I’ve written here in the past about UntitledTown Book and Author Festival that I co-founded and lead in its first two years, 2017 and 2018, click here, for example. UntitledTown was, unfortunately, a casualty of the Pandemic. But while it lasted, it was a catalyzing experience for the community. Not only was it the largest literary event in the history of Northeastern Wisconsin, it revealed aspects of the community to itself in ways that are still important nearly 10 years later. But how did we get R.L. Stein to the University of Wisconsin Green Bay’s Weidner Center to speak to 4,000 kids? Well, aside for the graciousness of Mr. Stein, the answer is money.

So where did that money come from? In total, over 2 years we raised $250,000. The vast majority of that came from private foundations and local corporations., but, $50,000 came from the Wisconsin Humanities Council. This incredible organization has multiple grant cycles per year, and helps to fund important programs, exhibits, interventions, and activities related to the humanities across the state. It’s one of the most important funding mechanisms for things that help us understand our own history and culture. Living history museums, cultural exhibits, dance programs, Shakespeare festivals, etc. WSH funds touch about two dozen things throughout the state each year.

The WHC gets most of its funding from 5-year grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. As of April 2nd, this has ended and WHC is no longer accepting grant applications. The lack of this funding will forever alter what gets happens and how we understand ourselves.

So what can you do? They’ve set up a simple form letter that you can send to your legislators with just one click. Here’s the link. Very easy, very simple. I personally don’t think this has much chance of success, but it’s worth trying.

Edit: Just recalled that my dad was also a recipient of a NEH grant: “Early 19th Century South Italian Secret Societies in Social Perspective.” This was a summer research stipend in 1989. Gripping stuff!