Designed to provide an overview of programs offered by state humanities councils, this publication is divided into seven sections. An introduction defines the humanities and outlines the Division of State Programs within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). A section entitled "The State Humanities Councils" presents the history, purpose, funding, and council members' responsibilities in the state councils. In the next two sections, the services provided by the Division of State Programs of NEH and the rationale, criteria, and process of review of state programs by NEH are discussed. A section entitled "Special Awards and Opportunities" describes merit awards, council-conducted projects, exemplary projects in the humanities, and the National Federation of State Humanities Councils. Concluding sections list the staff of the NEH Division of State Programs, give important dates in the Division of State Programs, provide a directory of state humanities councils, and list other NEH programs. (LP)