We find the

human
connections

in the humanities

We put people first.
Our work champions the humanities — centering growth, equity, and community as a pathway to positive, lasting change.

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Special Project

Rain Poetry

PA Humanities is engaging children from across Pennsylvania in a hands-on community poetry activity facilitated by local poets and teaching artists. This innovative project started in Philadelphia in 2023, when we engaged elementary school students from five neighborhoods to learn about haiku then write their very own poems. Selected haiku were installed on the ground in public spaces, including neighborhood parks and libraries, with a special rain-activated solution that allows the poetry to appear like magic just by adding some water!

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Special Project

The Window Keeper

PA Humanities is proud to release a special version of The Window Keeper, a powerful new poem written by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher. Animated by digital artist Naeem Murdic and supported by PA Humanities and generous donors, this poem is a poignant reflection on democracy, and the enduring promises of the Declaration of Independence.

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Special Project

Voices of History

Voices of History: Stories from Black Pennsylvanians is 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.

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Featured Project

Rain Poetry Johnstown

Haiku written by local children and teens as part of PA Humanities’ Rain Poetry project are now on display at the Storywalk along the Johnstown Greenways Trail and at the Bottle Works in Cambria City.

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Featured Research

Participate in PA CultureCheck!

Are you passionate about the arts and humanities? Do you want your voice heard by legislators, funders, and civic leaders? Participate in PA CultureCheck, the annual statewide study by PA Humanities, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council! The results inform local and statewide advocacy efforts, educate grantmakers and practitioners about the latest trends, inspire future research, and help build a stronger and more responsive cultural community.

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Special Project

Rain Poetry

PA Humanities is engaging children from across Pennsylvania in a hands-on community poetry activity facilitated by local poets and teaching artists. This innovative project started in Philadelphia in 2023, when we engaged elementary school students from five neighborhoods to learn about haiku then write their very own poems. Selected haiku were installed on the ground in public spaces, including neighborhood parks and libraries, with a special rain-activated solution that allows the poetry to appear like magic just by adding some water!

Read More

Special Project

The Window Keeper

PA Humanities is proud to release a special version of The Window Keeper, a powerful new poem written by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher. Animated by digital artist Naeem Murdic and supported by PA Humanities and generous donors, this poem is a poignant reflection on democracy, and the enduring promises of the Declaration of Independence.

Read More
Other Work

$5.3m

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

  • Advocacy, Education, Featured, News, Press Release, Teen Reading Lounge, Youth-Led Humanities

Federal Cuts to Libraries and Museums Threaten PA Communities: PA Humanities Statement on IMLS Elimination

On March 14, 2025, an executive order was issued calling to effectively eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that provides funding to museums, libraries, and other cultural organizations nationwide. This unprecedented action threatens to cut off necessary support that these institutions rely on to serve their communities.  At this critical moment, PA Humanities stands firmly against this proposal and is committed to advocating for continued investment in Pennsylvania’s libraries and museums.
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Looking down from above across the Poetry Fest gathering
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Taking flight: Spotlight on 3 Dots Downtown
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Research

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.

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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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