Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Humanities?

According to the 1965 National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, the term 'humanities' includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following:

Also the history, criticism, and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life.

Through its many programs, the AHF helps Alabamians improve their critical thinking, literacy, and lifelong learning skills and appreciate the diversity of human experiences celebrated through the study of the above-mentioned subject areas. Each day, toddlers and their parents, school-aged children, college and university students, and adults of all ages benefit and grow from the challenges and ideas put before them in AHF programs.

How can I make a difference in the humanities in Alabama?

Join the AHF!
(A minimum donation of $35 is required.)

Are there currently any humanities events or programs in my community?

There are always numerous AHF events around the state. Check the current calendar.

What programs are administered by the AHF?

For a quick index of main AHF programs click here. For specific information about AHF grants click here.

What grants has AHF awarded recently?

News of recent awards -- and of other AHF activities -- is always on our Newsroom page.

How can I contact AHF staff members?

A listing of staff telephone number and e-mail addresses is on the site here.

How do I get to the Alabama Humanities Foundation offices?

We are located in the American Cancer Society Building at Ridge Park located near the 1100 block of 22nd Street.

***PARKING IS PERMITTED ONLY ON THE PARKING DECK AT THE REAR OF THE BUILDING***

From I-65 North of Birmingham:
Take I-65 S. to 4th Ave. S. –Exit 259 B. Go approximately 13 blocks to 22nd Street. Turn right onto 22nd Street and go approximately 6 blocks to Ireland Way. Turn right onto Ireland Way (at the American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge sign) and immediately turn right at the Ridge Park sign. Continue through the parking lot until you reach the American Cancer Society building. We are located in the yellow-tan colored building.

From I-65 South of Birmingham:
Take I-65 N. to University Blvd. –Exit 259. Merge into the middle lane and go approximately 11 blocks to 22nd Street. Turn right onto 22nd Street and go approximately 4 blocks to Ireland Way. Turn right onto Ireland Way (at the American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge sign) and immediately turn right at the Ridge Park sign. Continue through the parking lot until you reach the American Cancer Society building. We are located in the yellow-tan colored building.

From I-59 West of Birmingham:
Take I-59 to the HWY31/280 exit- Exit 126. Take HWY31/280 (Elton B. Stephens Expressway) to the 8th Ave. S. exit. Turn right onto University Blvd. Turn left onto 22nd St. and go approximately 4 blocks to Ireland Way. Turn right onto Ireland Way (at the American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge sign) and immediately turn right at the Ridge Park sign. Continue through the parking lot until you reach the American Cancer Society building. We are located in the yellow-tan colored building.

From I-59 East of Birmingham:
Take I-59 to the Carraway Blvd./ HWY31/280 exit- Exit 126A. Follow the left lane to HWY 31/280. Take HWY 31/280 (Elton B. Stephens Expressway) to the 8th Ave. S. exit. Turn right onto 8th Ave. S. (University Blvd.). Turn left onto 22nd St. and go approximately 4 blocks to Ireland Way. Turn right onto Ireland Way (at the American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge sign) and immediately turn right at the Ridge Park sign. Continue through the parking lot until you reach the American Cancer Society building. We are located in the yellow-tan colored building.

From HWY 280 South of Birmingham:
Take HWY 280 to the Elton B. Stephens Expressway on-ramp. Take HWY31/280 (Elton B. Stephens Expressway) to the 8th Ave. S. exit. Turn right onto University Blvd. Turn left onto 22nd St. and go approximately 4 blocks to Ireland Way. Turn right onto Ireland Way (at the American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge sign) and immediately turn right at the Ridge Park sign. Continue through the parking lot until you reach the American Cancer Society building. We are located in the yellow-tan colored building.