New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was created in 1965 by Congress to support the "study and application of the humanities to the human environment." In June of 1972, a contingent of New Mexican citizens were invited to Washington, D.C., to be briefed on the Endowment's state based programs. This group subsequently became accountable for seeking the initial planning grant from NEH. Later, they held responsibility for implementing the operating grant to support a state-based program in the Humanities for New Mexico. The committee was further charged with developing central themes by consulting with other humanists, educators, and the public; and establishing contacts and promoting interest in the program throughout the state. Finally, it became the granting agency for projects undertaken. Funded in 1972/73 as the New Mexico Humanities Council (NMHC) it was later renamed the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities (NMEH) 1987/88. Twenty six volunteer council members agreed to serve on the first NMHC Board representing various geographical, ethnic, and occupational groups within the state. Their expertise assisted in developing humanities programs on public issues throughout the state.

From the description of Records, 1971-1993. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 50499740

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was created in 1965 by Congress to support the "study and application of the humanities to the human environment." In June of 1972, a contingent of New Mexican citizens were invited to Washington, D.C., to be briefed on the Endowment's state based programs. This group subsequently became accountable for seeking the initial planning grant from NEH. Later, they held responsibility for implementing the operating grant to support a state-based program in the Humanities for New Mexico. The committee was further charged with developing central themes by consulting with other humanists, educators, and the public; and establishing contacts and promoting interest in the program throughout the state. Finally, it became the granting agency for projects undertaken. The New Mexico Committee formalized its organization by appointing Dean T.W. Gale as its first Chairman, and by appointing a staff person, Dr. Dudley Wynn, as its first Executive Secretary. In New Mexico, the state based nonprofit organization was funded in 1972/73 as the New Mexico Humanities Council (NMHC). Later it was renamed the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities (NMEH) 1987/88.

To further embrace a statewide initiative, 26 volunteer council members agreed to serve on the first NMHC Board representing various geographical, ethnic, and occupational groups within the state. Their interests furthered the evaluation of grant proposals and their expertise assisted in developing humanities programs on public issues throughout the state. Since 1972, the executive staff and administrators, along with the volunteer board members, have systematized an ever evolving and uniquely enriching humanities program for the state of New Mexico.

From the guide to the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Records, 1971-1993, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)