New Mexico Humanities Council

Grants: The NMHC funds grant requests to non-profit groups to create humanities programs for public audiences. These programs bring humanities scholars and the public together to create dialogues that enhance civic and cultural life. In 2005, NMHC won the prestigious national Schwartz Prize for its sponsorship of “Vietnam Voices and Visions Unfiltered.”

National History Day Contest: Each year, middle and high school students around the state are offered a chance to take part in History Day. Working with their teachers to create projects on an annual theme, the students compete locally, regionally, and at the state level. In June, winners of the state contest compete at National History Day at the University of Maryland.

Traveling Smithsonian Exhibitions: NMHC brings traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution to communities in all parts of New Mexico. Currently, an exhibition titled “Between Fences” is completing its tour of seven communities. Supplemented by local exhibits and programs, “Between Fences” examines how nations, states, communities and neighbors divide physical space. In 2010, an exhibition titled “New Harmonies,” examining roots music in the U.S., will begin a six-community tour. The traveling exhibitions go to small or rural museums.

Special Projects: From time to time, the Council undertakes special projects. In 2006, the Board of Directors adopted the “Centennial of Statehood” initiative.