Humanities Montana hosted four Why It Matters virtual panels with the support of funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in collaboration with the Federation of State Humanities Councils: The Purpose of Protest, Our Rural/Urban Political Divide, The Native Vote in Montana, and The Political Power of Young People. Over 700 Montanans attended the four virtual panels between January and April.
With National Endowment for the Humanities funds provided through the American Rescue Plan, Humanities Montana awarded $551,195 in Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) grants to 51 cultural organizations throughout the state.
The Humanities Montana board of directors welcomed four new Governor’s appointees, Glory Blue Earth-Highley of Deer Lodge, Jessica Flint of Billings, Susan Hughes of Helena, and Lathie Poole of Bozeman. Jennifer Corning of Billings and Ramey Growing Thunder of Poplar also joined the board.
The Democracy Project launched at three library sites—Missoula, Billings, and Whitehall. With support from the Engelhard Foundation, The Democracy Project engages teens in civic action through partnerships with local libraries, community organizations, and Humanities Montana. This program gives teens the resources to effect change and know their role in an evolving democracy through direct participation.
In September, Humanities Montana hosted its first virtual Governor’s Humanities Awards, honoring Montanans Dorothy Bradley, Janine Pease, Jim Robbins, Jim Scott, and Chrysti Smith.