This collection of essays seeks to offer a composite portrait of state humanities programs from a wide range of viewpoints. Topics explored include: the role of the National Endowment for the Humanities; the importance of the humanities; origins and new directions for state programs; humanities and the issues of public policy, the arts, science, and the social sciences; the use of the media in state humanities programs; political ramifications in the areas of funding and accountability; and the difficulties that threaten the continuation of state humanities programs. A listing of state humanities councils is included in the appendix. The various authors stress that the values and wisdom promoted by the humanities make the development of state programs invaluable. (JK)