Delaware’s Hidden Gem: The Humanities Shine On in the Diamond State

January 27, 2026

by Michele Anstine, Executive Director

Thomas Jefferson reportedly gave Delaware its nickname the “Diamond State” by calling it “a jewel among states,” referring to its small size but strategic location. Although there is no solid documentation to link this phrase to Jefferson, the nickname has been in use since the 1850s. In 2026, as the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—also penned by the capable wordsmith Jefferson—we look forward to a year that explores the multifaceted history of the United States, including Delaware, and how the humanities will continue to shine on.

Celebrating the 250th

This year, Delaware Humanities invites you to reflect with us on the stories that have contributed to our understanding of our state, our nation, and ourselves as Delawareans. With local and national partners, we will spotlight some of Delaware’s historic moments, customs, and traditions throughout the year. We are excited to begin the year by announcing Voices of the First Peoples, an exclusive program made possible through By the People: Conversations Beyond 250.  

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.   

With the University of Delaware’s Delaware Teachers Institute, Delaware Humanities will offer two Voices of the First Peoples programs in May: one in partnership with the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, and one in partnership with the Nanticoke Indian Tribe at the Nanticoke Indian Museum. The programs will highlight stories and foodways of Delaware’s indigenous peoples and inspire dialogue among participants. Portions of the programs captured through recordings and photos will be archived to help document our state’s rich history.  

Federal Funding Status

In addition to preparing for the 250th, we are closely watching Congressionally directed federal funding. As you may know, 2025 brought many challenges to Delaware Humanities when our NEH general operating support grant, which has covered operating expenses as well as our grantmaking and a portion of programming for fifty years, was terminated in April. Although it was reinstated in June, only approximately one-half of Delaware Humanities’ Congressionally appropriated funding for FY25 was awarded. Through streamlining our operations and program offerings, and with support from grants by the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation and the Delaware Community Foundation, we were able to stabilize the organization and plan for a variety of funding outcomes. 

Unlike years past, we are not confident that the lawful passage of a funding bill will guarantee our receipt of the funding. We are still leaning on state and private donations—including our Mellon Foundation $50,000 Challenge Grant which was extended to November 30, 2026. We ask you to understand our caution as we plan behind-the-scenes for all potential funding outcomes. 

Looking Ahead

We used the latter part of 2025 to invite feedback from our stakeholders, which range from staff and board members to partner organizations and legislators. Delaware Humanities’ Board and staff have approached our current landscape strategically, meeting frequently for discussion and listening with intent.  Through many meetings, dialogue, and a lot of reading, I have reflected on what humans (the center of the humanities) value and how it applies to the work we do at Delaware Humanities. Connection, conversation, culture, community—these are words I hear again and again and they are particularly meaningful to the experiences we at Delaware Humanities strive to create together. I will be carrying these 4 C’s forward as we plan the rest of 2026 and our future. 

We are in the process of applying the recommendations received from stakeholders through our scenario planning process. Please reach out to us at info@dehumanities.org if you have specific questions before our planning concludes in the spring. Like a diamond, Delaware Humanities is a strong and resilient organization, and we remain committed to bringing humanities experiences to the residents of Delaware. 

As always, we encourage you to sign up for our monthly email newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information and program registration in the coming months. And if you are looking for an opportunity to connect with our programs in your local community, check out our Calendar for Speakers program listings and watch our communications for announcements of spring and fall Prime Time Family Reading locations.

We are working harder than ever with our library, museum, and community partners throughout the state to bring you programs close to home. We look forward to seeing you in 2026.