Connecticut: Latest Update on the Nutmeg State
NEH Funds Variety of Digitization and Public Engagement Projects in Connecticut
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has recently granted funds to several institutions in Connecticut for various digitization and public engagement initiatives.
One of the key initiatives is the Connecticut Digital Newspaper Project, led by the Connecticut State Library. The project received $249,194 to digitize 100,000 pages of historical newspapers published between 1690 and 1963. This project is part of Connecticut's ongoing participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), aiming to enhance public access to important historical resources [1].
The Connecticut State Library also received $948,000 to improve the digital connection system for transferring essential records. This investment will help ensure the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical documents [1].
In addition, the Connecticut State Library was awarded $79,970 to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Connecticut's cultural heritage institutions. This funding will help promote a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the state's history [1].
Another significant grant of $100,000 was given to digitize and describe early legal records of the New Haven County County Court and Superior Court. This project will provide crucial insight into the state's legal history [1].
Yale University, located in New Haven, was a recipient of multiple grants. They received $5,644,311 for the Papers of Benjamin Franklin, a long-term project that spans from 1968 to 2015. Yale also received $113,400 for the Yale Indian Papers Project in 2016, $95,554 for Mary Chesnut's Civil War (1977-78), and $53,000 for the Ezra Stiles Papers (1975) [2].
In addition to these, Yale University received $108,900 for the Edward M. House Diaries (1978-79), $20,629 for the Henry Lewis Stimson Papers (1971), and $278,183 for subvention support for the Papers of Benjamin Franklin, the Papers of Frederick Douglass, the Peale Family Papers, and the Papers of Benjamin Henry Latrobe [2].
The Yale University Press, also in New Haven, received $278,183 for subvention support for these same projects [2].
The Connecticut Historical Society, based in Hartford, received a significant grant of $1,000,000 for a project titled "Connecticut Historical Society Records Digitization and Public Engagement Initiative." The Society also received $35,126 to digitize early Connecticut manuscript collections [3].
The Stowe-Day Foundation, also in Hartford, received $31,432 for the Isabella Beecher Hooker Project (1977-78) [3].
The Connecticut League of History Organizations, based in New Britain, received $99,980 to enhance the capabilities of Connecticut Collections, an online resource tool [3].
The Cornwall Historical Society benefits from grants through Connecticut Humanities, indirectly supported by NEH funding streams. These grants help maintain and grow community engagement efforts, including exhibitions that highlight underrepresented histories such as Black and Native residents' contributions in Connecticut towns [5].
In addition to these digitization projects, Connecticut Humanities, the NEH state affiliate, supports various humanities projects across the state through grants and partnerships. Fourteen humanities projects received $227,000 in grants from the Connecticut nonprofit to continue their work in public engagement, although these projects are broader in scope and not limited strictly to digitization [3].
In summary, the key recent NEH-funded digitization initiative is the digitization of historical newspapers by the Connecticut State Library, while broader public engagement projects receive support via Connecticut Humanities grants aimed at enriching public access and awareness of humanities content in the state [1][3][5].
[1] Connecticut State Library. (n.d.). National Endowment for the Humanities Awards $948,000 to Connecticut State Library for Digital Connection System. Retrieved from https://www.ctstatelibrary.org/news/ct-state-library-awarded-948000-national-endowment-for-the-humanities-for-digital-connection-system
[2] Yale University Library. (n.d.). NEH Awards Yale University Library Over $7 Million for Major Humanities Projects. Retrieved from https://library.yale.edu/news/neh-awards-yale-university-library-over-7-million-major-humanities-projects
[3] Connecticut Humanities. (n.d.). Connecticut Humanities Announces New Grants for Statewide Humanities Projects. Retrieved from https://cthumanities.org/news/connecticut-humanities-announces-new-grants-statewide-humanities-projects
[4] Connecticut Historical Society. (n.d.). Connecticut Historical Society Receives Major Grant for Digitization and Public Engagement Project. Retrieved from https://cthistory.org/news/connecticut-historical-society-receives-major-grant-digitization-and-public-engagement-project
[5] Cornwall Historical Society. (n.d.). Cornwall Historical Society Receives Grant for Community Engagement Efforts. Retrieved from https://cornwallhistoricalsociety.org/news/cornwall-historical-society-receives-grant-community-engagement-efforts
Education and self-development can be enhanced by the digital access to historical resources provided by the Connecticut Digital Newspaper Project, a part of the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). Furthermore, the Connecticut Historical Society's Records Digitization and Public Engagement Initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding of the state's history, fostering personal growth and knowledge through engaging with cultural heritage.
