Embracing the Humanities
in This Moment

When our world undergoes rapid change, I dig deep into my experience as both a folklorist and as the executive director of Nevada Humanities to help chart my compass, clarify the things I need to do, and illuminate the paths I need to walk. The integrated way that we interpret how the humanities is part of our everyday lives is at the heart of these reflections.

At Nevada Humanities, we understand the humanities to be how people document, express, and live the human experience. We know that the humanities encompass a wide range of activities and modes of creative expression that contribute to our individual and collective sense of being human. These include the consideration of the meaning of life and the reasons for our thoughts and actions, our understanding of the past and how we chart our paths into the future, how we understand the world and our sense of place within it, our social and cultural traditions and practices and the creativity that they inspire, the ways that we engage in our community - including social and civic responsibility and our sense of justice, the examination of the values and principles that inform our laws and government, and so much more. 

This spectrum of exploration, reflection, empathy, connection, and creative expression is our North Star and inspires our work at Nevada Humanities. Our work is also rooted in gratitude for all of the people who support us through donations and by participating in our programs. Thank you! From our house to yours, we send you warmest wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving.

GivingTuesday is on December 3

The humanities are central to every Nevadan. As a body of ideas, knowledge, and creative expression, the humanities help us understand what it means to be human, to engage productively and respectfully with individuals with different views and backgrounds, and to become informed and engaged Nevadans. Your donation connects the people of Nevada and strengthens the humanities throughout the Silver State. Donate to Nevada Humanities as part of GivingTuesday — an international day of giving that supports Nevada Humanities and other nonprofits around the globe. 

Photo Credit: Nevada Humanities/Shan Michael Evans.

The Gift of Aloha: Lei-making in Southern Nevada 

Saturday, December 7, 2024
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Moderated Conversation
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lei-Making Workshop (registration required)
Clark County Library, Large Conference Room
1401 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas

In partnership with the Neon Pacific Initiative, join Nevada Humanities on December 7 at Clark County Library from 10:30 am to 11:15 am for a moderated conversation with two lei-makers in Las Vegas as we learn about their stories, what this traditional art means to them, and how lei-making builds community in southern Nevada. This event is free and open to the public.

A free lei-making workshop will take place from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. Please note that seating for this workshop is limited and advance registration required to secure your spot. These programs are a part of the Neon Pacific Initiative (NPI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Mellon Foundation grant-funded project that aims to expand, enhance, and elevate the history, culture, and lived experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in southern Nevada.
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Oshiro-Nacapuy.

Artist and naturalist Sharon K. Schafer reflects on the relationship between nature and humans on the Double Down Blog. Schafer’s exhibition Circle of Animal is on display at the Nevada Humanities Program Gallery in Las Vegas through November 26.

The Nevada Humanities Literary Crawl returned to the streets of downtown Reno on Saturday, October 12. Nevada Humanities assistant director George Tsz-Kwan Lam captures highlights from the day on the Double Down Blog.
Photo courtesy of Sharon K. Schafer/M Rees.