National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency established in 1965. Its mission is to promote excellence in the humanities and strengthen democracy by sharing historical lessons with all Americans. NEH is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States, supporting research, education, preservation, and public initiatives related to various fields, including language, literature, history, and social sciences.

NEH awards grants to cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and universities, as well as to individual scholars. Its programs focus on enhancing education, preserving cultural heritage, and facilitating public engagement through exhibitions and media. Notable initiatives include *Chronicling America*, which provides digital access to historic newspapers. By collaborating with state and territorial humanities councils, NEH extends its reach to support local humanities programs and promote lifelong learning opportunities for the public.