Our Work

Understanding and appreciating the experiences and perspectives of others is the pathway to meaningful change.

Our programs, partnerships, and grants focus on communities leading our initiatives, using the concept of the humanities in action, and fostering space where people belong. We want our work to not only help others develop an appreciation for the humanities but to teach them how to apply the humanities to everyday life and gain lifelong critical thinking skills. Together—with the power of storytelling—we can find common ground, build connections, learn from each other, and shape the future of our state.

Rain Poetry

It’s raining poetry in Pennsylvania! PA Humanities is engaging children from across Pennsylvania in a hands-on community poetry activity facilitated by local poets and teaching artists.

A young poet pours water on the sidewalk to activate the invisible paint and make poetry appear like magic at the Rain Poetry reveal at Carroll Park in West Philadelphia.
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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.

PA Heart & Soul

PA Heart & Soul is a resident-led planning initiative that finds common ground through gathering stories, having conversations, and getting people more involved in co-creating the future of their community. 

volunteers gather on Super Saturday in Cameron County
THROUGH INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMANITIES COUNCIL FOUND TEEN READING LOUNGE IMPROVES VITAL SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING SKILLS LIKE SELF-AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING.

Youth-Led Humanities

Youth-led Humanities reflects an evolution of our youth development work. This initiative expands our network and supports sites doing impactful humanities-based and/or youth-led programming. 

Wingspan

Wingspan is a new grant program supporting BIPOC and rural organizations doing community-based humanities work. Its mission is to help them soar and expand their possibilities by providing new resources, amplifying their voices, and cultivating additional space for creativity and connection.

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50th Anniversary

2023-2024 marks 50 years of bringing Pennsylvanians together to make meaningful change through the humanities. Check out our programs and initiatives as part of this celebration!

Re-vision Podcast

Re-Vision was a podcast series exploring how our country’s foundational ideas — like freedom of speech and the right to a speedy trial — apply to contemporary issues. Hosted by Lee Stabert, editor in chief of Keystone Edge, each episode pairs a scholar with a working practitioner to discuss the meaning and intentions of this founding document and its real life implications today.

We Are Here Podcast

We Are Here was a series created in partnership with Keystone Edge highlighting PA SHARP grantees through podcasts and stories. It is all about Pennsylvanians who are making their mark through the humanities!

Chester Made

Chester Made is a humanities-based initiative to recognize and promote arts and culture in Chester, Pennsylvania, and to harness their power as a force for community revitalization.

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Past Projects

PA Humanities has core programs, but we often branch out and offer our support and resources when other projects and events share our values. From festivals to reading programs to speaking engagements, we’re always open to exploring new ways to advocate for the humanities and the power of storytelling.

Video Library

Watch the latest content from our programs and initiatives on our YouTube channel.

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