We put people first.
Our work champions the humanities — centering growth, equity, and community as a pathway to positive, lasting change.
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 Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania’s PennPraxis, Elizabeth Myrick + Associates, and Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
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.
What an incredible experience at Humanities on the Hill 2025 this year! Our dedicated board and staff had the opportunity to meet with our federal legislators in Washington, D.C., to share our work, research, and the profound impact of the humanities in their districts and across the state.
We made our voices heard on the importance of supporting @nehgov and the vital role it plays in communities. A huge thank you to the 15 legislative offices that met with us, and to @humfed for organizing this critical advocacy event!
#HOTH2025
We are proud to launch our Voices of History Pittsburgh video series, in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth! 🎥✨
Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians is a multi-year effort dedicated to amplifying the firsthand accounts of Black community life in Pennsylvania.
We`re kicking it off with "Pennley Court," featuring bestselling author @damonyoungvsb as he reflects on a pivotal moment on an East Liberty basketball court—one of humor, courage, and a father’s love.
🔗 Follow the link in our bio for Damon`s video!
Over the coming months, we’ll release 15 powerful videos showcasing residents who have shaped the city’s past and continue to inspire its future. We can`t wait to share them all with you!
The Voices of History project in Pittsburgh is made possible through the generous support of @theheinzendowments, @erie_insurance, @nehgov, and individual donors. Key partners include @augustwilsonhouse and @augustwilsonculturalcenter. The Voices of History videos are produced by morganmoody with creative direction by @amarukansun.
🎉 Our own Dawn Frisby Byers, Senior Director of Content and Engagement, has once again been named to @CityAndStatePA’s list of Black Trailblazers!
We couldn’t be prouder to see her recognized on this prestigious list honoring Pennsylvania`s "difference-makers... groundbreaking entrepreneurs and compassionate community leaders." Dawn’s passion, leadership, and commitment to the humanities make a profound impact on our work and the communities we serve.
👏 Congratulations, Dawn, on this well-deserved honor!
Be part of shaping the future of arts and culture—register now for the Community Conversations series, a continuation of Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia.
Organized by @philaculture, in partnership with PA Humanities and @creativephl, these sessions will bring together civic leaders, artists, and community members to collaboratively inform the Cultural Plan for the @cityofphiladelphia.
Schedule:
📍 Saturday, March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kimmel Center (Hamilton Garden, 300 South Broad Street) in partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. Featuring a panel with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Dyana Williams, and Justin Faulkner.
📍 Saturday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Institute of Contemporary Art (University of Pennsylvania, 118 S. 36th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104). Special guided tour of the new exhibit, Carl Cheng: Nature Never Loses, will take place before the conversation.
📍 Thursday, March 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mazur Hall (1114 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122) in partnership with the Charles L. Blockson African American Collection
📍 Monday, March 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at FringeArts (140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
🔗 To register, follow the link in @philaculture`s bio.
