. Because our stories make us human. In this exploration of the public humanities happening now around the state, you'll hear from five people deeply engaged with their communities. They describe a moment that reveals the “why” of what they do.

FIVE PEOPLE SHARE THEIR 'WHY' ➔

The inside scoop, on the ground and personal!

Follow along on Instagram, where you'll get to know our dynamic Community Powered team and learn more about what's happening in Spooner, Racine, Appleton, and the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Tune in for fun photos and videos, as well as real-time updates about these innovative public humanities projects! Join us on this journey!

FOLLOW ALONG ➔

We are all human powered!

In season 2 of Human Powered, Wisconsin Humanities' podcast, we are talking with people who have been impacted by the justice system. Together, let's reflect and question, make connections to the larger social and cultural issues around imprisonment, and meet people who encourage us all to think deeply about incarceration.

LISTEN TO THE TRAILER ➔

LISTEN TO OUR
NEW PODCAST

Human Powered is a show about how people make places better. In our first season, we explore Wisconsin together to meet real people and hear in-depth stories that we hope leave you feeling closer to your neighbors—and inspired by where you live.

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