History :

The HCH began in 1972 when representatives of the NEH encouraged 8 Hawai`i residents to apply to the NEH for funding to conduct public humanities activities in the state.

The idea for "public humanities activities" comes from the U.S. Congress, which, in establishing the NEH, declared that "democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens." Congress emphasized not only the importance of supporting continued scholarship and research in the humanities but also the need to foster wider public understanding and use of the humanities. Thus, federal funds are channeled through the NEH to projects designed for or by the state's citizens and responsive to local interests and needs.