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About Us

Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Kentucky Humanities is supported by the National Endowment and by private contributions. We are not a state agency, but are proud partners with Kentucky's cultural, heritage, arts, and tourism agencies.

Why are we Telling Kentucky's Story?

More than just history, by Kentucky's story we mean Kentucky's writers, inventors, judges, musicians, architects, doctors – in short, the contributions from every walk of life to the quality of life in Kentucky. We recognize a need to build civic engagement as well as literacy, and we want to involve all ages and all places from Pine Knot to Princeton. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can learn from the stories of others. These stories, taken together, are the stories of our communities, our counties, our regions, and our unique Kentucky culture and heritage. They are the basis of our pride and the basic premise of community.

 

How are we Telling Kentucky's Story?

For short video about Kentucky Humanities, click here. Our popular living history Kentucky Chautauqua dramas will introduce your community to a dozen people who made Kentucky great. Kentucky Humanities magazine gives you fresh perspectives on our history and culture. And there's much more. Join us in Telling Kentucky's Story!

What are Humanities?

Humanity in all its forms. The humanities are the values by which we live, the ideas that organize our thinking, and all of the ways we communicate with each other. The humanities include the ways of knowing found in the academic disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, as well as anthropology, sociology and psychology. But they encompass much more: religion, culture, the origins of Bluegrass music, the archaeology of landfills, Kentuckians' love for their counties, what they teach their children, why they make burgoo. All these things are the humanities.

56 State Humanities Councils

There are 56 humanities councils located in U.S. states and territories supporting local humanities programs and events. The state humanities councils are funded in part by the federal government through NEH. They also receive funding from private donations, foundations, corporations, and, in some cases, state government.

Telling Kentucky's Story

Our Vision

We want a lifetime relationship with every Kentuckian.

Our Sun

Symbolizes the illuminating power of the humanities in the lives of all Kentuckians.

Our Mission

Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to Telling Kentucky’s Story to create a legacy of pride in the Commonwealth and build civic engagement. We promote the humanities statewide through programs & services that celebrate Kentucky's culture, enrich lives, support local initiatives, and empower all Kentuckians to participate and be a part of that story.

Brian Clardy, Ph.D.
Chair
Murray

Jennifer Cramer, Ph.D.
Vice Chair
Lexington

Clarence Glover
Treasurer/Secretary
Louisville

Penelope Peavler
Executive Committee member
Louisville

Hope Wilden, CPFA
Executive Committee member
Lexington

Bobbie Ann Wrinkle
Executive Committee member
Paducah

Chelsea Brislin, Ph.D.
Lexington

Selena Sanderfer Doss, Ph.D.
Bowling Green

Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Morehead

Nicholas Hatlep, Ph.D.
Berea

Sara Hemingway
Owensboro

Eric Jackson, Ph.D.
Florence

Lois Mateus
Harrodsburg

Keith McCutchen, Ph.D.
Frankfort

Tom Owen, Ph.D.
Louisville

Jordan Parker
Lexington

Libby Parkinson
Louisville

Lou Anna Red Corn
Lexington

Andrew Reed
Pikeville

Judy Rhoads, Ed.D.
Owensboro

Ronald G. Sheffer, JD
Louisville
Wayne Glover Yates
Princeton

 

Staff

Bill Goodman
Executive Director
Email: bill.goodman@uky.edu

Kathleen Pool
Associate Director
Email: kathleen.pool@uky.edu
859-257-5472

Marianne Stoess
Assistant Director/Editor, Kentucky Humanities
Email: marianne.stoess@uky.edu
859-257-4316

Gladys Thompson
Fiscal Officer
Email: gladys.thompson@uky.edu
859-257-6477
 
Derek Beaven
Program and Administrative Assistant
Email: derek.beaven@uky.edu
859-257-5932

Katerina Stoykova
Kentucky Book Festival Director
Email: kyhumanities@gmail.com
859-257-4317

Zoe Kaylor
Kentucky Chautauqua & Speakers Bureau Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Email: zoe.kaylor@uky.edu
859-257-5932

Julie Klier
Consultant - Event Production/Logistics Manager
Email: klierjulie@gmail.com
859-257-5932
Sam Corbett
Consultant
Email: sctuxedo@gmail.com
502-599-8650