Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Kentucky Humanities is supported by the National Endowment and by private contributions. We are not a state agency, but are proud partners with Kentucky's cultural, heritage, arts, and tourism agencies.
More than just history, by Kentucky's story we mean Kentucky's writers, inventors, judges, musicians, architects, doctors—in short, the contributions from every walk of life to the quality of life in Kentucky. We recognize a need to build civic engagement as well as literacy, and we want to involve all ages and all places from Pine Knot to Princeton. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can learn from the stories of others. These stories, taken together, are the stories of our communities, our counties, our regions, and our unique Kentucky culture and heritage. They are the basis of our pride and the basic premise of community.
We believe that every Kentuckian has a story worth sharing. Through compelling programs, community partnerships, and statewide initiatives, we bring these stories to life—honoring the people, places, and traditions that define the Commonwealth. Whether it’s through literary events, traveling exhibits, oral history projects, or public conversations, we create spaces for Kentuckians to connect with one another and explore what it means to be part of Kentucky’s rich cultural tapestry. By telling Kentucky’s stories, we help shape its future—one voice at a time.
Humanity in all its forms. The humanities are the values by which we live, the ideas that organize our thinking, and all of the ways we communicate with each other. The humanities include the ways of knowing found in the academic disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, as well as anthropology, sociology and psychology. But they encompass much more: religion, culture, the origins of Bluegrass music, the archaeology of landfills, Kentuckians' love for their counties, what they teach their children, why they make burgoo. All these things are the humanities.
There are 56 humanities councils located in U.S. states and territories supporting local humanities programs and events. The state humanities councils are funded in part by the federal government through NEH. They also receive funding from private donations, foundations, corporations, and, in some cases, state government.
We want a lifetime relationship with every Kentuckian.
Symbolizes the illuminating power of the humanities in the lives of all Kentuckians.
Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to Telling Kentucky’s Story to create a legacy of pride in the Commonwealth and build civic engagement. We promote the humanities statewide through programs & services that celebrate Kentucky's culture, enrich lives, support local initiatives, and empower all Kentuckians to participate and be a part of that story.
Lou Anna Red Corn, JD
Vice Chair
Lexington
Penny Peavler
Treasurer
Louisville
Andrew Reed
Secretary
Pikeville
Phil Lynch
Executive Committee member
Louisville
Teri Carter
Executive Committee member
Lawrenceburg
Aaron Asbury
Ashcamp
Brian Clardy, Ph.D.
Murray
Selena Sanderfer Doss, Ph.D.
Bowling Green
Sierra Enlow
Hodgenville
Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Morehead
Eric Jackson, Ph.D.
Florence
Phil Lynch
Louisville
Libby Parkinson
Louisville
Angelica Prekopa
Lexington
Taylor Stuckey
Lexington
John Yarmuth
Louisville
Wayne Yates
Princeton
Marianne Stoess
Assistant Director/Editor, Kentucky Humanities
Email: marianne.stoess@uky.edu
859-257-4316
Zoe Kaylor
Director of Operations
Email: zoe.kaylor@uky.edu
859-257-5472
Bill Goodman
Advisor
Email: bill.goodman@uky.edu
859-257-5932