Connections. They are a vital part of human relationships, connecting us to our past and to each other.
Enhancing those human connections is one of the roles of the humanities, meaning the various aspects of human society and culture. For 50 years, an organization in Kansas has worked to enhance the humanities in communities across our state.
Julie Mulvihill is executive director of Humanities Kansas. She makes her home in Jefferson County, near the rural community of Perry, population 929 people. Now, that’s rural.
Mulvihill recalls being motivated by the humanities when going to a museum as a student in elementary school. “Since I was a little kid, the humanities have inspired me, spurred me into action, and given me reason to pause for some serious thinking,” she said.
“I remember learning about the Galapagos Islands and sitting there on my carpet square and thinking, ‘there is a whole world out there that I know nothing about.’ I felt like it was an important responsibility to know more.”
It contributed to her lifelong love of reading and history, among other things.
