FORT WORTH, Texas, May 2023 — This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Humanities Texas.
As the state humanities council, Humanities Texas improves the quality of classroom teaching, supports libraries and museums and creates opportunities for lifelong learning for all Texans.
Over five decades, the organization has had a profound impact in communities throughout the state.
It has been especially active in Fort Worth and the surrounding region.
Humanities Texas is often recognized for its work with the state’s teachers. The organization’s free workshops in history, government and English provide educators the opportunity to study with scholars and explore topics at the heart of the state’s social studies and language arts curricula. 523 Tarrant County teachers have participated in these programs.
Meanwhile, the organization’s Outstanding Teaching Awards are the most prestigious statewide awards in K–12 humanities instruction. Since 1990, 46 Fort Worth-area teachers have been recognized, including teachers in the Fort Worth, Birdville and Grapevine-Colleyville independent school districts.
Through its grants and exhibitions programs, Humanities Texas provides critical resources to the state’s cultural and educational institutions. During the pandemic, Humanities Texas funding was a lifeline for museums and libraries statewide, enabling them to continue operations and retain staff.
Humanities Texas is governed by a board of civic leaders and scholars representing communities throughout Texas. Twelve Tarrant County residents have served on Humanities Texas’s board over the years, including Mary Louise Albritton, Thomas Brewer, Kit Moncrief, Bob Ray Sanders and Mary Volcansek.
Current board members from the area are Trasa Cobern, Joy Ann Weaver Havran and Nancy Painter Paup.
On May 9, 2023, Humanities Texas will hold a reception at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame celebrating its service to Fort Worth and the surrounding region. Current Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and former Mayor Betsy Price are honorary co-chairs of the celebration.
“For five decades, Humanities Texas has worked with organizations in Fort Worth and throughout the state to conduct and support programs that advance the humanities and improve civic life” said Humanities Texas Executive Director Eric Lupfer. “We’re excited to celebrate this history while also looking ahead to future opportunity and partnerships.”
Attendees of the reception will include many of these current and former board members and teachers, as well as grantees, scholars, elected officials and representatives of the area’s cultural and educational organizations.