Latest news with #TexasStorytime
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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
