We find the

human
connections

in the humanities

We put people first.
Our work champions the humanities — centering growth, equity, and community as a pathway to positive, lasting change.

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Featured Research

PA CultureCheck

PA CultureCheck is a study by PA Humanities and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to gather the voices of Pennsylvania’s cultural, arts, and humanities organizations, along with other nonprofits and community groups. The two primary goals were to continue tracking the post-pandemic recovery and regrowth and to look deeper at the many ways organizations are engaging with their communities.

50th Anniversary

2023-2024 marks 50 years of bringing Pennsylvanians together to make meaningful change through the humanities. Learn more about what exciting programs and opportunities are ahead -- and how you can support us!

Wingspan

PA Humanities is proud to announce the launch of Wingspan, a new grant program to support BIPOC-led and serving or rural organizations doing community-based humanities work.

Re-vision

The US Constitution was a radical document in 1787, written by forward-thinking men to guide a new country, America. Re-Vision explores how some of their revolutionary ideas -- like freedom of speech and the right to a speedy trial -- apply to contemporary issues. Hosted by Lee Stabert, editor in chief of Keystone Edge, each episode pairs a scholar with a working practitioner to discuss the meaning and intentions of this founding document and its real life implications today.

Rain Poetry

PA Humanities is engaging children from five Philadelphia neighborhoods in a hands-on community poetry activity facilitated by local poets and Youth Poets Laureate. Haiku created by students grades 1-5 are being installed in public spaces by Tiny WPA with a special rain-activated solution.

PA Kindness Poem Project

PA Humanities partnered with Philadelphia poet laureate Trapeta B. Mayson on a mission to help spread kindness throughout the state. Named the PA Kindness Poem Project, this year-long initiative invited residents to share messages on social media that promote generosity, healing, reconciliation, and peace.

In The Room

How would the US Constitution be different if YOU were there when it happened? In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country, PA Humanities launched If You Were In The Room. This 2022 initiative invited young people ages 16-22 to consider the US Constitution and its impact on their life and community, and what they would change if they could rewrite it today.

PA SHARP

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, PHC and other state and regional humanities councils are distributing funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ SHARP (Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan) program.

granted in the past 2 years

73

core program sites
in the past 5 years

330

organizations granted funds
in the past two years

$2M+

granted in the past 2 years

330

organizations granted funds
in the past two years

73

core program sites
in the past 5 years

the

50th Anniversary, Education, Featured, News, Special Projects

Invisible ink, visible impact: Celebrating Rain Poetry in Philadelphia

The public library is a place where imaginative minds can explore new worlds and find opportunities to learn and grow. That’s why the Free Library of Philadelphia was the perfect site to host the launch of PA Humanities’ new book of poems collected from Philadelphia school children as part of 2023’s Rain Poetry pilot project.

50th Anniversary, Guest Story

Advocacy, Featured, Growth & Recovery, News

50th Anniversary, News

50th Anniversary, News

From The Field

We believe in contributing our learnings to the larger conversation about the role of the humanities in creating lasting change. We put participatory research at the forefront of all our work and partner with scholars, consultants, and a cross-sector of leaders including University of Pennsylvania’s PennPraxis, Elizabeth Myrick + Associates, and Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

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During the uncertainties and challenges of Pennsylvania’s recovery one thing made all the difference – everyday kindness.
Show that kindness matters to you too.

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Apr 18

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Join us for this special event on how to better support LGBTQIA+ youth! In our current socio-political climate, young people with marginalized gender identities and/or sexual orientations have an increased need for caring spaces where it is safe to be themselves. The humanities and non-traditional education settings are uniquely positioned to support and nurture LQBTQIA+ youth in meaningful ways.

Moderated by Dr. Valerie Adams Bass, Teen Reading Lounge Consultant, this virtual panel discussion is intended for educators, librarians, youth workers, and others looking to further their understanding and support of LGBTQIA+ youth. Hear from social work scholars and practitioners about ways to affirm and engage queer youth in and through the humanities.

Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Thursday, April 25th
Time: 11:30-12:45 EST

Register now: bit.ly/LGBTQYLH ...

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Apr 17

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🎉 @nehgov has announced $26.2 million for 238 humanities projects across the country, including $1.94 million for 13 grantees here in Pennsylvania.

"...these projects show how the humanities help us understand ourselves and our world.” -NEH Chair @sc_lowe (Navajo)

BIG congratulations to all the recipients:

@brynmawrcollege
@pittofficial (x3)
@lancohistory
@bucknellu
@philamuseum
@uofpenn
Carnegie Institute
@duquesneuniversity
Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
@universityofscranton
@wjcollege

Learn more: https://www.neh.gov/news/neh-announces-262-million-238-humanities-projects-nationwide ...

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Apr 16

Open

We were raining haiku poems at the @thelearninglamp`s Children`s Book Festival at @bottle_works in Johnstown this weekend. Children explored the theme of growth through nature boxes and made their own imaginative poems. They`ll be more opportunities to participate next weekend on April 20th at the @cambriacountylibrary.

Many thanks all our supporters!

More info about Rain Poetry at RainPoetry.org. ...

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Apr 12

Open

✨ The Humanities and Human Flourishing Project at @penn is hosting Visual Arts for Flourishing Philadelphia, a free interdisciplinary conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for learning, professional development, and connection. Hear perspectives from psychology researchers, public health researchers, social workers, arts practitioners, and museum professionals.

🗓️ Dates: April 26-27, 2024

Register: https://www.humanitiesandhumanflourishing.org/vaffp-conference-2024 ...

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