The Idaho Humanities Council has announced the suspension of major project grants due to the cancellation of all National Endowment for the Humanities funds by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Recently, the IHC had allocated $7,500 for the restoration of the film “Told in the Hills” (1919), in collaboration with the Nez Perce Office of Cultural Resources. This film, recognized as the first feature film shot in Idaho, is a western romance featuring a cast of 100-200 Nez Perce actors.

The project aimed to compile over 200 production photos and 22 minutes of surviving film footage to restore the film for presentation at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center Silent Film Festival in September. However, an $11,000 shortfall has been identified following the grant cancellation, leading to the cessation of the project.

The Idaho Humanities Council encourages individuals to contact Idaho’s US senators and representatives regarding the importance of humanities programs.