Utah Humanities marks 50 years

by E.H. Williams
Contributing writer
The Utah Humanities is celebrating its 50th Birthday! The organization has reached far into this corner of Utah and had an impact for a half a century.
They have strengthened Utah communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, exploring the complex human experience.
Blue Mountain Shadows is the historical record of San Juan County!  It has been collecting local history, folklore, and stories of this southeastern corner of Utah. First published in 1986, there are over 60 issues to date.
In 1996 the “100 Years Ago in San Juan County” received a Quick Grant from the Utah Humanities.  
Since that time, it’s received nine additional grants including major grants and oral history grants all made possible by the Utah Humanities.
So, what are the Humanities? In 1965 President Lyndon B Johnon signed into law the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.  
Later, each individual state formed its own agency with the express purpose of bringing balance from the sciences to the neglected humanities. It was proposed that the humanities would strengthen the democracy and foster better citizenry. Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens.  One of its major tenets is to “Provoke Conversation.”  
An example illustrates this concept of discussion. In Springdale, UT, a gateway to Zion National Park there existed great friction around the town’s growing pains. Phillip Bimstein recalled that the town was “terribly polarized.”
The Humanities Council develop a project called “Embracing Opposites in Search of the Public Good.” It was a series of roundtables with community leaders, influencers and important people in the community.  
They discussed issues related to the town, but through the lens of guest writers like Terry Tempest Williams, Daniel Kemmis, Thomas Lyon, William Kittredge and Jordan Love. The discussion had a “transformative effort on the town.”
It was personally transformative for Bimstein, inspiring him to run for mayor, winning and serving three terms.
The books read and conversations shared during the project “became like an inspiration for the way I conducted myself,” he reminisces.
People in the community were informed and enriched by what happened.
Because of this Humanities program, “I conducted business differently than I otherwise would have.  I really feel that the Humanities program helped to heal Springdale.”
My personal take is that the Humanities encourages us to think, not from one solitary viewpoint, but from many perspectives.  It enables us to contemplate, not merely parrot what someone else has fed us. It reminds all of us that we are Human.
I also feel that the Humanities is like a transparent fishing line — strong and effective, but without a lot of visibility.  
The Humanities seamlessly seems invisible to most, but it pulls and holds many people, concepts and ideas together. Ideas are practiced would never have seen the light of day without the Humanities. 
An interesting aspect of the Humanities is that they partner with local entities.   This helps to impact, leverage limited resources and demonstrate leadership. It also builds advocates for the Humanities by strengthening relationships.
In 2022, the board retreat was held in Bluff.  Hopi elder Bertram Tsavadawa and author Craig Childs shared exquisite rock arts with pictographs and petroglyphs.  While the board was standing around, Craig pulled out his flute and played this extraordinary music reverberating against those petroglyphs – a sound and spirit that helped the Humanities to refocus on their mission.  
Working with the small staff at the Utah Humanities, I personally have been greatly impressed with the output that comes from a handful of talented staff.  
Their executive director, Jodi Graham, has shown exceptional leadership.  This past year when severe funding was suddenly cut, she deftly maneuvered through the red tape.  
Through the financial uncertainty, she encouraged her staff to find other positions if they wished.
No one left. One staffer began her master’s degree program in Paris.  That speaks highly that she and her staff will weather the unstable turmoil together.
The Utah Humanities Board endeavors to include a geographic diversity in its board of directors.  
Debbie Westfall and Jim Sayers have represented the town of Bluff for the County, as well as Janet Wilcox and Kathy Hurst from Blanding.  Kathy even served as the Chairman of the Board during her tenure. I presently represent San Juan County.
Utah state legislature and member of the US Congress have supported these endeavors.
There are ongoing financial battles, but the Humanities with its seeming wide outreach, continues to provoke us and remind us of our humanness--the core essence of who we are!  
As this 50th milestone is reached, we honor the timeless value of the humanities and look for bright beacons forward. We wish the Utah Humanities a HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY!