ABOUT US
What are the humanities?
The humanities are branches of knowledge concerned with human thought and culture—language, history, literature, civics, philosophy, ethics, law, religion, anthropology, archaeology. Often referred to as liberal arts, these branches combine to form a foundation for human interaction and connection.
Mission and history
Through its emphasis on the humanities, the Minnesota Humanities Center works to build a thoughtful, literate, and engaged society. A Minnesota-based national center and clearing house for the best in the humanities, the Humanities Center: conducts professional development opportunities; creates and disseminates one-of-a-kind educational resources; partners with other organizations to offer humanities programs statewide; and operates a full-service meeting and event center.
Founded in 1971, the Humanities Center is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
About the Minnesota Humanities Center's logo
The logo depicts an open book, a leaf, and an open hand. Together, these symbolize the Humanities Center's aim in building a thoughtful, literate and engaged society--one in which citizens learn, grow, and give.
If you like our logo and want to support our work, go to our store at
cafepress.com and purchase t-shirts, mugs, mousepads and more!
Historic meeting and event center
The offices and many of the programs of the Humanities Center are housed in a full-service meeting and event center on St. Paul's East Side, near Lake Phalen. The facility is also used by a variety of clientele for meetings, retreats, small conferences, and special events.
Board of Directors
The Humanities Center is governed by a 24-member board of directors. Members serve four-year terms, volunteer their time, and come from all areas of the state, reflecting the state's cultural and geographic diversity. Members are elected by the board of directors at its quarterly meetings.
Click here to see a list of current board members.
Financial support
Funding for the Minnesota Humanities Center’s programs and professional development offerings is provided in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Minnesota Department of Education, the State of Minnesota, and income earned through publication sales, program fees, and facility rentals.
The Minnesota Humanities Center also relies on the generosity of individual donations.