Our Blog
State and Federal Funding Update
June 4, 2025 - By Kevin Lindsey
Welcome to June, the best time of year to live in Minnesota and the countdown to when we get to celebrate Juneteenth. We have been very busy planning events and programs, and would love to see you at one of our amazing offerings this year – there’s something for everyone.
Read MoreThe Critical Importance of Education, Connection, and the Humanities
May 7, 2025 - By Kevin Lindsey
Last Friday, President Trump submitted his budget to Congress for the next federal fiscal year. The Administration’s budget calls for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The rationale for eliminating NEH was that its work was unnecessary.
Read MoreThe Humanities Impact Us All. We Must Speak Up.
April 11, 2025 - By Josh Ney
As Chair of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), I’ve seen firsthand the power of the humanities to bring people together. That’s why the recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are so concerning.
Read MoreUrgent Message from CEO Kevin Lindsey
April 4, 2025 - By Kevin Lindsey
This week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shuttered the offices of National Endowment for the Humanities. DOGE terminated all agreements with state affiliates such as the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), terminated hundreds of contracts with scholars across the country, and placed nearly all NEH staff on administrative leave. If…
Read MoreA Thank You to Dr. Shelly Lowe
March 13, 2025 - By Kevin Lindsey
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) staff, grant recipients, and many partner organizations would like to thank Dr. Shelly Lowe, outgoing Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), for her dedication and leadership. Since 2021, Dr. Lowe has led NEH in the administration of over $6 billion in grants…
Read MoreHeadscarf Story Circle Gathering: Embracing Identity, Culture, and Community
March 7, 2025 - By Hodan A. Omar
In honor of International Women’s History Day When I was invited to host a Headscarf Story Circle gathering, I immediately said yes. The headscarf holds deep cultural, religious, and personal significance for many women, including myself. It represents identity, faith, dignity, and strength. Hosting this gathering felt like an opportunity…
Read MoreContinuing the Work
March 5, 2025 - By Kevin Lindsey
In response to questions about how threatened cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and how a possible federal government shutdown might impact MHC, let me share some information about our grant making process and grant administration work. MHC grantees can rest assured that their grant funding will…
Read MoreDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday of Service
February 28, 2025 - By Barbara Prindle
The Minnesota Humanities Center sponsored a number of cultural events to kick off 2025, including Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday of Service on Jan 19, 2025. Since 2015, this event has brought people together to not only commemorate the…
Read MoreWe Live On: Stories of Radical Connection
February 26, 2025 - By Lucinda Pepper
Storytelling is a practice stretching back over thousands of years. It is often a method used to transfer people’s stories, knowledge, values, morals and survival tactics. Storytelling provides both cause and container for celebrations, mourning, and organizing. It is one of the most powerful human art forms. Shared stories also…
Read MoreMHC Grantee Highlight: Civic Bridgers’ New Youth Leadership Development Program, Beyond Civics
February 11, 2025 - By Jasmine Nguyen
On January 15, 2025, Civic Bridgers launched its new program, Beyond Civics, at Banyan Community located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. Facilitated by Jasmine Nguyen, Program Engagement Coordinator and 2024-2025 Fellow at Civic Bridgers, the Beyond Civics enrichment program trains teens to become Bridgers: community leaders who engage and…
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