In 2026, Oregon Humanities' programs will span in-person conversations large and small; storytelling in print, online, and on the radio; multiple fellowship and grant opportunities, as well as trainings around the state.
This year, we're taking the opportunity of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to reflect on our complex founding and history, lift up under-told stories, and appreciate diverse perspectives about the past, present, and future of our nation. We're calling our work around this anniversary Beyond 250. Throughout 2026, we will hold conversations, create spaces for reflection and mutual understanding, and think together about the next 250 years.
About Our Programs
Consider This is an annual series of onstage conversations with writers, civic leaders, scholars, and artists in venues around Oregon. In 2026, we will present conversations in Portland, Woodburn, and La Grande.
The Conversation Project brings people together to talk about their beliefs and experiences around timely and important issues and ideas through reflective conversations. These 90-minute discussions are led by trained facilitators and hosted by community partners throughout Oregon.
Dear Stranger is a recurring letter-exchange project that connects Oregonians through the mail to share experiences, beliefs, and ideas.
Humanity in Perspective offers free, for-credit college-level humanities courses for people who are living on low incomes and/or facing barriers to continuing their education. The program is currently on hiatus.
Mini Grants for Libraries are awarded annually to enable Oregon libraries to create and host their own humanities events.
Public Program Grants, awarded annually, provide up to $10,000 in support of humanities programs and events across Oregon that explore challenging questions and strive for connected communities. This program is paused indefinitely due to cuts to our funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Oregon Humanities magazine is a print publication about the experiences, ideas, and beliefs of Oregonians. It is published three times each year, in spring, summer, and fall. In each issue, Oregon writers, artists, and readers explore diverse perspectives and challenging questions relating to the place we live and the people who live here.
Beyond the Margins is an online publication. We publish personal essays, reporting, interviews, excerpts, videos, photo essays, book reviews, and other stories that engage and challenge Oregonians.
The Detour is a monthly podcast and radio program from Oregon Humanities. In each episode, host Adam Davis and guests explore tough questions about how we live together. Conversations on The Detour connect ideas and personal experiences without looking for easy solutions. The program is carried on several radio stations across Oregon.
This Place is a weekly podcast in which Oregonians talk about the places that matter to them—where they live, work, and find joy. What is it like to be where you are? What do you wish other people understood about your place?
Reflective Conversation Training prepares participants to plan and facilitate open-ended discussions in their communities, workplaces, or wherever people gather.
Every year, we work with groups across the state and country to design custom trainings and conversations to engage their communities and facilitate events where people connect across differences of background and belief.
The Community Storytelling Fellowship is awarded annually to Oregonians who belong to communities that are underrepresented in Oregon media. Fellows produce stories for Oregon Humanities' publications during the course of one year.
The Fields Artist Fellowship is a partnership between Oregon Humanities and the Oregon Community Foundation aimed at supporting individuals who address important issues in their communities and create meaningful change through creativity and cultural expression. Fellowships are awarded every two years.
The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues relating to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon. Oregon Humanities administers the Oregon Poet Laureate program for the Oregon Cultural Trust.