We’re Listening. Will You Help Us Keep Going?

For more than 50 years, Wisconsin Humanities has partnered with the people of Wisconsin to share our stories and traditions, and to dream our dreams. We built bridges that help us understand who we are, where we’ve been, and where we might go – together.

When Wisconsin Humanities’ federal funding was terminated in April, we had to lay off staff and pause our programs and grantmaking. But supporters stepped up! Thanks to private donors, we’re here. Today, we see a path to restart programs in 2026! Can you help us walk down that path with you? It begins with listening.

Your donation powers Listening Sessions across Wisconsin—helping us rebuild, reconnect, and shape the future of the humanities in our state.

   
Wisconsin Humanities branded graphic with text "We are listening, Wisconsin. Join the statewide conversation"

Our Statewide Commitment

Since our organization's founding as an independent nonprofit in 1972, Wisconsin Humanities has worked in every corner of the state with YOU to explore what it means to be human, to be part of a democracy, and to strengthen each of our communities.

Learn about our history

Follow Your Curiosity

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Food traditions are core to who we are and how we build community. Meet the Food Doula and former host of Wisconsin PBS’s “Let’s Grow Stuff.” Her Love Wisconsin story about learning to farm and cook by connecting with her family heritage was wildly popular. We caught up and learn more ...about her work caring for new mothers. Hear how Winters’ skills in the kitchen draw women together. #MyHumanitiesCouncil https://humanpowered.buzzsprout.com/1575412/episodes/17807508-human-powered-in-conversation-with-qwantese-winters

It's Humanities Councils Week.
We’re teaming up with the Mellon Foundation (@mellonfoundation) and the Federation of State Humanities Councils (@humfed) to bring stories from the Councils to you.
Millions of people benefit from their state or jurisdiction’s Humanities ...Council—often without realizing how we provide key support for cultural programming. Stay tuned throughout the week to learn how we and our sister state humanities councils are making an impact across the country.

Lovers of Wisconsin food culture listen up! Not only is our former Love Wisconsin executive producer Jen Rubin is writing a book about her Midwest Bagel Quest -- and even New Yorkers are paying attention! Time you did too if you haven't caught on already.

Ideas were flowing at our first virtual listening session! Huge thanks to the supporters who joined us for this special edition session just for you!

What do catastrophic flooding and the humanities have to do with each other? Join MKE journalist and WH board member Jimmy Gutierrez for a wide-ranging conversation that will leave you hopeful about ways your rural and urban neighbors are coming together. And get a sneak peek at WH's upcoming... Listening Sessions where we'll gather that energy and turn it into action. https://humanpowered.buzzsprout.com/1575412/episodes/17725894-human-powered-in-conversation-with-jimmy-gutierrez

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Wisconsin Humanities

We strengthen the roots of community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and individual imagination. Find...

www.wisconsinhumanities.org

Our We're Listening, Wisconsin campaign raised funds that will enable us to hold in-person and virtual sessions that bring the voices and dreams of Wisconsinites together and help us plan for 2026 as Wisconsin Humanities works to restart our programs.

All Wisconsin Humanities ...donors are invited to a special Listening Session just for you! Email contact@wisconsinhumanities.org to register now!

"An elder once told me that the land misses our Indigenous languages, and so to speak it out loud whenever we can," writes poet Halee Kirkwood in the summer edition of the @The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters magazine. Her story about the #languageback poetry workshops of... Indigenous Nations Poets, supported by a Wisconsin Humanities grant remind us all of the power of words -- and what it means when they are lost, and recovered.

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#LanguageBack

We rolled into the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena on a Friday night, as the setting sun broke through the clouds and cast the campus in...

www.wisconsinacademy.org

Great event tomorrow -- in Wausau and virtual -- organized by our wonderful friends at Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service