Welcome to the North Carolina Humanities Council

Founded in 1972, the North Carolina Humanities Council is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities dedicated to exploring and celebrating our state’s heritage, history and people. Through its programs, partnerships and scholarships, the Council preserves and shares the stories that bring North Carolina’s culture to life and enrich the lives of residents across the state.

Our web calendar in the right-hand menu lists upcoming events and activities. All event dates and times are listed as they were submitted to the Council. Please contact the local project director listed on the event link to confirm details.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is in jeopardy, with strong indications its funding may be eliminated in the current administration’s budget proposal to Congress. State humanities councils receive core funding from the NEH.The public humanities provide people from all walks of life with a greater understanding of ourselves and others. Local programs strengthen and build communities by fostering thoughtful dialogue around issues of importance.

We are calling on all our humanities advocates to speak up and urge Congress to sustain the NEH funding that is crucial to nation’s democracy, history and cultural heritage. Click here to learn more.

North Carolina Humanities Council is now the home of the NC Center for the Book, Part of Library of Congress’s National Network for Reading, Literacy

Library of Congress’ Network of Affiliate Centers Includes Sites in 50 States,D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands

North Carolina Humanities Council Now Operating North Carolina Center for the Book, Part of Library’s National Network for Reading, Literacy

read more >>

Dr. Margaret D. Bauer to Receive North Carolina Humanities Council’s Highest Honor

Dr. Margaret D. Bauer to Receive North Carolina Humanities Council’s Highest Honor

Ceremony to feature bestselling author Dr. Charles Frazier

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 1, 2018) – The North Carolina Humanities Council’s Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Margaret Donovan Bauer as the recipient of the 2018 John Tyler Caldwell Award for the Humanities, the Council’s most prestigious honor.

read more >>

North Carolina Humanities Council Continues its Partnership with the Smithsonian in 2020 - Tour Host Site Applications Now Being Accepted

CHARLOTTE, NC (July 20, 2018) – Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to bring a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition to your community!

The North Carolina Humanities Council is seeking six small town museums, public libraries, nature centers, and other cultural nonprofit organizations to host Water/Ways, coming to North Carolina, May 2020- March 2021.

read more >>

Statewide Literary Contest Now Accepting Submissions

Statewide Literary Contest Now Accepting Submissions

Winner to receive $1,500 from the North Carolina Humanities Council

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 11, 2018) – The North Carolina Humanities Council invites original, unpublished entries of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry for the 2018 Linda Flowers Literary Award. Entries must be deeply engaged with North Carolina by drawing on particular North Carolina connections or memories. Submissions will be accepted online from April 9-July 13, 2018.

read more >>

North Carolina Humanities Council Wins Mellon Foundation Grant for Media Literacy Project

Funding for statewide humanities programs that examine what it means to be an informed citizen

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 17, 2018) – The North Carolina Humanities Council has been awarded a $35,000 grant through the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for its yearlong initiative, Journalism and Media Literacy: Fostering Informed Citizens.

read more >>

NCHC presents “Thrillers! An Evening with Authors John Grisham and John Hart” in Raleigh on Feb. 23.”

Bridging the gap between the humanities and the sciences, come explore the imagination behind the creation of riveting novels as the North Carolina Humanities Council and the  North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences  with WRAL-TV and Business North Carolina magazine— present “Thrillers! An Evening with Authors John Grisham and John Hart.” This special event takes place at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh on Friday, February 23, 7:30 p.m., and will be moderated by D.G. Martin, host of UNC-TV’s “North Carolina Bookwatch.”

read more >>