IDEAS IN PROGRESS RAPPORT ISSUE 23 | SUMMER 2020 DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN: “LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES” ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S LECTURE TO LOOK AT LINCOLN, T. ROOSEVELT, FDR, JOHNSON PGS 2-3

Doris Kearns Goodwin (inset photo by Annie Liebowitz) will deliver the 25th Annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities on Tuesday, September 22 ALL ABOUT BOOKS & GOVERNOR’S LECTURE: PG 3 • BOARD NOMINATIONS: PAGE 3 • SOWER AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: PG 4 NEBRASKA STUDENTS HONORED AT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY: PG 4 • RETIRING BOARD MEMBER CAROL GENDLER: PG 5 THANK YOU DONORS: PGS 6&7 • RECENT GRANTS: PG 8 • GRANT SPOTLIGHT: ADAPTING DURING A PANDEMIC: PG 8 VIRTUAL CHAUTAUQUA: PG 9 • NEBRASKA WARRIOR WRITERS: PG 10 • INTRODUCING “DEAR STRANGER”: PG 12 “LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES” ANALYZES FOUR U.S. PRESIDENTS HE FOLLOWING IS ADAPTED FROM AN “ALL ABOUT BOOKS” SEGMENT ON NET RADIO WITH PROGRAM HOST PAT RAPPORT TLEACH AND HN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRIS SOMMERICH. (Edited for brevity and clarity) ISSUE 23 | SUMMER 2020 PAT LEACH: Chris, today you have had that helped shape them. brought along the newest book Third, she moves into their rise UPCOMING EVENTS by Doris Kearns Goodwin called as political leaders and on to the “Leadership in Turbulent Times.” White House. What were major VISION MAKER FILM FESTIVAL Goodwin is going to be the issues they had to deal with? August 31-October 5 (online) featured speaker for the 2020 Of course, with Abraham (see page 8) Governor’s Lecture in the Lincoln, that’s the Civil War. With MINI GRANT DEADLINES Humanities on September 22. Teddy Roosevelt, it is monopolies, September 1, November 2 Tell us about “Leadership in trustbusting and labor strikes, (details on our website) Turbulent Times.” and economic turmoil in the beginning of the 20th century. CHRIS SOMMERICH: This book came NEBRASKA WARRIOR WRITERS With FDR, it’s the Great De- out in late 2018. Doris Kearns Every other Saturday online pression and World War II. Goodwin is probably best known beginning August 29 (page 10) Johnson comes into office with for “A Team of Rivals” about the assassination of Kennedy, HN BOARD MEETING Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, working to push forward some September 18 which was also a basis for the of the things that President Steven Spielberg movie. She GOVERNOR’S LECTURE Kennedy was aspiring to do, has also written about Teddy September 22, Lincoln, particularly with civil rights. Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, and Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lied So I just enjoyed this book as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Center for Performing Arts or a history buff and as somebody She took her expertise on all of online via live-streaming who really appreciates learning them and brought it together for about different leadership “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” styles as well. IN THIS ISSUE looking at those four presidents— Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, PAT: I’m curious about the Leadership in Turbulent Times . .2 and LBJ—exploring their different section about setbacks in that Board Nominations Due . . . . .3 leadership styles and what made sometimes I think maybe we Sower Award Announced . . . 4. them who they were during some somehow get the impression National History Day Honors . . .4 really turbulent times in our that these people just emerged Retiring Board Member: country’s history. It’s just a great from the womb as full-blown Carol Gendler ...... 5 book on leadership for anybody. leaders and didn’t have those Thank You, Donors! ...... 6 Goodwin divided the book into kinds of setbacks. It’s surprising Give to Lincoln Day Recap ...... 7 three parts. One section looks to realize what Recent Grants ...... 8 at them early in life: what kinds they’ve been Grant Spotlight ...... 8. through. CARES Act Grants ...... 9. of things happened to them Virtual Chautauqua ...... 9 when they were younger? How CHRIS: Exactly. Nebraska Warrior Writers . . . .10 did they first get into politics? Take Abraham Celebration of Nebraska Books . . 11 Then she moves into a second Lincoln. If you Introducing “Dear Stranger” . . . 12 section. She sees resiliency as a asked most theme with leaders and how they Americans, TO UPDATE ADDRESS OR CANCEL respond to adversity. She writes “Who do you SUBSCRIPTION, CALL 402.474.2131 or E-MAIL [email protected] about setbacks each of them wish you could

2 meet in history?” many people masterfully he pulled things in a We exchange a lot of ideas say Abraham Lincoln. When different direction and became with the Thompson Forum, our you really dig into his life, an effective leader at moving Governor’s Lecture committee, he becomes more and more domestic policy legislation. the Governor’s office, and others remarkable…losing his mother as Looking at him versus Lincoln and who are involved. We look for a young boy, his father basically how they handled losing elections somebody who has scholarly leaving him and his sister to is interesting. When Johnson lost substance, but who can also fend for themselves for months, elections early on, it just crushed speak to a broad audience of being in extreme poverty. And him. Whereas Lincoln thought, people from all walks of life later, his first forays into politics, “Well, I’m going to learn from that.” and who are good storytellers. losing elections, making mistakes, But they both overcame it in their And Doris Kearns Goodwin is suffering depression almost to own ways and moved forward. a fantastic storyteller, both in the point of being incapacitated, PAT: So as you’re thinking each writing and in person. I’m just so and then to emerge out of that year who would be a great happy that it worked out for her and become this confident leader speaker for the Governor’s to be our speaker this year. by the time he was president. Lecture in the Humanities, NET’s “All About Books” is heard FDR was also one that for do you start with a book that weekly on Thursdays at 12:04 p.m. me personally really stood somebody has written? How Central or online any time at out. We know about the Great does that choice work? NETNebraska.com/radio. Depression, and the New Deal, CHRIS: We build a potential speaker and World War II. But to learn list over time. Doris Kearns Please join HN at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, about when he was struck Goodwin has been on that wish September 22, for the 25th Annual Governor’s with polio, and the paralysis he list for years. When we focused Lecture in the Humanities at the Lied Center dealt with, and being a young on her this year, we didn’t for Performing Arts. This free public lecture man and having this change his realize just how turbulent the will also be simultaneously live-streamed. life forever—the unbelievable times would be for our country. Check our website for most current information physical regimen he put himself We also work with the E.N. about how to see the lecture. For sponsorship through in order to be able to Thompson Forum when the information, please email Heather Thomas at function as well as possible is Governor’s Lecture is in Lincoln. [email protected]. quite a story. PAT: I recall the stories of his essentially training himself so he BOARD NOMINATIONS DUE OCTOBER 16 could walk across the stage at Humanities Nebraska (HN) is seeking nominations for its one of the political conventions. Council board by Friday, October 16. Board members are It was an incredible story of selected statewide from those who show a strong appreci- determination and physical ation for the humanities and the cultural life of Nebraska. strength in almost a miraculous HN makes every effort to find community members from way, a demonstration of his grit. the state’s diverse geographic, occupational and ethnic constituencies. The selection committee also seeks those CHRIS: Yes, exactly. The time he who have a balance between involvement in the humanities put in to show that he could be and other professional, business or community pursuits. strong and able was a glimpse Nominations for the Council board must be postmarked of where things were going on or before October 16. You can with FDR, and why he was a find nomination forms and a successful leader. complete list of basic board Lyndon Johnson probably responsibilities on our website at doesn’t quite fit in the same HumanitiesNebraska.org. Or, way as the other three, but contact HN at 215 Centennial having to follow on the heels Board member Kent Warneke moderated a Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE of Kennedy so abruptly and panel discussion at “An Issue of Trust: Democracy 68508 or e-mail your request to figure out what to do, and how and the Future of Journalism” in Norfolk . [email protected].

3 NATALIE HAHN TO RECEIVE 2020 SOWER AWARD IN THE HUMANITIES

International United Nations introducing improved food crops the public official and Malaika Foundation and nutrition programs for rural schools and founder Dr. Natalie Hahn will women. One innovation was the libraries in receive the 2020 Sower Award adoption of soybeans, a new Lexington. in the Humanities on Thursday, crop of the country. For this With an September 22, immediately prior accomplishment, the Yoruba educational background to the 25th Annual Governor’s Peoples honored her with a that includes a B.A. from the Lecture in the Humanities with chieftaincy and bestowed the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, presidential historian Doris title Balogun Iyalaje, meaning an M.A. from The Ohio State Kearns Goodwin. “the person who empowers.” University, and an M.P.A. and Each year, the Sower Award Upon returning to her beloved Ed.D from Harvard University, Dr. is presented to someone who has Nebraska (“best decision ever”), Hahn has also received honorary made “a significant contribution Dr. Hahn honored the influence doctorates from the University to public understanding of the of her journalist mother, Grayce of Nebraska-Lincoln and humanities in Nebraska.” Hahn Burney, by founding the Nebraska Wesleyan University. A native of Polk, Natalie Hahn Malaika Foundation. Its mission She was nominated by HN served 38 years with United is to build greater understanding board member Edgar Hicks Nations programs in Ethiopia, of peoples and countries through- of Omaha, who noted in his Malawi, Nigeria, New York City, out the world and enhance nomination letter that she is and Rome. Her work with the global education in Nebraska unique in making her contri- U.N. included areas such as new schools and communities. Over bution to public understanding food crops and nutrition in the past 20 years, the Malaika of the humanities through all four Nigeria, women and finance Foundation has organized categories cited in the nomination with the International Fund educational workshops for form: scholarship, volunteerism, for Agricultural Development, 3,000 teachers and provided philanthropy, and advocacy. youth initiatives with the Food 68 fellowships to teachers and and Agriculture Organization, students to study abroad. Sponsorships for the Governor’s Lecture UNICEF Representative to Dr. Hahn has donated African in the Humanities and presentation of Malawi, and Senior Private art to Metropolitan Community the Sower Award, which support HN’s Sector Advisor at the U.N.’s Fund College in Omaha; the Kenneth statewide programming, are still Morrison Cancer Center in for International Partnerships. available. Please contact Heather Thomas Her favorite job was in Nigeria Hastings; the University of with the International Institute Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska at [email protected] to of Tropical Agriculture (IITA- Wesleyan University in Lincoln; choose your sponsorship level, or go to Ibadan) where she assisted in Wayne State College; and HumanitiesNebraska.org.

NEBRASKA STUDENTS EARN RECOGNITION AT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COMPETITION Three Nebraska students were recognized at Kaus, Chadron High School, for his Senior National History Day, an international program Individual Website, “Kuklinski Breaks the Iron for students in grades 6-12. This year’s theme Curtain Barrier.” Carol Van Lancker and Kin- was “Breaking Barriers in History.” ston Muiu, Ralston Middle School, made finals Sean Mathews and Iman Pearson, Ralston in the Junior Group Exhibit category with their Middle School, Third Place Junior Group project titled, “ Thurgood Marshall, “Mr. Civil Website, “Lovings’ Fight to Break Interracial Rights”: The Fight for School Equality.” Barriers.” Outstanding Affiliate Winners from Coordinated by NWU’s Professor Steven Nebraska were Shelby Stephens and Cassidy Wills and Shari Sorenson, the state program is Culjat, Ralston Middle School, for their Junior funded in part by Humanities Nebraska, the Dil- Group Website, “Light and Color: How Claude lon Foundation, History Nebraska, and Nebraska Monet Changed the Art World,” and Thomas Wesleyan University.

4 CAROL GENDLER RETIRES FROM HN BOARD AFTER 14 YEARS OF SERVICE By Chris Sommerich, Executive Director

Humanities Nebraska has and broader society? Are they families been very fortunate that providing a service that enhances at Prime Time, throughout our 47-year history, the public good? predominantly we have benefited from In Humanities Nebraska’s case, low-income the service of a long list of giving people opportunities to and low- dedicated leaders from across learn about history, heritage, literacy, the state. Even with so many current affairs, and various areas including wonderful people who have of the humanities was something many served over those years, Carol Carol felt is very important. She immigrants, Gendler of Omaha stands out. sees HN as unique in the state she remarked All state humanities councils in our work to expand people’s at how Carol Gendler are independent nonprofits, knowledge in these areas, and gratifying it was to see the and all have boards of directors that without HN, there wouldn’t excitement of the fathers who made up of three-fourths be enough opportunities for all participated in the program elected members and one- Nebraskans to have access to with the children. Today, Prime fourth gubernatorial appointees. the humanities. Time is taking place in libraries, Elected members serve three- Carol noted that people who schools, and community centers year terms (once renewable), engage with HN are people all across Nebraska, thanks in while appointees serve at the who are continuously learning, large part to Carol. pleasure of the Governor. who appreciate educational Humanities Nebraska is not Carol was first appointed opportunities. (This brings up alone in our gratitude for Carol by Governor Dave Heineman another accurate word for Carol: Gendler’s service. Organizations in 2006, then reappointed by “lifelong learner”). She also sees such as Heartland Family Governor Pete Ricketts in 2014. HN as fortunate to have had Service, Bemis Center for After fourteen years, Carol has strong staff cohesion over the Contemporary Arts, Douglas decided it was time to hand her years of her involvement, another County Historical Society, seat off to someone new. sign of a strong organization. Joslyn Art Museum, Legal Aid Carol has had no shortage One of Carol’s favorite HN of Nebraska, and many others of organizations seeking her programs, and one that she has would readily agree. involvement over the years, and made an extraordinary positive On behalf of all of us, thank the list of nonprofits who have impact with, is Prime Time you Carol for all you have done benefited from her guidance, Family Reading Time. for the humanities in Nebraska. expertise, philanthropy, and Prime Time was still a new Your retirement from the HN overall involvement is long. It is program area when Carol board is well deserved! a rare and special combination joined the board, and it was still to have a board member like finding its legs. Carol visited the Carol Gendler has been an enthusiastic supporter of numerous Carol; descriptors that fit her participating libraries many times HN programs, including the annual Governor’s Lecture in the include researcher, librarian, Humanities . Below, she is shown with speaker Annette Gordon- to observe the families reading Reed (front left), historian Peter S . Onuf (back left), and former historian, writer, business person, and discussing books in Prime council chair Andy Alexander (back right) at the 2013 lecture . philanthropist, and volunteer. Time around the We sat down with her to Omaha area. As reflect on her board service, what she saw the value she values about nonprofits, and potential of the humanities, and Humanities the program, she Nebraska in particular. made significant When deciding to what extent philanthropic she would become involved with investments in any given nonprofit organization, it to enable its a very important factor for expansion. Carol has been their mission and As Carol subject matter: Is the mission reflected on important to the community watching these

5 HUMANITIES NEBRASKA DONORS: THANK YOU! Gifts received between Many donors make multiple gifts throughout the year. Donors are listed March 1, 2020 & June 30, 2020 at the level of their cumulative giving for the year in our annual report.

ORGANIZATIONS INDIVIDUALS Dean & Christine Faubel Sam & Kay Grimminger George E. Wolf Dianne & Keith Bystrom Gifts of $10,000 or more Gifts of $10,000 or more Barbara Hewins-Maroney & Dan Hamann Birgit Young J. Douglas & Mary Campbell Dillon Foundation Rhonda Seacrest Michael Maroney Dr. Robert C. Hillestad Jack & Sally Campbell Duncan Family Trust R. Ted & Sheila Weschler Michael & Shelley Homa Stephen Hilliard & Gifts of $100-$249 Dennis Collins Andrew W. Mellon Jane Renner Hood Jessica Coope Anonymous (10) Jason Conrad Foundation, administred Gifts of $2,500-$4,999 in memory of Chuck Trimble Fred & Julie Hoppe Dr. & Mrs. Gordon D. Adams Sally Desmond by the Federation of State Chris & Art Zygielbaum Leona Pepper Elizabeth Hunt Dean & Gaylene Aden Ruth M. Diedrichsen Humanities Councils Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Sidles Louise & Douglas Kent Pam Baker Karen & Roger Doerr Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 Larry Small Brad & Amy Knuth Lyle Barksdale William & Jane Dugan Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 Jan Gradwohl Chris & Vicki Sommerich Richard & Joan Kopf Mary Ann Barton Judy & Charles Eggleston Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Linda L. & Mark Graff Sue & Ed Tricker Sharee & Murray Newman Bob Benzel & Gerry Sullivan Terry & Catherine Ferguson Robert & Christine Makowski Laura & Bill Troshynski Jeff & Sarah Peetz Tom & Deb Berger Sarah Ferneding Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 Harriet Turner in memory of Drs. Cary & Lisa Peterson Sharon Bishop Jerald & Janet Fox Abel Foundation Dori Wanitschke Don & Virginia Pederson Keith Peterson Barbara & Dan Bohi Dr. Richard & Linda French Cox Communications Kent & Susan Warneke Ross & Judy Wilcox Tom & Patti Peterson Jim & Helen Bradford Virgil & Betty Jane Froehlich Heider Family Foundation John & Nancy Webster Brenda Robinson Randy & Jan Bretz Gerald L. Geiselman Iris & Roger Winkelhake Gifts of $250-$499 in memory of Cal Robinson Kate & Robert Brooke Eunice Goldgrabe Gifts of $100-$249 Anonymous (3) Pamela H. & Marcus J. Snow Doug & Dawn Buchanan John & Kay Lynn Goldner DA Davidson Gifts of $500-$999 Becky & Gale Breed Michael & Marvona Tavlin Janice Lee Buhr Karen Griffin Robert & JoAnne John & Bonnie Cederberg Kathleen Thuman Judy & Gale Bullard Stephen Griffith Gifts of $50-$99 Bettenhausen Sid & Patty Dillon Ann M. Van Hoff David & Ann Burkholder Erika Hamilton Kearney County Historical David & Ann Duey Jeannine Falter Steve Wake Dr. Blake & Gail Butler Shannon Harner & Society Philip Goddard

Lynne Friedewald & Denise & Mike Linder Betiana & Todd Simon Chuck Shoemaker Carol & Fred Lockwood Martha & D. David Slosburg Julie & Lance Fritz Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Annette & Paul Smith We thank these generous individuals Sandy & James Gallentine Christine & Robert Makowski Pamela & Marcus Snow who helped ensure a vibrant cultural life Carol Gendler Angenette & Bob Meaney Vicki & Chris Sommerich in Nebraska with annual gifts of $1,000 Jan Gradwohl Cynthia & Robert Milligan Gene Spence or more made between May 1, 2019 and Linda & Mark Graff Angie & Dan Muhleisen Paulette & Robert Stefka June 30, 2020. To learn more, please Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Mary & Bob Nefsky Ann & Kenneth Stinson contact Heather Thomas via email at: Chris & Ron Harris Natalie & Sam Olson Harriet Turner [email protected]. Tami & Jerry Hellman June Pederson Gail & Irv Veitzer Thank you! Karen & John Higgins Kim Robak & Bill Mueller Katherine L. Walter Linda Hillegass & Jim McKee Brenda Robinson Dori Wanitschke Anonymous Linda & Cloyd Clark Shelley & Michael Homa Thompson H. Rogers Carol & Tom Waring Virginia & John Aita Kristen & Geoffrey Cline Jane Renner Hood Lynn & Dana Roper Susan & Kent Warneke Robyn & Fred Amis Trudi Crosby Anne M. Hubbard Joel Russell & Nancy & John Webster Lynne & Paul Anderson Gloria & Roy Dinsdale Jane & Calvin Johnson Erin Swanson Russell Sheila & R. Ted Weschler Anne & Nicholas Baxter Kim & Tom Dinsdale Rossell & Robert Kelley Connie Ryan Beth & Kelvin Whited Cindy & Mogens Bay Kate & Sandy Dodge Beverly Kracher & Tracy Sanford & Matt Wood Judy & Ross Wilcox Laura & David Buntain Connie & Todd Duncan Jerry Stegeman Barb & Ron Schaefer Iris & Roger Winkelhake Brenda Christensen & Judy & Jack Ekeler Lynette & Paul Krieger Barb & George Schlothauer Sue & Larry Wood Michael Morris Katherine & Dick Endacott Cathy Lang & John Conley Heather & Bryan Schneider Kristae & Peter Zandbergen Kay Fowles Carol & Roger Lewis Rhonda Seacrest Chris & Art Zygielbaum Ellen & Charles Lierk Scott Semrad

6 Join these generous contributors and help to cultivate an understanding www.HumanitiesNebraska.org of our history and culture . Thank you for becoming part of our mission!

Gifts of $100-$249, continued Paul & Bernadette Korslund Todd Pankratz & Bill & Linda Vosik David & Jessica Chamberlain Florence & Phillip Larsen Barbara Harrington in Jane & Pete Kotsiopulos Jessica Meeske Susan Watts Warren R. Crawford Gretchen & Roy Lauby memory of John Harrington Doug & Terri Kristensen John & Edy Patterson Marcia Welch Wayne & Mary Crawford Norman & Betty Mapes Linda & Bill Healy Barbara & Marshall Kushner David & Judy Pederson in memory of Don Welch Walt & Bobbe Dietz Bryce McBride Doug & Judy Heim Carole Levin June Pederson Janet Wightman Dennis Dohner & Zoya Zeman Fred & Pat Meisinger in honor of Carol Waring Dr. Richard & Monica Lloyd Dirk & Janice Petersen Dr. Charles & Linda Wilson Nancy Finken & Tom Ernst Dennis & JoAnne Mihelich Mary & Tom Henning Jay W. Longinaker & Doug & Kimberly Rath Tom & Deanna Wolf Rev. Jose & Linda Flores Anna Nolan & Allen Covault Larry & Judy Hilkemann Lora L. Damme Chris & B.J. Reed Donna Woods & Jon Hinrichs Hal France Dale Olson Chris Hochstetler John & Mary Longo Katherine Rhea Kevin & Paige Wycoff Robert & Bette Frels Wil & Shari Packard Steve & Kitty Hoden Julie MacDonald Kenneth & Dorothy Rieke Dan Yost Bruce & Karen Garver Kenneth & Norene Pavlik Susan Thomas & Linda & Chip Maly Robert & Sheila Runyon Robert & Edith Zahniser Hugh & Joyce Genoways Chuck & Nancy Peek Steven Hutchinson Jerry & Suzi Martin Mary & Scott Sahling Korby Gilbertson Marilyn Reno Dr. & Mrs. Donald Igel Martin & Ruth Massengale Van & Shirley Sandstedt Gifts of $50-$99 Kim Hachiya & Tom White Amy Sandeen Tom Ineck Jim & Ellie McClymont DiAnna & Herbert Schimek Anonymous (4) Kandra Hahn Matt & Maggie Schaefer Midge Irvin Mike & Rosie Molvar Linda Simonsen Amanda & Scott Barker Lisa & Mick Hale Suzanne Schreiber Andrew & Becca Jewell Jane & Randy Moody Susan & Robert Sondag Rod & Robin Bates Evelyn Haller William & Heather Thomas Jim & Elaine Johnson David & Ann Myers Caroline Spady Mayrene Bentley Robert Haller & Marcella Shortt Bill Waddell Joel & Jill Johnson Richard & Joan O’Brien Barbara Stephens Lane F. Birkel Judy Hull Doreen Wailes Mary Johnson Maureen & Craig O’Connor Josephine R. Stewart Constance Bostock Duane & Demaris Humphrey Julia Watson Patricia & Earl Jones Tim & Peggy O’Dea Opal Stivrins Edna M. Broad Richard D. Hunt Steve Wyant Con & Barbara Keating Michelle J. Oldham Joanne Thietje Graciela Caneiro-Livingston Bill & Kathleen Kizer Mary & Randy Yager Dick & Anita Kentopp Mary Lainson Olsen Art & Carol Thompson & Dana Livingston Phil & Mary Kommers Zak & Amy Zutavern Richard & Bonnie Kolowski Richard & Aimee Otto Larry & Rose Ann Toner Matt & Kristi Carley Marie Krohn

THANK YOU, LINCOLN!

During the month STRENGTH IN DONOR CHOICE of May, 90 donors Community Services Fund 2020 Donors: contributed $29,651 (CSF) connects donors to Catherine P. Chia to Humanities Nebraska through causes they care about. It is a John P. Christen the eighth annual Give to Lincoln coalition of 70 diverse non-profit John & Nancy Comer Day, exceeding last year’s total of organizations, some of whom Bruce I. Dvorak provide services statewide. $22,969. Sponsored by the Lincoln Nancy K. Escamilla Humanities Nebraska is a proud Community Foundation, nearly $7 Sherilyn C. Fritz member agency. million was raised for more than 450 Don Hickey Lincoln nonprofits. For more than 30 years, CSF has been Jeannette E. Jones Most gifts to HN were designated helping make Lincoln and Nebraska a better Nancy K. Klimek for Prime Time Family Reading Time place to live. CSF celebrates the arts and Steve Pera in Lincoln, which is making a real humanities, protects our environment and impact on academic achievement creates green spaces, provides health care Carole Levin and quality of life for many families, to those who cannot afford it, provides Elizabeth Lorang even during COVID-19. education and advocacy, and works to Robert Shepard HN appreciates the many new protect at-risk children. Nathan L Meier and returning donors, match fund HN greatly appreciates donors who Lyle L. Schmidt sponsors, media sponsors, and the designated gifts through CSF workplace William G. Thomas III Lincoln Community Foundation for giving campaigns in 2020. For details, visit Christine K. Timm helping us serve Lincoln families www.communityservicesfund.com or call Christine Walsh through reading. Thank you! 402.489.4332.

7 HN AWARDS 21 GRANTS TOTALING $109,852 , public domain photo . C . Humanities Nebraska recently El Museo Latino, Omaha, $6,625 for a lecture series awarded the following grants: on Picasso and Latino Art. Asian Community and Cultural Center, Lincoln, Flatwater Shakespeare Company, Lincoln, $2,500 to help fund “Stories of Us,” which introduces $3,125 to help fund the annual Little But Fierce immigrants to Nebraska history and American culture. sonnet writing summer camp for kids. Blitx Locally Grown, Lincoln, $8,125 to support the Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, $2,000 to help Dream Switch Project, a community development tool fund an artist series held in the Baright Gallery. that creates a catalyst for realizing local dreams. Lincoln Calling, $2,000 to help fund, “Calling Bright Lights, Inc., Lincoln, $4,902 to help pay On Your City - A Civic Engagement Conversation” teachers for humanities-themed summer camps. featuring Ana Maria Archila. Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, McCook, Lincoln City Libraries, $2,000 to help fund an

$500 to help support the annual Buffalo Commons exhibit titled, “Hidden or Forbidden No More: Prequels D Gallery of Art, Washington, Picasso (1904), National Pablo by Repast” Frugal “The IMAGE: Storytelling and Music Festival. to the ‘Greatest Generation,’ 1914-1939.” El Museo Latino will host lectures on Picasso and Latin Art . Completely KIDS, Omaha, $4,000 to help fund a Lincoln Crossroads Festival, $8,000 to support the Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland, $5,000 spoken word exploration and inspiration workshop. annual music festival in 2020. for an exhibit, “High Pressure: The Korean War & Aviation.” Crane River Theater Company, Kearney, $3,450 to Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival, Seward, United by Culture Fund, Lexington, $7,675 to help for holding live events this summer. fund the “Letters from Home” student matinee series. $10,000 to help bring authors to the annual festival. support a culture festival. Creighton University, Omaha, $10,000 to help fund Prairie Pride Film Festival, Lincoln, $1,555 in UNK Board of Regents, Kearney, $9,200 to help a project titled, “The Natural Face of North America: A support of humanities discussions during the annual fund PAWS University summer enrichment program. Public Portal to the Maximilian–Bodmer Collection.” film festival, which took place online in late July. Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud, $6,695 to The Durham Museum, Omaha, $10,000 for their Scotts Bluff County Tourism, Gering, $2,500 for the help support the organization’s 65th annual Spring “Beyond the Vote” exhibition. annual Scotts Bluff Celtic Gathering. Conference, held online earlier this year.

GRANT SPOTLIGHT: GRANTEES SWITCH TO ONLINE PROGRAMMING DUE TO COVID-19

When the pandemic arrived in Nebraska last in August on the spring, many organizations that had received festival website and grants from Humanities Nebraska to fund public through NET. events for spring and summer programming had Nebraska Folklife to rapidly adjust their plans. Network replaced Some grant recipients chose to postpone their its planned live programs until 2021, while others were able to summer events convert to online presentations, which provided with a series of valuable content during the most intensive period podcasts so Ne- of social distancing in Nebraska. braskans could still Bemis Center hosted a virtual lecture on experience traditions from “Women of the Bauhaus” by Mark Hinchman on different cultures. April 23. Registrants were able to access the Vision Maker Media, lecture via Zoom and Facebook Live. which hosts a biannual Bright Lights Inc., which usually hosts hundreds Native American film festi- of children for dozens of week-long day camps on val, is taking their festival a variety of subjects, chose to present free virtual online for the first time. The camps via Zoom this summer. Some camps were celebration of American only a day long, while others provided multiple Indian, Alaska Native, and sessions during a specific week. Topics included worldwide indigenous films will be learning sign language and making pioneer dolls. held August 31 - October 5, 2020. All are wel- Crossroads Music Festival postponed its live come to sign up for updates on films by filling festival until 2021, but presented videos of the art- out a short survey at the following website: ists and scholars who were scheduled to present https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDFD8R8

8 HN AWARDS 76 CARES GRANTS FOR PANDEMIC RELIEF

By the end of June, HN had Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation, Great Plains Theatre Conference, Nebraska Writers Collective, Omaha awarded $435,600 in CARES Elmwood Omaha NET Foundation for Television, Lincoln Act dollars to 76 Nebraska non- Blixt Locally Grown, Lincoln Hall County Historical Society, Norfolk Arts Center profit organizations. Funding Bluebarn Theatre, Omaha Grand Island North Platte Community Playhouse for these grants was provided Brownville Fine Arts Association Hastings College Friends of the International Quilt , Lincoln by the National Endowment for Brownville Historical Society Hastings Museum of Natural and Study Center and Museum Buffalo County Historical Society, Cultural History Plainsman Museum, Aurora the Humanities (NEH) as part of Kearney Heartland Military Museum, Lexington Platte Valley Literacy Association, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Crane River Theater Company, Kearney History Nebraska, Lincoln Columbus Economic Security (CARES) Act. Custer Co. Historical Society, Broken Bow John G. Neihardt Center, Bancroft Prairie Arts Center, North Platte The funds were designated Creighton University, Omaha Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Rabble Mill, Lincoln to assist Nebraska museums, The Digg Site Productions LLC, Fremont Joslyn Castle, Omaha Robert M. Merryman Performing Arts historic sites, and other cultural Douglas Co. Historical Society, Omaha Kaneko, Omaha Center, Kearney non-profits who were in need The Durham Museum, Omaha Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, Schuyler Historical Society of general operating support in Elkhorn Valley Historical Society, Nebraska City Sheldon Art Association, Lincoln order to continue humanities Norfolk La Casa del Pueblo, Omaha Sherman County Historical Society, activities during the pandemic. El Museo Latino, Omaha Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering Loup City “You came to rescue us,” wrote Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home, Lewis & Clark Visitors Center, Sioux County Historical Society, Hubert Charles Ahovissi of Boys Town Nebraska City Harrison African Culture Connection. Film Streams, Inc., Omaha Lincoln Children’s Museum Strategic Air and Space Museum, Flatwater Shakespeare Company, Lincoln County Historical Society, Ashland “Thanks for helping us create a Lincoln North Platte Stuhr Museum Foundation, world that is aware of the pro- Fort Atkinson Foundation, Fort Calhoun The Malone Center, Lincoln Grand Island found impact African Culture Fremont Area Art Association Merrick County Historical Museum, University of Nebraska State has made in our society.” Friends of the Kenfield Gallery,Ogallala Central City Museum, Lincoln Recipients included: Friends of Midwest Theater, Scottsbluff Multicultural Coalition, Grand Island Washington County Historical Asian Community and Cultural Center, Lincoln Friends of Opera, UNL, Lincoln Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney Association, Fort Calhoun African Culture Connection, Omaha Friends of Paplin, Inc., Loup City Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Wessels Living History Farm, York American Historical Society of Germans Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation Education Center/ Nebraska Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud from Russia, Lincoln Golden Spike Tower, North Platte Firefighter & EMS Memorial, Kearney Wood River High School/Celebrate The Archway, Kearney Great Plains Black History Museum, Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, Omaha Wood River Performing Arts Council Bemis Center, Omaha Omaha Nebraska Prairie Museum, Holdrege Yazda-Yazidi Cultural Center, Lincoln

1950s VIRTUAL CHAUTAUQUA EXPLORES RACE, POLITICS

After it was decided to post- Stone, who presents Rosa Parks, pone the 2020 Chautauqua in spoke about “The Fight for Civil Ashland due to the COVID-19 Rights” in a panel discussion led pandemic, HN staff searched by Patrick Jones, historian and for a way to host a “virtual HN Speakers Bureau member. Chautauqua” in response to The following day, Eisenhower the widespread interest in this biographer Jim Newton joined particular Chautauqua. Scholars executive director Chris who had been preparing to come Sommerich for a discussion to Ashland at the end of July about Eisenhower’s political were enthusiastic about an influence, which continues online version of this deep dive to influence domestic and into 1950s history. international policy to this day. Top: Former L .A . Times editor Jim Stay tuned for more details On July 30, Chautauquans Newton spoke about President Eisenhower; Above: Lenneal Henderson, who presents about “The Fifties in Focus” at Dr . Patrick Jones (left) moderated a discussion on race with Thurgood Marshall, and Becky NebraskaChautauqua.org. Chautauquans Becky Stone (right) and Dr . Lenneal Henderson (bottom) .

9 NEBRASKA WARRIOR WRITERS GOES STATEWIDE ONLINE By Dr. Erika Hamilton, Director of Literary Programs

As the pandemic swept through Nebraska this spring, shutting down venues for Nebraska Warrior Writers, program leaders and participants saw an opportunity to bring writers from Lincoln, Omaha, and Central Nebraska together via Zoom for online workshops. They met weekly on Saturday mornings, April 11 through May 23, to share their writing, offer feedback, and hear from guest speakers Steve Langan, Claire Jimenez, Damion Meyer, and Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason. While most agree that it’s best to meet in person, those who attended online sessions appreciated the opportunity to continue writing and learning from each other. In a post-workshop survey, one writer noted: “This group is like family to me. They encourage my writing and my accountability to keep going on my dreams of writing full time someday. It is not ideal to Zoom for most of us, but it is worth it to keep in touch and keep propping each other up.” Meeting online did present a barrier to some writers, such as those who struggled with connection issues, lack of equipment, unfamiliarity with Zoom, or too much familiarity with Zoom. One participant wrote: “Basically all aspects of my life have moved to Zoom (work, kids’ schooling, church, volunteer activities), which made me not excited to fight with the internet again.” Everyone was hoping to meet in person this fall, but a lack of available venues will return Nebraska Warrior Writers to online meetings. The group will meet every other Saturday morning on August 29, September 12, September 26, October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21. Participants include combat veterans, retired military, active duty military, military spouses, family/support persons, and civilians whose lives were FOLLOW HN ONLINE touched by war. To join the group, contact Tom Seib at [email protected] for more information. Latest news, photos and more! Humanities Nebraska partners with the Nebraska Writing Project at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to offer this series of writing and discussion workshops. HN HumanitiesNebraska.org thanks the Cooper Foundation for their help in funding this important program.whose lives were touched by war. To celebrate the program’s Humanities Nebraska and participants’ success, Humanities Nebraska will soon publish an anthology of poems, HumanitiesNE fiction, and non-fiction written by Nebraska Warrior Writers. The anthology’s launch date will HumanitiesNE be announced later this year, so stay tuned! Humanities Nebraska

10 $25 FOR 25 NEBRASKA HUMANITIES COUNCIL Amy Sandeen, Chair, Hastings CELEBRATING THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOVERNOR’S LECTURE Connie Duncan, Vice Chair, Lincoln Mike Linder, Treasurer, Omaha Don Arp, Jr., Lincoln Looking back over 25 years, which • For many, they remember Graciela Caneiro-Livingston, Lincoln Governor’s Lecture speaker is the September 2001, days after 9/11 Laura Capp, Ashland most memorable to you? Was it… with David McCullough, Pulitzer Steve Elliott, Wayne Mark R. Ellis, Kearney • 1998 with Stephen Ambrose, Prize-winning author Hal France, Omaha historian, teacher, and best-selling of the best-selling Barbara Hewins-Maroney, Omaha historical biography Edgar J. Hicks, Omaha author of “Undaunted Courage” Lynette Krieger, Hastings on “Courageous Leadership: The “John Adams” on David A. Nesheim, Chadron “First Principles” Sarah Rowe, Omaha Story of Lewis & Clark and the Barb Schlothauer, Gering Opening of the American West” • Last year, we Paulette Stefka, North Platte Dori Wanitschke, Grand Island • 2006 with Azar Nafisi, professor welcomed David Beth Whited, Omaha at Johns Hopkins University’s Eisenhower, author, David McCullough, 2001 Jaclyn M. Wilson, Lakeside grandson of School of Advanced International NEBRASKA FOUNDATION Studies and best-selling author President Dwight D. Eisenhower FOR THE HUMANITIES of “Reading Lolita In Tehran: A to Omaha for a lecture on “D-Day Nicholas W. Baxter, President, Omaha + 75: In the Eyes of America’s Tami Hellman, Vice President, Kearney Memoir in Books” Kent Warneke, Treasurer, Norfolk Postwar Generations” Don Arp, Jr., Lincoln • 2016 with Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Brenda Christensen, Omaha Join us on September 22 for Doris Prize-winning journalist, who John H. Conley, Omaha Kearns Goodwin on “Leadership Connie Duncan, Lincoln spoke on “Enrique’s Journey and in Turbulent Times” and consider Judy K. Ekeler, Fremont America’s Immigration Dilemma” Kay Fowles, Grand Island donating $25 for 25 years as HN Hal France, Omaha • 2012 with Robert Putnam, celebrates this special event’s silver Julia Gale, Lincoln anniversary. Linda L. Graff, McCook political scientist and co-author Shannon R. Harner, Lincoln of, “American Grace,” which won Please visit HumanitiesNebraska.org Michael J. Homa, Omaha the Woodrow Wilson Foundation and click on the “Donate” button in Beverly Kracher, Omaha Lynette Krieger, Hastings Award, speaking on how religion the upper right corner to make your Amy Sandeen, Hastings divides and unites us gift. Thank you! Paulette Stefka, North Platte Laura Troshynski, North Platte Jen Rae Wang, Omaha Peter W. Zandbergen, Omaha Christine Zygielbaum, Lincoln

STAFF Christopher Sommerich Executive Director Kristi Hayek Carley Program Manager Barbara Grant THE NEBRASKA CULTURAL ENDOWMENT PROUDLY SUPPORTS Office and Grants Coordinator Susan Hale Prime Time Assistant Erika Hamilton HUMANITIES NEBRASKA Director of Literary Programs SheriLynne Hansen Communications Manager Julie MacDonald To learn more about how the Nebraska Cultural Endowment Development Coordinator promotes the livelihood of arts and humanities in our state, visit Liz Makowski Program Assistant NebraskaCulturalEndowment.org Heather Thomas Director of Development Or, contact Kyle Cartwright at [email protected] or 402-595-2722. Mary Yager Associate Director Volunteer Proofreader Dardina Camaj

TO UPDATE ADDRESS OR CANCEL SUBSCRIPTIONS, CALL 402.474.2131 or E-MAIL [email protected]

11 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 645 LINCOLN, NE 68508

215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.humanitiesnebraska.org humanitiesnebraska humanitiesne

HN LAUNCHES “DEAR STRANGER” LETTER EXCHANGE PROGRAM ASED ON A PROGRAM ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED BY OREGON HUMANITIES, HUMANITIES NEBRASKA INTRODUCED “DEAR B STRANGER” TO NEBRASKANS IN LATE JUNE. IF INTEREST CONTINUES, THIS PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN SOON. As the COVID-19 virus continued to move do you think you will people into their homes and away from their tell about this time and normal social routines, Humanities Nebraska what you learned about borrowed an idea from our peers in Oregon yourself?” and launched “Dear Stranger.” Most of the letter “It’s a simple premise,” explained Chris writers took advantage Sommerich, executive director. “Write a letter, of the prompt, but some send it to HN, and be anonymously matched wrote about entirely with a Nebraska resident from another part different issues. More of the state. You get their letter, they will get than 60 Nebraskans yours. It’s up to participants if they want to chose to participate, continue the correspondence further.” ranging in age from This letter exchange program is an ideal way children (with the for Nebraskans to make new connections and permission of parents) share thoughts and ideas—or newspaper clip- to retired persons. HN pings, recipes, photos, or anything else that staff has been pairing fits into an envelope while still maintaining safe the letters to send to social distancing. participants in mid-August. “Our goal is to build connections and en- After the first letter exchange, which is courage communication of thoughts and ideas anonymous, each pair of letter writers is free to between people who have different experiences share contact information through HN so they and backgrounds,” Chris can continue their conversations. said. “We’re all very excited If interest continues, Humanities Nebraska about it.” will offer another round of “Dear Stranger” in For HN’s first foray into the future. Participation information and a new “Dear Stranger,” which prompt will then be posted on the HN website, ended July 31, 2020, HumanitiesNebraska.org. If you are interested participants were offered in this program, either as a participant or a an optional prompt if they sponsor, please let us know by sending email to wanted a little extra help [email protected]. in writing their letters. The Support for HN’s “Dear Stranger” program prompt was, “When has been provided by Postscript (Ashland,

you look back at your life Nebraska) and an anonymous donorPHOTO: JONATHAN MCINTOSH, who VIA WIKIMEDIA is an COMMONS enthusiastic letter writer. Some “Dear Stranger” letters in 2020, what stories

12