Commonwealth Speakers:Key to Presentations

Mensura Berberovic's presentation, Sevdalinka: A Musical Tour of Bosnia, takes audiences through the life of a Bosnian—all through folk song.

Commonwealth Speaker presentations vary widely in terms of topic and format. When reviewing the presentations, we encourage you to use this handy key to guide you to the presentation format that best suits your audience.

Family/Younger Audiences Presentations

PHC is committed to providing innovative formats that appeal to both children and adults. A number of our presentations provide experiences that offer entertainment and insight that can be enjoyed by all—from children and their caregivers, to teenagers, to grandparents. Look for F, which indicates presentations specifically designed to have a wide generational appeal.

For example:

• Vivienne Shaffer explores the ideas of Rachel Carson through readings, word games and writing activities in Rachel Carson and the Nature Discovery Treasure Chest.

Hands-on/Active Participation Presentations

While all presentations offered are participatory through a Q&A session or discussion period, some of these programs feature enhanced audience participation. One of the best ways to learn is to take part, and we are proud that a number of presentations offer audiences opportunities to engage the humanities in a new way. Through enhanced participation, audiences will be able to broaden their understanding of history, artistic and critical expression. Look for H, which indicates presentations that offer opportunities for hands-on or active participation.

For example:

• Keith Brintzenhoff uses music, stories and humor in Pennsylvania German Music, Dance and Instruments.

Lecture & Performance Presentations

Lecture presentations are designated with L.

For example:

• Josephine Dunn tells the story of enterprising women involved in civic engagement in Alive to the Call: Women and History in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Performance Presentations

Performance presentations are designated with P.

For example:

• Tracie York creates the experience of carnival from the streets of Port-of Spain, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans in The Spirit of Carnival.

• Goals
• Presentations by Category
• Presentations by Title
• Presentations by Speaker
• Speakers' Biographies
• Key to Presentations
• Programming Suggestions
• Costs & Eligibility
• Restrictions
• Applicant Responsibilities
• Application Process
• Application Form [48K PDF]
• Administration Materials
• Evaluating the Commonwealth Speakers program
• Frequently Asked Questions