Elaborating and clarifying the philosophy behind the national and state programs concerned with the humanities was the purpose of this colloquium. The U.S. creed, composed of the principles of freedom, equality, and self-government, can only be appreciated and made relevant to modern realities by a reflective people. Therefore, the government is compelled to provide the nurturing environment of a reflective and informed public will. A democratic culture that is the counterpart of this civil creed has evolved in the United States making an appreciation of the thought and expression of U.S. culture an imperative of good citizenship. The universities are the principal guardians and the transmitters of this humanist tradition through learning and scholarship. Other professionals who serve as trustees of the humanist traditions include: (1) the larger educational community; (2) trained professionals in museums and libraries and at historic sites; (3) professionals in the media responsible for communication and performances in the arts and humanities; (4) the voluntary associations of civic groups that engage in a variety of humanities activities; and (5) independent scholars. The document concludes with a list of recommendations for fostering the humanities in public life. (SM)