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Dear Wisconsin Humanities Friends and Supporters, The wild apples on my farm took the year off and voles chomped the roots of my tomato plants, so here on the edge of the Driftless, autumn feels more than usually hot and less than usually abundant. Maybe nature is picking up on the national temper! Spending time… Read more »

Dear Wisconsin Humanities Friends and Supporters, There’s anticipation in the air in September — you know, that back-to-school feeling! I’m eagerly anticipating the launch of our listening sessions on Sept. 30 — the start of a great learning experience. Thank you to the 48 generous donors who contributed over $6,000 to our We’re Listening, Wisconsin campaign! With your support, an expert is… Read more »

Adam Carr is a Milwaukee alchemist. He is an evangelist for his home and an urban explorer who uses storytelling, city walking tours, radio productions, film, journalism, and art to build connections between people and place. Human Powered podcast hosts Jen Rubin and Jessica Becker invited our former Human Powered co-host into a friendly conversation… Read more »

Dear Wisconsin Humanities Family, Supporters, and Friends, I have news — and it’s more hopeful than when our federal funding was terminated. Perhaps federal funding really could return in 2026? The House Appropriations Committee took its first action on the 2026 federal budget, voting to fund the National Endowment for the Humanities at $135 million… Read more »

Dear Wisconsin Humanities Family, Supporters, and Friends, Earlier this spring, you stood with Wisconsin Humanities like never before. In the midst of a whirlwind of challenges—losing federal funding, making the painful decision to lay off valued colleagues, giving up our office, and pausing beloved programs like our award-winning Community Powered training and Love Wisconsin, and our… Read more »

Dear Wisconsin Humanities Family, Supporters, and Friends, When I came to work with Wisconsin Humanities, I was so excited by its mission. I believed that what the organization did was deeply important and I agreed with Max Harris, the director then, that the humanities help people gain new perspectives on their fellow humans. Over time, I’ve broadened… Read more »

Last week marked a big transition. We moved out of our office, we gathered our leaders together, and we charted a path for the next six months. The Move … After our federal funding was terminated, we had to lay off most staff and suspend all our programs. We also ended our lease. Last week we… Read more »

I have terrific news to share. Thanks to our wonderful supporters, by the end of May we made the match for the $50,000 challenge we received from the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation! Wow! That’s $100,000 that will make a BIG difference in Wisconsin Humanities’ ability to sustain our… Read more »

By Meghan Dudle, WH Director of Grants and Outreach For 53 years, Wisconsin Humanities has re-distributed federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities with integrity and a passion for always improving. WH’s grant program has made accessible public humanities programming possible for everyday Wisconsinites. Due to the devastating termination of our NEH General… Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2025 Contact: Tony Sansalone Director of Development, Wisconsin Humanities 608-265-5594, tony.sansalone@wisconsinhumanities.org In Response to Federal Cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities, Mellon Foundation Announces $15 Million in Emergency Funding for Humanities Councils ➞ This investment by the Mellon Foundation will help stabilize Wisconsin Humanities, which is launching a… Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2025 Contact: Dena Wortzel, Executive Director, Wisconsin Humanities (608) 438-1712, (608) 265-5593, dena.wortzel@wisconsinhumanities.org The end of National Endowment for the Humanities funding to state humanities councils threatens to harm communities in every Congressional district. April 3, 2025 — Madison. The future of the Wisconsin Humanities (WH), and the myriad statewide… Read more »

A Q&A with Kitonga Tumaini Alexander, written by Sheila Drefahl. Milwaukee Bronzeville is a vibrant neighborhood born from the Great Migration. It stands as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans seeking better opportunities. This area blossomed into a thriving community, marked by sustainable businesses and cultural richness. However, like many… Read more »