Read why CT Humanities and investment in humanities, history, libraries, museums and preservation is critical to Connecticut’s economy and an informed citizenry.
These testimonies were presented to the Appropriations Committee on February 17, 2017:
Angela George, Colchester Historical Society
[A recent] a Wayfinding Grant made our museum building more inviting and easier to find. We are now planning a new exhibit, telling a significant story about the early education of Afro-Americans in the region. Our plans to conduct scholarly research for the original early 19th century schoolhouse await notification of award status from CT Humanities.
Betty Ann Reiter, Groton Public Library
Bina Williams, Bridgeport Library
Bro Adams, National Endowment for the Humanities
In my capacity as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, I encourage you to restore these funds or at a minimum work to preserve access to state funding for Connecticut Humanities.
Carole Goldberg, Center for the Book
Cathy Fields, Litchfield Historical Society
Dan Bolognani, Housatonic Heritage
David Westmoreland, Norwalk Historical Commission
Elizabeth Normen, Connecticut Explored
The value of humanities and historic preservation as an economic and educational engine in this state is well documented. Every dollar of state investment in the sector yields $63 in economic activity according to a 2015 economic impact study (available at http://ctplaces.org/advocacy-tools/). The sector supports an estimated 5,300 jobs spread across every city and town in the state. And yet, major harm—possibly irreparable harm—is being done and will be done to the State of Connecticut if Connecticut Humanities is not returned to its rightful place in the budget.
Elizabeth Normen, CT Places Coalition
Esther Mackintosh, Federation of State Humanities Councils
Frank Mitchell, Connecticut Humanities
[Connecticut Humanities is] known for our support of heritage organizations and museums, reading programs that serve youth, our online heritage resource, Connecticuthistory.org,[and] support for public forums that allow for constructive exchange of ideas…]
Gigi Liverant, Colchester Historical Society
Jeff Andersen, Florence Griswold Museum
Julie Hulten, North Haven Historical Society
Kat Lyons, Center for the Book
Raechel Guest, Silas Bronson Library
Rennie McQuilkin, CT Poet Laureate
Robert Forbes, Jewish Historical Society of New Haven
Rose Evans, Columbus Family Academy
Susan Smayda, Southington Library