About OCH
The Oregon Council for the Humanities seeks to improve the quality of life for Oregonians by providing programs that enrich minds and broaden perspectives, foster positive human relationships, encourage civility and good citizenship, and bring together the diverse peoples who make up our statewide culture. OCH is an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and is supported by gifts from the Oregon Cultural Trust and individuals and foundations throughout Oregon.
About the Oregon Council for the Humanities
OCH Mission
In carrying out its mission, the Council works to:
- Promote understanding of the humanities and the role of thought and ideas in our lives.
- Support scholarship and discussion that address social, cultural, and public issues.
- Build community and connectedness among Oregonians.
- Reach Oregonians of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, in all areas of the state.
- Encourage the productive interaction between humanities scholars and the public.
- Advocate for a widening role for the humanities in public and private life.
OCH History
Convinced that the humanities should play a wider role in our public life, Congress established the National Endowment for the Humanities and the state humanities councils a quarter of a century ago. Since that time the Oregon Council for the Humanities has grown into a partnership that includes libraries, museums, historical societies, churches, community centers, scholars, schools, and individuals of all ages working together to make fine public humanities programs a reality in our state.
OCH is a nonprofit, independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Humanities
The humanities are our cultural and intellectual heritage--the sum of human experience, thought, and expression. They give us knowledge of the past, insight about the present, and wisdom for the future. They teach us about others and help us to know ourselves.
The humanities are for everyone.
The Disciplines
History, literature, linguistics, philosophy, ethics, jurisprudence, comparative religion, and the history, criticism, and theory of the arts. Cultural anthropology, archaeology, political science, and international relations, and interdisciplinary areas such as folklore, women's studies, and American studies.
OCH Board of Directors
- Chair
- Sara Hopkins-Powell, Hillsboro
- Vice Chair
- Robert Melnick, Eugene
- Treasurer
- Carol Edelman, Portland
- Secretary
- William Smaldone, Salem
- Members
- Jay Casbon, Bend
- Kathleen Davis, Medford
- Miriam Feuerle, Portland
- John Fronhmayer, Corvallis
- Robert Gillespie, Portland
- David Gutterman, McMinnville
- Martha Schwab Harris, Portland
- Jill Kirk, Portland
- Barbara Mahoney, Wilsonville
- Win McCormack, Portland
- Ben Moorad, Portland
- Joan Shipley, Portland
The OCH Board of Directors is made up of volunteer members. Five members are appointed by the Governor. Board members serve three-year terms.
Responsibilities include attendance at three regular board meetings and at committee meetings, and a willingness to advise and support OCH's work in a number of ways. Board members serve renewable three-year terms and attend three general meeting per year that are held in various locations around the state. The OCH board has financial oversight of the organization, takes an active role in fundraising, sets policy, approves new program initiatives, and promotes awareness of the council.
We thank them for their service.