The following quotes are extracts from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ assessment of Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities programs, leadership and activities:

“More than three and a half decades after its founding, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) has established an enviable record of accomplishment, serving the people and institutions of its home state. During the first years of the first decade of the 21st Century, LEH has both sustained and extended its level of accomplishment. It has achieved a substantial record (and outstanding reputation) as a key partner with Louisiana’s academic, literary, cultural, historical and media communities. LEH has provided superb and at times inspired leadership as an advocate for the life of the mind and the power of great ideas and great creative work [in Louisiana]. Its efforts have reached into every quarter of the state’s physical extent, touched the lives of an amazingly wide range of her citizens, and produced an extensive and high quality catalogue of compelling programs and resources."

“There is a very strong sense among those involved in and touched by [the] LEH that her work makes a genuine and significant difference, and that the absence of the important program, educational and advancement activities of the Endowment would be felt in profound ways. This is true in library, university, museum, school, and larger cultural circles."

“The LEH has been especially successful in developing key partnerships with Louisiana’s libraries, museums, historical societies, school districts and state cultural agencies. In addition, it has worked hard and long to sustain the engagement of the state’s key independent and institutional scholars, developing a strong core of experienced contributors while seeking out the best of a limited pool of new talent which enters the state each year."

“LEH promotes the humanities in rural areas and in the differing regions of Louisiana through Prime Time and RELIC sites, local museums that partner on Main Street exhibits, and grant-funded community projects. These activities are periodic and associate LEH with specific high-valued activities in local communities, as well as earning the support of public officials who have been essential to expanded levels of state government support for LEH.”

“Beyond Louisiana, LEH has also carved out an interesting and useful leadership role in several key national program initiatives. In particular this impact can be seen in the Endowment’s work on the Prime Time Family Reading Program which has been adopted and adapted in a significant number of other states in collaboration with state humanities councils or other agencies. . . . It is clear that the program plays an important leadership role in the larger national movement centered on the importance of family literacy. And Prime Time has made significant contributions to the pedagogical, structural and content advances in this field."

“It is also true that many LEH projects and products have found and influenced audiences far beyond the limits of the endowment’s home state. This may be a consequence of the larger national interest in all things Louisiana (even before the hurricanes); the romance of New Orleans; a collective passion for the history and artistry of the birthplace of American jazz; or the compelling mélange of Cajun culture. Nonetheless, LEH has produced an impressive array of initiatives that have found a boarder audience in print, film, television and radio..."

“In the last two years, especially, the leadership, resourcefulness, creativity, and commitment of the Louisiana Endowment have been tested beyond imagination as her home state suffered the tragic impact and horrific aftermath of the hurricanes and storms of 2005. LEH not only survived these storms and their fallout. The Endowment’s work itself became a lifeline for others. The Endowment’s investment in the idea and importance of Louisiana’s unique and priceless cultural richness inspired connection and confidence... As importantly, the Endowment’s sustained programming and convening gave an opportunity for communities to gather again and to hear their “voices,” enriched by the testing of the times and rooted in the maturity of informed reflection.

“The bonds of common cause that LEH had built so well over more than three decades provided the connectional tissue that allowed the Endowment to be of service above and beyond the call of duty [in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita]."

“LEH has been a long time leader in recognizing, studying, assisting and projecting the unique cultural voice that has arisen in Louisiana through five centuries. [The] LEH has been a genuine leader in supporting publishing, film, recording, and commentary about this unique “voice,” its legacy, and its future. It was only natural, then, that when the storms hit with such fury and such disasterous impact on cultural and educational activities, many would turn to LEH to help sort out the consequences."

“For a very long time, now, LEH has benefited from outstanding executive leadership. This is a leadership which is passionate, engaged, enthusiastic and connected. Dr. Michael Sartisky has provided the executive and professional half of a board/staff leadership partnership which has sustained and led LEH to its current and highly positive status."

“Louisiana Cultural Vistas may be LEH’s best-known venue for advancing the humanities [in Louisiana]. This attractive magazine is extremely well produced, with high production values that suggest the quality of LEH work and the value of Louisiana culture. The magazine effectively promotes specific LEH programs, enabling them to reach beyond their original presentation contexts to broad statewide and national audiences. The writing, illustrations and graphic design are all first rate."

Visiting Team:

Dr. Kenneth L. Gladish
Distinguished Professor of Nonprofit Studies
Director, The Grantmaking School
Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dr. Charles Reagan Wilson
Kelly Gene Cook Sr., Chair of History and Professor of Southern Studies
University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
NEH, Federal/State Partnership Self-Assessment Process
Report from the Site Visitors, September 2007
Site Visit, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 18-19, 2007