Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

06/18/2026

Next week, we'll be welcoming social studies educators from across Louisiana to our annual Institute for Louisiana Culture and History Summer Intensive Workshop. In addition to lectures from content experts, participants will participate in field trips that will include tours and archival visits related to this year's topic French and Spanish Colonial Louisiana and Louisiana’s involvement in the Revolutionary War. Below, last year's participants share why this was one of the most surprising parts of their workshop experience.

06/16/2026

Hurricane season is here and, for cultural organizations that have not reviewed their response plans, it's time to make sure you're prepared. Our disaster preparedness resources include the Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide that includes sections on Readiness and Planning, Response and Recovery, Building an Emergency Network, and Sample Documents.

You can access the guide, along with virtual workshops covering Readiness and Planning and Response and Recovery, at

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has developed resources to help cultural organizations in their emergency planning.

06/15/2026

In celebration of Juneteenth, Shadows on the Teche and the Iberia African American Historical Society are hosting the Faith and Freedom Symposium on Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The symposium, supported by an LEH Program Mini Grant, is free to attend, and registration is recommended.

Learn more: https://www.shadowsontheteche.org/upcoming-events/faith-freedom-symposium

06/11/2026

We are proud of our Prime Time program's success, not only here at home but as we've grown across the U.S., and look forward to continuing to be a partner in increasing literacy rates among families.

Prime Time, a Louisiana family literacy program, has boosted reading skills for decades by fostering shared mealtimes and discussions, impacting children statewide and now nationwide.

06/10/2026

When you support the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, you support bringing arts and cultural programming to Louisianans not only at our The Helis Foundation John Scott Center but at the museums, libraries, and other cultural organizations in your own community.

Your support helps keep art programs, history lectures, museum exhibits, educational programs, and more alive - and thriving - across Louisiana.

Support this work at leh.org/donate

06/09/2026

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, in partnership with the America 250 Louisiana State Commission and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, has awarded $34,500 in first round Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants to organizations in 23 different parishes to support public humanities programming that engages local audiences with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States.

First round grants were awarded to organizations that applied by May 8. See the full list and learn more at leh.org/first-round-grants/

The next deadline for applications is July 8! Apply now at leh.org/parish-america-250-program-mini-grants/

More than $30,000 supports public humanities programming that engages local audiences with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States

06/08/2026

The summer issue of 64 Parishes magazine is out now! Find a copy at https://64parishes.org/distribution

Subscribe and never miss an issue: 64parishes.org/subscribe

The summer issue is here! Grab a copy or visit 64parishes.org.

Our cover story is John Wirt’s profile on the 2026 Humanist of the Year, Michael Doucet. Wirt takes an intimate look at Doucet and his lifelong work of preserving and celebrating Cajun French music and culture.

As Wirt explains: “Doucet sees his Humanist of the Year award as an honor not so much for himself but for BeauSoleil, the band. He didn’t make worldwide impact standing alone on stage. ‘I don’t consider this a personal award,’ the singer, songwriter, fiddler and bandleader said. ‘It’s for the group, too, because they were there. I was their guide, I know, but there’s got to be somebody who does that. I did it. It was fun, and I did it the best I could.’”

Read more at 64parishes.org/an-ambassador-of-louisianas-french-music

About the image: Photo by Brian Pavlich

06/05/2026

The Press Club of New Orleans has announced the finalists for their 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, and we are proud to announce that 64 Parishes magazine has received four nominations, including Best Magazine.

Winners will be announced July 18 at PCNO’s annual gala.

Click the link to see the full list of nominations and read the nominated stories.

Read more here: https://64parishes.org/64-parishes-finalist-for-multiple-2026-press-club-of-new-orleans-awards

About the Photo: “Wild Horse Race.” Kevin Rabalais. Finalist for Best Feature Photo 2026

06/04/2026

When you support the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, you support the stories that make Louisiana so unique.

Through "64 Parishes" magazine, we document our atate's history and culture and share those stories in our own communities and, through print and online, with readers in all 50 states and 218 countries.

With your continued support, the stories that define us don’t just survive, they thrive. Because when you support the LEH, you support your community’s stories and preserve them for future generations.

Support this work at leh.org/donate

06/02/2026

Announcing our fall Prime Time programs! This fall, 44 Prime Time family engagement and reading programs will bring Louisiana families together for high-quality literacy experiences built around children's books.

Prime Time will be making an appearance in 25 parishes, in cities and towns all the way from Bossier City to Braithwaite. Visit the link below to learn more and to find a program near you!

Find a program Forty-four Prime Time programs will reach 25 parishes this fall, bringing in-person Prime Time Family Reading and Prime Time Preschool Reading programs to communities all across Louisiana. A program of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time programs involve story-shari...