Cuts to NEH Threaten New Hampshire’s Cultural & Educational Landscape

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On March 31, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump Administration notified the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) of deep cuts to staff and programs at the agency, which would put crucial funding for state humanities councils, including New Hampshire Humanities (NHH), at risk. 

Cuts to this critical federal funding would force NHH to drastically reduce or eliminate grant-making, leaving hundreds of libraries, schools, museums, and nonprofits without essential support. 

“Humanities programs are deeply embedded in the heart of New Hampshire—alive in museums, libraries, community centers, parks, and schools across the Granite State,” said Michael Haley Goldman, Executive Director of NHH. “A significant portion of our funding supports initiatives in historical societies and libraries, particularly in small and rural communities. These programs are not just important; they are vital to fostering strong, vibrant, and connected communities.”

NHH receives roughly half of its funding from grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support grantmaking and other public humanities programming. Last year, NEH funding reached all 10 counties in New Hampshire through libraries, museums, community organizations, colleges, and schools. The impact of NHH funding is particularly significant in rural areas, where other grant funding is limited. 

For more than 50 years, the U.S. has invested in humanities initiatives that promote lifelong learning, educate our citizens to think critically, and foster an understanding of our history, the human experience, and our neighbors. Information and resources about advocating for the humanities, especially in New Hampshire, can be found on the NHH website at www.nhhumanites.org/protectNEH and be sure to read our public statement HERE.

 

About New Hampshire Humanities: New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) funds and supports programs that inspire curiosity, foster civil dialogue, and explore big questions. An independent, statewide nonprofit, NHH made possible last year 641 free public programs and digital broadcasts reaching 26,656 residents, in partnership with 251 organizations in 172 communities, to engage all citizens, regardless of their age or educational level, with the humanities. For more information, please visit www.nhhumanities.org.