About Humanities Washington
Our mission
Humanities Washington opens minds and bridges divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives.
Our vision
We envision a state where all people seek a deeper understanding of others, themselves, and the human experience, in order to discern and promote the common good.
Our values
Critical thinking: We encourage personal reflection, open mindedness, lifelong learning, and truth-seeking.
Stewardship: We uphold public trust through impactful and transparent use of resources.
Belonging: We want people of all ages, means, cultures to feel welcome and valued in our organization and programs.
Connection: We seek opportunities to promote healthy dialogue between people with differing perspectives in order to build and strengthen mutually beneficial community relationships
Respect: We believe people are equal in dignity and strive to provide welcoming spaces that uphold the dignity of our participants and promote the productive exchange of ideas.
What we do
Humanities Washington and its partners create spaces for people to come together to explore and consider what it means to be human, and to reflect on our shared past, present, and future. We hold events and programs led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers, who discuss everything from Washington State history to philosophy to current social issues. We also support and partner with a wide network of communities, organizations, and individuals across the state. All Humanities Washington programs are open to the public, and nearly all are free of charge.
What we do
Humanities Washington and its partners create spaces for people to come together to explore and consider what it means to be human, and to reflect on our shared past, present, and future. We hold events and programs led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers, who discuss everything from Washington State history to philosophy to current social issues. We also support and partner with a wide network of communities, organizations, and individuals across the state. All Humanities Washington programs are open to the public, and nearly all are free of charge.
By The Numbers - HW in 2023
What are the humanities?
The humanities help us understand the human experience through conversation, thought, and reflection. If you’ve read a book, discussed ideas with a friend, attended a talk, written a poem, or just paused to reflect on big questions, then you’ve participated in the humanities. They clarify our history, our values, and our culture.
Encompassing fields such as history, philosophy, and literature, the humanities help us dig into the root of a problem, and they provide context, connection, and sometimes even comfort.
- “We’ve been here before,” says the historian, “and here’s how we got out of it.”
- “Here’s why we think this way,” says the philosopher, “and here’s how to think differently.”
- “This story hasn’t been heard,” says the writer. “Here’s fiction that points to the truth.”
The humanities are rooted in words. And words are the most peaceful yet impactful way that we can change the world. Ultimately, the humanities is all around us—it’s a way of seeing the each other with compassion, curiosity, and openness.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our office lies on the traditional land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish Tribe, who have stewarded this land for generations.
History of Humanities Washington
In 1965 Congress enacted the National Endowment for the Arts and the Humanities Act, which established the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The NEH founded Humanities Washington, along with 55 other state and territorial humanities councils, in 1973. Humanities Washington, originally called the Washington Commission for the Humanities, operates as an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit and leverages funding received from the NEH.
Humanities Washington served solely as a grantmaking organization until 1984, when it launched its first program, Inquiring Minds (now called Speakers Bureau), a roster of traveling historical and cultural experts. Since that time we have added other programs and initiatives such as Family Reading, Traveling Exhibits, and Think & Drink. In partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission/ArtsWA, we also present the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions and the Washington State Poet Laureate program. Humanities Washington’s work is made possible through contributions from many individuals, corporations, and foundations, the State of Washington and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
At City College in Seattle, forum attendees discuss the relationship between the liberal arts, college and the workplace. Photo: John E. Walker
All Are Welcome
Humanities Washington works with scholars, tradition bearers, cultural organizations, and communities to open minds and bridge divides by bringing people together around the humanities.
Humanities Washington’s Board of Trustees and Staff will work proactively to ensure open and welcoming engagement in every area of our organization, prioritizing authentic community collaboration and engagement with people and communities whose perspectives have not been traditionally represented in the humanities.
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