Kentucky Humanities believes in the power of storytelling, history, and culture to educate, inspire, and strengthen our communities. The humanities connect us to our past, help us understand our present, and shape our future. With your support, we can continue to bring engaging programs, cultural initiatives, and educational resources to all Kentuckians.
In early April, Kentucky Humanities received notice from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that our federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has been terminated effective immediately.
We urgently need you to contact your Congress members and show your support for Kentucky Humanities’ work throughout the Commonwealth. Remind them how important Kentucky Humanities programs are in your community and urge them to stop DOGE from gutting the NEH and state humanities councils.
Kentucky Humanities proudly serves as the state affiliate of the NEH, and if the termination of funding to state councils is not stopped, we will lose all of the federal funding that supports our work in your libraries, schools, community centers, and museums.
“When they talk of cutting funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities, that seems like a Washington, D.C. issue, far removed from us in Kentucky,” said Kentucky Humanities Executive Director Bill Goodman. “But those cuts have huge impacts in Kentucky. Kentucky Humanities leverages NEH funds to reach communities and classrooms throughout the entire Commonwealth. Without funding we can’t continue to bring Prime Time Family Reading® to libraries like the George Coon Public Library in Princeton. We can’t bring a traveling Smithsonian exhibit to rural areas like Clinton. We can’t send children’s authors to schools like Science Hill Independent to share the love of reading and writing with students and give away copies of their books to the kids. We can’t support Kentucky’s cultural institutions impacted by natural disasters. We can’t award grant funds to community organizations in your town for humanities projects. And, we can’t bring book discussions to your book club through Kentucky Reads. Cuts to NEH have an impact in every county in Kentucky. We hope you will rally to support us by contacting your Congressmen to encourage them to support funding the National Endowment for the Humanities and by association, Kentucky Humanities.”
Please contact your elected officials and urge them to support the continued funding of NEH and the state humanities councils.
Remind them that from 2020-2024, Kentucky Humanities sponsored nearly 2,500 events reaching more than 3 million Kentuckians, and awarded more than $1.6 million in grant funds to cultural organizations throughout the state. These initiatives included Kentucky Chautauqua® performances, Speakers Bureau programs, Prime Time Family Reading, traveling Smithsonian exhibits, Kentucky Reads book discussions, Kentucky Humanities magazine, Think History, KBF School Days, and the Kentucky Book Festival.
Scroll down for contact information for Kentucky's federal delegates.
Click here for a script to help get you started when speaking to your elected officials.
Funding and support for the humanities are crucial for preserving Kentucky’s unique heritage, fostering critical thinking, and providing enriching experiences for people of all ages. Advocating for Kentucky Humanities means ensuring that schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations have the resources they need to continue their vital work.
Contact Your Representatives
Our representatives in Washington, D.C., need to hear from their constituents about the importance of funding for humanities programs. Reach out to your federal delegates and express your support for continued investment in the National Endowment for the Humanities and Kentucky Humanities. A list of Kentucky Senators and Representatives is below.
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Share Your Story
Personal stories have power. If a Kentucky Humanities program has impacted your life or your community, share your experience. Your testimony can be a compelling argument for continued support.
Donate
Financial contributions allow us to sustain and expand our programs. Consider making a donation to directly support our mission.
Engage Your Community
Organize Kentucky Reads book discussions, host Kentucky Chautauqua® or Speakers Bureau events, or participate in local humanities projects. Raising awareness within your community helps build a stronger network of advocates.
Together, we can ensure that the humanities continue to thrive in Kentucky. Your voice, your actions, and your support make a difference. Join us in advocating for the history, literature, and culture that enrich our Commonwealth.
George Coon Public Library
Princeton, Caldwell County
Prime Time Family Reading is a six-week literacy program for children and the significant adults in their lives. Families are provided with a meal at no cost and receive 11 free books to keep at the end of the program. NEH support is vital to this program which has reached over 16,000 Kentuckians since 2004.
"When it comes to visible, real time improvement on the children’s communication skills, critical thinking skills, and reading skills, we have had the privilege of witnessing that each and every week of every Prime Time program we have been a part of these 9 years."
YesArts!
Frankfort, Franklin County
The Youth Innovation in America (YIRA) grant took place at 6 sites in 5 counties over the course of 2023-24. In conjunction with the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street initiative, this project awarded $1,000 dollars to community youth organizations to address problems they see within their hometowns. NEH support is vital to programs like YIRA and Museum on Main Street.
"We loved hosting this exhibit. Because of our involvement with the YIRA program, we enhanced the presence of the Smithsonian in our schools and community."
Hindman Settlement School
Hindman, Knott County
In the wake of the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the NEH provided grant funds for multiple cultural institutions including the Hindman Settlement School and Appalshop. Kentucky Humanities utilized NEH money to develop a series of disaster prevention and relief webinars attended by over 200 participants in 22 states.
“Excellent presentation! A ton of great information that will aid in developing, maintaining, and updating a disaster recovery plan. I would recommend these sessions to everyone—no matter the organization. Thank you!”
Menifee Central School
Frenchburg, Menifee County
Humanities in the Schools brings children's authors to elementary schools all across the state to discuss their work and life as an author. Authors do a meet and greet with each student after the program and sign free copies of their book for each participant.
"My students loved the visit. They commented that this was the first "celebrity" that they had ever met. I had students begin to write and illustrate their own books."
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Lexington, Fayette County
The Kentucky Book Festival takes place each fall in Lexington, Kentucky. Authors from all across the nation come to Kentucky to share their work, discuss literature, and share their love of reading. Opportunities for children include book giveaways, story time, face painting, and more. NEH support is vital for the festival, which reaches Kentuckians of all ages.
"I absolutely love the Kentucky Book Festival! I think y'all do an amazing job and do the absolute best you can. Everything is so organized and well-thought-out. It was well-organized and well-attended. Great job done by organizers and volunteers!"