Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
In April 2025, Wyoming Humanities received a shock that changed the organization overnight: all federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) had been eliminated. In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Executive Director Chloe Flagg to discuss the aftermath of losing $870,000 in federal awards and what it means for the state's cultural landscape.
Despite a 66% reduction in staff and the suspension of popular programs like their weekly podcast, Wyoming Humanities remains "alive and kicking." From their new, smaller office at the University of Wyoming's Historic Cooper House, Chloé and her colleague Olivia are finding innovative ways to continue their mission.
In this interview, we explore:
👉 The sudden "overnight" termination of federal funds and the impact on local grants.
👉 The history of Wyoming Humanities as a trailblazing 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by T.A. Larson.
👉 The importance of the Wyoming Center for the Book and upcoming literacy initiatives for 2026.
👉 How the organization is pivoting toward "quality over quantity" to serve Wyoming’s smaller communities.
About Wyoming Chronicle:
Wyoming Chronicle is a weekly public affairs program produced by Wyoming PBS, featuring in-depth interviews with the innovators, leaders, and icons who shape the "Equality State."
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Introduction: A Funding Crisis in Wyoming
0:45 - The Downsizing of Wyoming Humanities
1:36 - Impact of the $870,000 Federal Funding Cut
3:13 - Chloe Flagg’s Transition to Executive Director
4:12 - What is Wyoming Humanities? (History & Mission)
6:47 - How Grant Money Supports Local Museums and Festivals
8:25 - The End of the Podcast Program and "Spark Grants"
10:28 - The "Midnight Email" from the NEH
13:45 - Congressional Funding vs. Administrative Decisions
16:18 - Why Democracy Demands Wisdom: The Case for the Humanities
18:37 - What’s Next? State Funding and Current Projects
19:31 - The Wyoming Center for the Book & Literacy Tours
22:03 - Working with the Wyoming State Legislature
24:45 - Building a New Future for the Organization
26:08 - Conclusion and Support for the Arts
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
In April 2025, Wyoming Humanities received a shock that changed the organization overnight: all federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) had been eliminated. In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Executive Director Chloe Flagg to discuss the aftermath of losing $870,000 in federal awards and what it means for the state's cultural landscape.
Despite a 66% reduction in staff and the suspension of popular programs like their weekly podcast, Wyoming Humanities remains "alive and kicking." From their new, smaller office at the University of Wyoming's Historic Cooper House, Chloé and her colleague Olivia are finding innovative ways to continue their mission.
In this interview, we explore:
👉 The sudden "overnight" termination of federal funds and the impact on local grants.
👉 The history of Wyoming Humanities as a trailblazing 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by T.A. Larson.
👉 The importance of the Wyoming Center for the Book and upcoming literacy initiatives for 2026.
👉 How the organization is pivoting toward "quality over quantity" to serve Wyoming’s smaller communities.
About Wyoming Chronicle:
Wyoming Chronicle is a weekly public affairs program produced by Wyoming PBS, featuring in-depth interviews with the innovators, leaders, and icons who shape the "Equality State."
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Introduction: A Funding Crisis in Wyoming
0:45 - The Downsizing of Wyoming Humanities
1:36 - Impact of the $870,000 Federal Funding Cut
3:13 - Chloe Flagg’s Transition to Executive Director
4:12 - What is Wyoming Humanities? (History & Mission)
6:47 - How Grant Money Supports Local Museums and Festivals
8:25 - The End of the Podcast Program and "Spark Grants"
10:28 - The "Midnight Email" from the NEH
13:45 - Congressional Funding vs. Administrative Decisions
16:18 - Why Democracy Demands Wisdom: The Case for the Humanities
18:37 - What’s Next? State Funding and Current Projects
19:31 - The Wyoming Center for the Book & Literacy Tours
22:03 - Working with the Wyoming State Legislature
24:45 - Building a New Future for the Organization
26:08 - Conclusion and Support for the Arts
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
