Commonwealth Speakers: Applying for More Than One Speaker


Concert Pianist Charles Pettaway speaks on classical music. Credit: Jon Adams/hi5 photos
How Do I Apply for More Than One Presentation per Year?

Support the PHC's statewide program goals or overall mission.

Reflect on the role your organization might have in increasing public understanding of the arts, history, or the ideas that have shaped our nation.Then submit a one-paragraph description along with your application forms explaining how two Commonwealth Speakers at your site would increase this understanding. Describe the presentations' responsiveness to community interest, your efforts to expand public participation in your mission, and your overall vision and plan.

As you reflect, consider practical details too—such as scheduling events when public interest may be higher than usual. For example:

  • You might explore The African American Experience during Black History Month (February), colonial history during Pennsylvania Heritage Week (mid-March), or women's lives during Women's History Month (March).

  • You might connect your programs to topics that are receiving or will receive widespread national attention by the media, government, and academe—such as the anniversaries of the French and Indian War, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin. Presentations on American Founders and Pioneers, The Civil War, and Native Americans can help you make such connections.

  • You might explore Contemporary Debates and related topics during the weeks preceding elections, immediately afterwards, or after extensive news coverage of a topic in your local media. If you have a working relationship with local media, perhaps a series could be jointly planned to coincide with special feature coverage in the newspaper or on radio and television.

HOSTING THREE COMMONWEALTH SPEAKERS PER YEAR
If your organization contributes to the PHC at the Patron level of $250, it is eligible to apply for as many as three presentations per calendar year.

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