From the Director

How do you feel about the world you live in? What world do you dream of? How might you share your vision—for yourself, your community, or the world—with your neighbors? What happens if you do?

It has been 50 years since Wisconsin Humanities was created by people who believed that the humanities have a critical public role to play, helping Americans protect democracy. Back then, the humanities were seen as available primarily on campuses. Influenced by the “Wisconsin Idea,” our founders looked for creative ways to share the knowledge and skills of historians, professors of literature, languages, anthropology, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines, with people outside the classroom—to bring the humanities to life in community spaces.

We have learned and done a lot since then. For 50 years, WH has helped people explore countless dimensions of the human experience thanks to creative public humanities projects. From the foods we cook to the wars we’ve fought; from the stories we tell about our ancestors to the ideas that can shape our communities’ future. We believe that knowledge of many kinds, combined with heartfelt reflection, and conversation, can deepen our understanding and our democracy.

In this issue, you’ll learn about Community Powered, our newest approach to putting the humanities to work in ways that make communities better places for everyone. I’m thrilled that we are launching such a practical yet visionary project in our anniversary year.

Today, I don’t have to look far to find reasons to fear for humanity’s future. Nevertheless, I find hope every day in the caring efforts of so many Wisconsinites who share their stories, listen to others, and forge connections that can bring so much good into the world.

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