Since 1980, the Dallas Institute has conducted public programs aimed at discovering what the humanities have to offer to the cultural life of the city. Take a look at the rich history that brings us to where we are today.
The Dallas Institute is Founded
January 1, 1980

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is founded in November 1980 by Drs. Donald Cowan, Louise Cowan, Gail Thomas, James Hillman, Robert Sardello, and Joanne Stroud, former colleagues at the University of Dallas.
Read moreThe Center for the City is Established
January 1, 1981

The Center for the City is established under the direction of Dr. Thomas to bring citizens and experts together for enlightened discourse on the future of the city.
Read moreThe Dallas Institute Publications Commences
January 1, 1982

Dallas Institute Publications, under the stewardship of Dr. Joanne Stroud, commences.
Read moreTeacher’s Academy Created
January 1, 1983

Drs. Donald and Louise Cowan create the Teachers Academy to support public and private school teachers primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Read moreSummer Institute for Principals Conducted
January 1, 1989

The first of three consecutive Summer Institutes for Principals is conducted. By 1991, approximately 95% of Dallas ISD principals will have been full-time participants.
Read morePegasus Plaza is Completed
January 1, 1992

The Institute completes the construction of Pegasus Plaza in Downtown Dallas featuring the work of sculptor Brad Goldberg.
Read more2719 Routh Street Renovation Completed
January 1, 1995

Major renovation is completed on the original historic structure at 2719 Routh Street.
Read moreDr. J. Larry Allums Named Executive Director
January 1, 1998

Dr. Larry Allums is named second Executive Director of the Institute.
Read moreDr. Nancy Cain Marcus Conference Center Donated
January 1, 1998

Nancy Cain and Jeffrey Marcus purchase the building adjacent to the Institute and donate it for use as the Institute’s Conference Center.
Read moreDr. Glenn Arbery Appointed Director of Teachers Academy
January 1, 1998

Dr. Glenn Arbery is appointed second Director of the Teachers Academy.
Read moreDr. Gail Thomas Presents “What Does the River Want to Be?”
January 1, 2001

Dr. Gail Thomas presents “What Does the River Want to Be?” a conference that will prove to focus sustained attention on the potential of the Trinity River.
Read moreKim Jordan Endows The Hiett Prize in the Humanities
January 1, 2003

Kim Jordan donates $1 million to create and endow the Hiett Prize in the Humanities, a $50,000 annual award presented to a young person in the humanities.
Read moreAnnual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium Established
January 1, 2005

The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Symposium is established.
Read moreInaugural Dallas Festival of Ideas Conducted
January 1, 2008

The inaugural Dallas Institute Festival of Ideas is conducted in the Dallas Arts District.
Read moreLouise and Donald Cowan Center for Education™ Established
January 1, 2010

The Dallas Institute’s Louise and Donald Cowan Center for Education™ is established.
Read moreThe Dallas Institute Celebrates 30 Years
January 1, 2011

The Dallas Institute celebrates its 30th year of conducting programs for North Texas.
Read moreDr. Joanne Stroud Establishes Annual James Hillman Symposium
January 1, 2012

The Annual James Hillman Symposium is established by Dr. Joanne Stroud.
Read more2723 Routh Street Becomes Stroud House and Cour Regard
January 1, 2014

The house and former bookstore at 2723 Routh are purchased and named the Stroud House and Cour Regard.
Read moreThe Dallas Festival of Ideas Expands
January 1, 2015

The Institute enters into a partnership with The Dallas Morning News to conduct an expanded and renamed Annual Dallas Festival of Ideas.
Read moreCapital Campaign for Campus Renovation Begins
January 1, 2017

A Capital Campaign is begun by the Institute Board of Directors for the purpose of accomplishing a major renovation of the Institute’s three properties.
Read moreDr. Nancy Cain Marcus Establishes “What Makes a Citizen” and Political Philosophy
January 1, 2018

Dr. Nancy Cain Marcus initiates a news annual program “What Makes a Citizen” and revival from 2001-2 of a two-year Summer Institute for Teachers in Political Philosophy.
Read moreDr. Seemee Ali Becomes President of the DIHC
October 19, 2020

Dr. Seemee Ali assumes the role of the Dallas Institute’s President.
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