West Virginia Humanities Council

The West Virginia Humanities Council is a private, non-profit organization based in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1974, the Council serves as the state's primary advocate for the humanities. It is a 501(c)3 organization, with the majority of its funding coming from public and private sources within West Virginia. As the West Virginia affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council works to promote and support humanities initiatives throughout the state. The Council's core mission is to award grants to a variety of organizations, including educational institutions, museums, and historical societies. These grants support projects and programs that explore and celebrate the humanities. In addition to grantmaking, the Council directly engages in programming, such as traveling exhibits, historical character enactments, and public lectures. These programs delve into the rich history, culture, and diversity of West Virginia, encompassing various disciplines within the humanities. The West Virginia Humanities Council distinguishes itself through its commitment to preserving and promoting West Virginia's cultural heritage. The Council is the publisher of the West Virginia Encyclopedia, which is available in both print and online formats at www.wvencyclopedia.org. This comprehensive resource provides a wealth of information about the state's history, people, and places. For inquiries or to learn more about the Council's programs and initiatives, please visit their website at wvhumanities.org.