Resources:Commonwealth Speakers: 2008-09 Call for Speakers


Commonwealth Speaker and poet Jeanne Murray Walker. Photo courtesy of Jeff Hurwitz.

The Commonwealth Speakers program provides nonprofit and cultural organizations throughout the state with quality humanities-based programs. The humanities, fundamentally, are about exploring big ideas—and Commonwealth Speakers reflects PHC's commitment to encouraging all Pennsylvanians to share our excitement about lifelong learning.

Call for Applications
PHC currently is accepting Speaker applications for 2008-09 Commonwealth Speakers presentations. Our Speakers are experts from a variety of backgrounds (e.g., journalists, arts and museum educators, academics, folk artists, performing artists, writers) who offer presentations on a wide range of popular topics about arts and ideas, history and current affairs. Current Speakers includes a former U.S. Poet Laureate, renowned storytellers and dancers and a Bancroft Prize-winning historian.

PHC is particularly interested in presentations that go beyond the traditional lecture/Q&A format. These other formats can include, but are by no means limited to:

  • Musical, literary or dramatic performances that incorporate historical discussion or elements
  • Moderated discussions of significant social, cultural or political issues
  • Folk arts and/or storytelling presentations to which American or Pennsylvanian heritage are integral
  • Investigations of material culture—demonstrations of how the products of people of different eras yield information about how they actually lived their lives

Examples of Presentations

Traditional American Folk Music by Tom Jolin (musician and instrument maker)
As a melded culture, the U.S. is fortunate to have music and instruments that come from around the world. Thomas Jolin performs a number of traditional songs and explains the origins of instruments from Iran, West Africa, the Middle East and Germany.

The Black Soldier in the Civil War by Joseph Becton (interpreter, National Park Service)
Appearing in authentic 19th Century garb, Joe Becton incorporates an interactive style to open a window into the world of Civil War African American soldiers. Using an array of techniques including period equipment, music and poetry, he identifies the causes of the Civil War, exposes the conditions of camp life and explores the reality of war.

Pennsylvania Poets on Pennsylvania by Jeanne Murray Walker, Ph.D. (Professor of English, University of Delaware)
Everything from the tiniest events to the largest questions has inspired poems about Pennsylvania. Merion, PA resident Jeanne Murray Walker discusses poems that reflect the small towns, landscapes, cities, customs and rituals of the Commonwealth.

How to Apply

  1. Review the guidelines and the downloadable application form [PDF, 306K] to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the Speakers program. To receive them by mail, contact the PHC.

  2. Submit an application. Instructions for preparing your proposal are included on the application form. PHC recommends that applications be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. PHC will not be responsible for applications that are lost or damaged in the mail. The postmark deadline is May 15, 2007. Applications that are incomplete or postmarked after the deadline will not be accepted.
Please note: Notification letters will go to all applicants in July.

Also See...