We find the

human
connections

in the humanities

We champion the humanities to spark civic engagement, build community, educate, inspire, and make long-lasting change.

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Special Project

Nominate a Window Keeper!

Who will you nominate? The Window Keeper: Civic Honors is a statewide initiative that recognizes Pennsylvanians whose everyday actions help shape strong communities and sustain civic life through the power of the humanities.

PA Cultural Exchange

PaX is a new and innovative program from PA Humanities that convenes humanities, creative and cultural practitioners. Apply now!

Join Our Board

Be part of a committed team illuminating possibilities for Pennsylvanians and elevating our shared humanity to create stronger communities and fulfilling lives.

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Get your own stylish “Let’s Dream Boldly” mug. Every purchase supports our work, with an option to add an additional donation at checkout.

Voices of History Erie

Voices of History Erie is part of PA Humanities’ Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians project, a first-of-its-kind statewide effort to collect and celebrate the stories, family histories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Pennsylvanians in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Rain Poetry Toolkit

Bring the magic of Rain Poetry to your community! Our new toolkit provides the information, templates, and inspiration to create your own Rain Poetry project - from planning and outreach to installation and celebration.

Let's Rise: 50th Anniversary Videos

Watch these videos created by Emmy-winning journalist Kelly Dessoye - they are powerful examples of how everyday people across Pennsylvania are using the tools of the humanities to strengthen their lives and communities.

in direct grants since 2020

69

core program sites
in the past 5 years

297

organizations granted funds
in the past 5 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

Education, Featured, News, Youth-Led Humanities

Teens’ exploration of folklore sparks curiosity, creativity and conversation at Erie library

The more teens at Blasco Memorial Library in Erie examined folklore, supported by PA Humanities’ Youth-Led Humanities program, the more connections they made between how cultures all across the world share different stories to represent the same lessons and concepts .

Education, Featured, Grantmaking, News, Rain Poetry

PaX, Press Release

Education, Featured, News

Featured, News, Special Projects

Research

We contribute our learnings to the larger conversation about the role of the humanities in creating lasting change through major projects, including PA CultureCheck, PA Humanities Discovery Project, and more. We put participatory research at the forefront of all our work and partner with scholars, consultants, and a cross-sector of leaders including Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania’s PennPraxis, Elizabeth Myrick + Associates, and Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Support Our Work

An independent nonprofit that puts people first, PA Humanities relies on financial support from people like you. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, your support will help more Pennsylvanians experience the humanities and put them in action through civic engagement, education, building community, and however they are inspired to make change.

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“Poetry serves as a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings about myself, the world around me, friendships, community, just about anything.” -Allison Walters, 14

Teen voices are showing up on the streets of Kane! 🌧️

Through our Rain Poetry project, young people at Friends Memorial Library created haiku inspired by the “Colors of Kane.” Their poems are now installed on sidewalks around town using a special invisible spray that appears only when wet. The project is engaging teens and the broader community through the humanities.

Kane is the first town in Pennsylvania to implement Rain Poetry independently using PA Humanities’ new toolkit.

🔗 Read the whole story at PAHumanities.org 🔗

Rain Poetry is part of PA Humanities` ongoing work to spark creativity, strengthen communities, and connect people through the power of the humanities. Its expansion has been made possible with the support of Pennsylvania’s state legislators. Funding has been provided by @williampennfoundation, @theheinzendowments, @mellonfoundation, @nehgov, Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance, Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Grable Foundation, The Wyomissing Foundation, with support from @padeptofed, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, administered by @pennsylvaniagov, the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the Department of Community and Economic Development Community and Economic Assistance Program. ...

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Everyone knows someone. Help us share their story.

Across Pennsylvania, everyday people are strengthening communities through the humanities. They are Window Keepers - and their work deserves to be seen.

Nominate someone in your community for The Window Keeper: Civic Honors and help us shine a light on the people shaping civic life across the Commonwealth.

Learn more and submit a nomination at pahumanities.org/thewindowkeeper - or follow the link in our bio.

#WKCivicHonors ...

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PA Humanities is looking for people across Pennsylvania who want to share their experience, networks, and leadership in support of our statewide mission. Interested? Completing our new interest form is the first step for anyone curious about serving on the Board of Directors, joining a committee, or contributing to an ad hoc volunteer group.

This year, we’re piloting a new process designed to learn about your connection to our mission, related experience, and community ties. We are especially interested in hearing from people with experience in fundraising, philanthropy, investment, and financial oversight, as well as those who bring rural perspectives and library connections.

🔗 Follow the link in our bio to complete the interest form at PAHumanities.org. ...

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Big news for Pennsylvania’s humanities, arts, culture, and community-based practitioners: PA Humanities has launched the new PA Cultural Exchange Fellowship (PaX).

This statewide fellowship will bring together practitioners from across Pennsylvania for immersive learning exchanges, peer connection, leadership development, and community-based project support. Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 fellowship award and participate in cultural exchange weekends in Pittsburgh, the PA Wilds, and York.

⏰ Curious about whether PaX is right for you? Join our informational webinar TODAY at 2pm to learn more about the fellowship, eligibility, application process, and to expect. Registration link at PAHumanities.org/PaX

Applications are due July 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

The PA Cultural Exchange is made possible through the generous support of Spring Point Partners and The Heinz Endowments, with additional support from Pennsylvania state legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

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