In March, California Humanities joined state humanities colleagues from across the country in Washington, D.C. for Humanities on the Hill — an annual convening led by the Federation of State Humanities Councils that brings together humanities leaders to advocate for the continued visibility and support of this vital work. While the focus was on FY27 funding, funding for FY26 remains uncertain, even though Congress passed a budget with funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Federal-State Partnership line item.
President & CEO Rick Noguchi participated alongside our delegation, helping to represent California’s communities in national conversations about the role of the humanities in civic life.
Each year, this moment serves as a powerful reminder: the humanities are not just reflective — they are foundational to how we understand one another, engage across difference, and participate in a thriving democracy.
As a partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities was proud to ensure that the voices, stories, and experiences of Californians are part of this broader national dialogue.
During our time on the Hill, our delegation met with U.S. Representative Josh Harder to share how humanities programs across California are:
- Strengthening communities
- Amplifying local and underrepresented stories
- Deepening civic engagement across diverse regions
These conversations help connect policy to lived experience — illustrating how investments in the humanities directly impact communities across our state.
We were honored to be joined by a remarkable delegation representing the breadth of our work:
- Rick Noguchi, President & CEO
- Abe Hughes, Board Member from San Diego, and a retired business executive
- Elizabeth Ai, Grantee and Producer of New Wave
- Priscilla Enriquez, Board Member from Sacramento, and President and CEO of the James B. McClathcy Foundation
Together, we brought forward a shared message: that the humanities are essential infrastructure for a thriving, connected society.
Advocating on the Hill is about more than funding — it’s about visibility, recognition, and ensuring that the humanities remain part of how our nation understands itself.
From community storytelling to public programs, this work continues to lift the voices, histories, and ideas that help connect Californians.
Because when we invest in the humanities, we invest in connection.
Culture. Community. California — Connection.
Pictured left to right, picture 2: Elizabeth Ai, grantee, producer of New Wave, Rick Noguchi, President & CEO, US Rep Josh Harder, Priscilla Enriquez, board member, and Abe Hughes, board member
