Cuts to Humanities Texas to affect Permian Basin communities
May 9—On April 2, Humanities Texas was notified that its federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) had been terminated, effective immediately.
For over 50 years, Humanities Texas programs have improved classroom teaching, supported libraries and museums, and created opportunities for lifelong learning across the state, a news release said.
The loss of federal funding — approximately 65% of the organization's annual budget — will have a devastating effect on Texas communities, the release said.
Over 140 teachers from 55 schools in the Permian Basin region have participated in Humanities Texas's free professional development programs.
Humanities Texas has awarded 122 grants to 60 area organizations, and the council's traveling exhibitions have been displayed 133 times at 38 local venues. Recent grantees and venues include the Museum of the Southwest, Midland Historical Society, Ector County Library, the Heritage Museum of Big Spring, and Sul Ross State University.
Permian Basin organizations have also served as partners for Humanities Texas's Texas Storytime family reading program, local teacher professional development programs, grants workshops, and film screenings.
These programs contribute to Texas's thriving economy, culture, and civic life and create opportunities for the connection and meaningful conversation that representative democracy demands.
"The support and guidance provided by Humanities Texas has been extremely important to our museum, community, and region," Christine Holcomb, executive director of the Historic White-Pool House in Odessa, said in the release. "Our legacy and authenticity are at great risk on a daily basis. Through Humanities Texas's teamwork, we have been able to preserve and promote that which gives us our distinctive culture."
"We are basically an underserved region of Texas," Holcomb continued. "Cuts to funding demonstrate a misunderstanding of the importance of our collective history. Once history is lost, it cannot be fully restored. Being able to visit and participate in our history is a gift and immeasurable way to connect the generations."
Like its fellow state humanities councils, Humanities Texas pursues its mission as a public-private partnership, leveraging federal dollars with state and private funding. Without NEH support, Humanities Texas loses the operating grant that not only supports its service to Texans statewide but also catalyzes local investment from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Everyday Americans will feel this loss. Those most negatively impacted will be citizens in rural communities, veterans, seniors, families with young children, students, and teachers, the release said.
"Without federal support," said Executive Director Eric Lupfer, "we will be forced to make significant cuts to programs that promote local heritage and history and strengthen the capacity of grassroots cultural and educational organizations."
To learn how you can help protect the state humanities councils, visit the Humanities Texas website at www.humanitiestexas.org.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
5 hours ago
By The Numbers: The origins of Pride Month
A look at the numbers behind the significance of the month of June for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
101-year-old Dunwoody veteran travels to France for 81st D-Day anniversary
The Brief Hilbert Margol, 101, traveled from Dunwoody, Georgia, to Normandy, France, to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day, honoring the fallen soldiers of World War II. A World War II veteran who helped liberate Dachau concentration camp, Margol reflected on the sacrifices made and was awarded France's Legion of Honour last year. Despite his accomplishments, Margol humbly states, "I never considered myself or any of the other veterans heroes because in my judgment, the heroes are the guys who didn't make it back." ATLANTA - At 101 years old, Dunwoody resident and World War II veteran Hilbert Margol made the journey to Normandy, France, this week to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day, joining a small group of surviving veterans honoring those who fought and died in the pivotal battle. Although Margol did not serve on D-Day itself, he was part of the Allied forces that ultimately secured victory in World War II. He first visited Normandy last year for the 80th anniversary and immediately knew he wanted to return. "It was such a fantastic trip. I said, I have to go back again," Margol said. Before leaving for France, Margol shared a farewell kiss with his wife of more than 70 years — a moment captured just as it was during his trip the year before. During last year's visit, Margol toured the Normandy American Cemetery, reflecting on the sacrifice made by thousands of soldiers, even though he didn't personally know any of the men buried there. PREVIOUS STORY: Dunwoody vet travels to France for D-Day anniversary, receives France's highest honor "I know that those that were gave all of the freedom that this country enjoys, and it was quite emotional at the time," he said. More than 2,500 American soldiers lost their lives on D-Day alone, with more than 400,000 Americans dying during the war. Over 16 million Americans were called to serve. "All the veterans that I served with, you know, were born and grew up during the Great Depression. So we were used to tough times. So going into combat was not that difficult," Margol recalled. Margol's military service included a profound and somber moment — alongside his twin brother, he was among the first American soldiers to enter the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. "We knew almost nothing about such camps, so whatever we saw, witnessed a lot of dead bodies and so forth. We didn't understand why they were there, why they were dead," Margol said. Last year, Margol was one of 11 U.S. veterans awarded the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit. "When President Macron of France pinned the medal on my jacket, he leaned over and kissed me on both cheeks, which I expected because that's European custom," Margol said. His trips to Normandy were made possible through the support of the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines. Despite the accolades, Margol remains humble about his service. "I never considered myself or any of the other veterans heroes because in my judgment, the heroes are the guys who didn't make it back," he said. For Margol, the journey across the Atlantic wasn't about reliving history — it was about paying tribute to those who never returned.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
American Legion Post 2 holds annual D-Day remembrance ceremony
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — American Legion Post 2 held its annual D-Day remembrance ceremony Friday, marking the 81 years since Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, a turning point in World War II. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. along the Peoria Riverfront next to the RiverPlex, where Legion members gathered to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who took part in the largest amphibious invasion in history. On June 6, 1944, approximately 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline to confront Nazi Germany. The operation was supported by over 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a critical foothold in continental Europe but at a steep cost. More than 4,700 Allied forces died that, about 2,000 of them being Americans. Gary Hall, the service officer for Post 2, delivered remarks during the ceremony, underscoring the importance of remembering those who served. 'These events right here — like for D-Day — we want people to never forget what a sacrifice, what payment was made in order to keep our freedom. All gave some and some gave all,' Hall said. Notably, no members of the public attended the ceremony this year. Hall expressed disappointment in the turnout but said he understands that many people had work obligations during the morning hours. The event was held at the Military Services Memorial Plaza, continuing a long-standing tradition by Post 2 to honor those who served and to remind future generations of the cost of freedom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
