Idaho Humanities Council

Idaho Humanities Council The Idaho Humanities Council is a non-profit organization serving as the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The IHC is dedicated to serving Idahoans by promoting greater appreciation, and understanding of the humanities. The Idaho Humanities Council (IHC) is a non-profit organization serving as the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). We are one of 56 state humanities councils funded in part by the federal government through NEH's Federal/State Partnership Office. The

IHC is dedicated to serving Idaho citizens by promoting greater public awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the humanities. The Council accomplishes its mission by awarding grants to organizations statewide, and by working with organizations as partners to develop local humanities projects and programs, and by sponsoring its own Council-conducted programs, such as summer institutes in the humanities for K-12 teachers, library reading/discussion programs in small communities, traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution, a Humanities Speakers Bureau, Distinguished Humanities Lectures, and other projects and programs limited only by the imagination.

Take a Hike with the Humanities This week, we bring you, "Dark Testament, Verse 8," by Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Murray was...
06/05/2026

Take a Hike with the Humanities

This week, we bring you, "Dark Testament, Verse 8," by Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray.

Murray was an African American lawyer, labor organizer, writer, and human rights activist who dedicated their life to advocating for women, people of color, and other underserved communities. Born in 1910, Murray experienced profound loss early in life after the death of their mother and later their father.

A gifted student, Murray earned a BA from Hunter College and a law degree from Howard University School of Law. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, Murray became friends with Langston Hughes and encountered influential figures including W. E. B. Du Bois and Mary McLeod Bethune. In their twenties, Murray changed their name from “Anne Pauline” to “Pauli” while reflecting deeply on personal questions of identity and belonging.

While at Howard, Murray challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson, arguments that later helped shape Brown v. Board of Education. Although denied admission to Harvard University because of gender, Murray went on to publish a study on state segregation laws.

Throughout the 1960s, Murray advocated for civil rights and women’s rights, especially for Black working-class women, and later taught at Brandeis University. In 1977, Murray became the first Black person, perceived as a woman, ordained as an Episcopal priest. Murray passed away in 1985 from cancer, after a lifelong commitment to faith, education, and human dignity.

Take A Hike is a virtual program designed to get Idahoans enjoying the outdoors with a reading inspired by the beauty of this land. Each week we suggest a reading to help you make the most of your outdoor adventures! We will include short stories, poems, cartoons, essays, songs and more.

Share your photos/thoughts/inspiration with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at [email protected].

Access the full poem: https://travelingasafamily.tumblr.com/post/165548861414/dark-testament-verse-8-by-pauli-murray

Grant Highlight from Cassidy Corta from Tigert Middle School. Ms. Corta received a K-12 grant to help support her classr...
06/04/2026

Grant Highlight from Cassidy Corta from Tigert Middle School.
Ms. Corta received a K-12 grant to help support her classroom library. She purchased books for students to engage with independent reading challenges. After completing the challenges, students received a prize or reward for their efforts.

IHC’s K-12 Grants are offered to support humanities education across Idaho in a variety of ways. Professional development, book purchases, and field trips are all examples of projects we fund. Interested in learning more? Visit: https://idahohumanities.org/grants/k12grants/

06/03/2026

The IMMG, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd, displays historic mining artifacts, rocks and minerals from Idaho

06/01/2026

Peterson, a native of Montpelier, received his Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University in 1968. After three years at the University of Texas at Arlington, he returned to Utah State University in 1971 where he served as professor of American history for 33 years.

Every object has a story. What's yours? Bring your wartime object — a medal, a letter, a uniform, a photograph — and sha...
06/01/2026

Every object has a story. What's yours?

Bring your wartime object — a medal, a letter, a uniform, a photograph — and share the story behind it. Historians from Utah State University will document your memento for a permanent archive and record your family's story. Veterans, military families, and anyone with a wartime object or story from any era are welcome.

Museum admission is free for the first 20 participants.

Join us at the Museum of Idaho on Saturday, July 11, from 10 am - 2pm for Bringing War Home.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Learn more and register: https://museumofidaho.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F46954

Before we finish Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we wanted to share some stories tha...
05/30/2026

Before we finish Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we wanted to share some stories that explore the Asian American experience in Idaho. These books highlight the different perspectives we can learn from each other through many genres of literature. Which stories spark your curiosity?

Grant Highlight from the McCall Arts and Humanities CouncilThey were awarded a $750 grant from the Idaho Humanities Coun...
05/28/2026

Grant Highlight from the McCall Arts and Humanities Council

They were awarded a $750 grant from the Idaho Humanities Council for their program, “Layers of Legacy: Asian American Heritage in Idaho.”

This program centered on a shared goal for the evening: exploring how members of the Chinese community carried their traditions, customs, and cultural practices with them to Adams, Idaho and Valley counties. Through stories, history, and artistic expression, they highlighted the lasting impact of these traditions on the region.

✨Fund your next idea with the Idaho Humanities Council Have ideas? We are here to help you bring them to life. Our Actio...
05/23/2026

✨Fund your next idea with the Idaho Humanities Council

Have ideas? We are here to help you bring them to life. Our Action and K-12 Grants are awarded on a monthly cycle to educators and nonprofits for humanities projects and programs in their communities across Idaho.

Interested in funding your next idea? Learn more by visiting idahohumanities.org/actiongrant/

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we want to share Idaho stories about the...
05/21/2026

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we want to share Idaho stories about the Asian American experience in Idaho. Learn with us from Kurt Ikeda and Robyn Achilles about Minidoka National Historic Site through our Context Podcast. Based in Jerome, Idaho the site incarcerated over 13,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The site is now preserved by the National Park Service, which preserves and educates on stories related to the World War II incarceration of Japanese American at Minidoka. Watch here: https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/context/items/context_53.html

05/21/2026

Step back into history with a special FREE community screening of Ken Burn's, 'The American Revolution' at the Warhawk Air Museum on Saturday, June 20! 🇺🇸

Join Idaho Public Television for curated excerpts from the new documentary, followed by a live Q&A with Boise State University Professor Dr. David Walker, exploring the military strategy and lasting impact of America’s fight for independence.

📍 Warhawk Air Museum — Nampa
🗓 Saturday, June 20 at 3:30pm
🎟 FREE to attend

Save your seat now! Register at idahoptv.org/events

Address

217 West State Street
Boise, ID
83702

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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