A national home for lifelong learning, civic reflection, and the humanities.
In a world of endless noise and quick takes, The Study offers something different—an intentional space to slow down, ask meaningful questions, and connect through shared curiosity.
Founded by Humanities North Dakota and now supported by a growing coalition of state humanities councils, The Study is a platform for people who believe that learning doesn’t end with a diploma—and that understanding history, philosophy, literature, and culture is essential to understanding ourselves and one another.
Why We Exist
As many state humanities councils face funding cuts and programming pauses, The Study was created to ensure that high-quality, accessible humanities programming remains available to the public. It is a shared initiative, powered by volunteers and scholars who donate their time and expertise to keep the humanities alive and relevant.
We believe the humanities are essential to a healthy democracy. They teach us to listen generously, think critically, and engage with the complexity of the human experience. In uncertain times, they provide a compass.
Who We Serve
The Study is for anyone who believes that learning should be a lifelong pursuit.
We welcome curious minds from all walks of life—retirees seeking deeper conversations, working professionals looking for a meaningful break in their day, high school students exploring big ideas for the first time, and everyone in between.
Whether you’re tuning in from a rural library, gathering neighbors around your dining room table, or joining us online from across the country, you belong here.
We also work in partnership with state humanities councils to keep their communities connected, engaged, and inspired—especially during times when local programming may be paused or limited.
If you love ideas, questions, and thoughtful conversation, you’ve found your people.
The Study is a program supported by:
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