The Illinois Humanities Council presents All-Consuming: Conversations on Oil and Water, a year-long statewide series of free public programs that will examine the key issues related to oil and water. Join us as we use the humanities to ask how access to, control, and consumption of oil and water play out in the past, current, and future geopolitical environment; in Illinois and local communities; and in our individual lives.

Capitol Forum on America’s Future, a year-long civic education initiative of the Choices Program at Brown University, raises international awareness and promotes educated civic exchange among high school students statewide.

Museum on Main Street (MoMS), a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, offers high-quality traveling exhibitions to small museums, libraries, and historical societies in Illinois towns with populations of 30,000 or less, or by invitation.

Given annually by the IHC, the Public Humanities Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to public understanding of the role the humanities play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. All photos by Steve Leonard Photography and Bruce Powell Photography

The Public Square fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social, and political issues with an emphasis on social justice.

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award is a biennial honor bestowed on individuals who carry the torch of the humanities. These humanities heroes are nominated by Illinois mayors.