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.

PA Humanities announces $1.4 million in recovery funds to 92 organizations

(Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan), the initiative provides up to $20,000 in funding to strengthen and grow the humanities across the state.
[color - dark bg] PA SHARP FINAL FILES DB 72dpi

PA Kindness Poem Project

PA Humanities partnered with Philadelphia poet laureate Trapeta B. Mayson on a mission to help spread kindness throughout the state. Named the PA Kindness Poem Project, this year-long initiative invited residents to share messages on social media that promote generosity, healing, reconciliation, and peace.
Kindness Lives Here

PA SHARP

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, PHC and other state and regional humanities councils are distributing funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ SHARP (Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan) program.
220358846690686083-shutterstock-590080580

Youth-Led Humanities

Youth-led Humanities reflects the evolution of what we have learned from TRL about working with young people and supporting individuals doing youth humanities programming. This opportunity aims to expand our youth-led humanities’ network and make space for sites that are already doing impactful humanities-based and/or youth-led programming. In short, we wish to create more opportunities for youth to lead and feel affirmed in humanities spaces by supporting a variety of activities.
TEEN READING LOUNGE KICK-OFF PARTY AT UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP LIBRARY.

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.

Live Events Library

Over the course of the pandemic, PA Humanities has facilitated and been invited to speak at webinars and virtual conferences to discuss how the humanities relate to topics such as education, community building, creative placemaking, and more.

Stay Up To Date

Sign up for the PA Humanities newsletter now.