About Maryland humanities
Maryland Humanities: Inspiring Lifelong Learning and Community Enrichment
Maryland Humanities is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote lifelong learning, exchange of ideas, and community enrichment through the humanities. The organization was founded in 1973 as the Maryland Committee for the Humanities and has since then been dedicated to creating educational experiences that inspire all Marylanders.
The mission of Maryland Humanities is to connect people with ideas by supporting programs that encourage critical thinking, discussion, and reflection. The organization believes that the humanities are essential for understanding ourselves, our communities, and our world. By exploring literature, history, philosophy, ethics, and other disciplines within the humanities, we can gain insights into human experience and develop empathy for others.
One of the key initiatives of Maryland Humanities is its grants program. The organization provides funding to nonprofit organizations across the state to support projects that engage audiences in meaningful conversations about important issues. These projects can take many forms such as book discussions, film screenings followed by panel discussions or lectures on topics related to history or culture.
Another important program offered by Maryland Humanities is its Chautauqua living history series. This program brings historical figures back to life through performances by professional actors who portray famous figures from American history such as Frederick Douglass or Eleanor Roosevelt. These performances are accompanied by question-and-answer sessions with scholars who provide context for each character's life story.
Maryland Humanities also offers a variety of other programs designed to engage audiences in thoughtful conversations about important issues facing our society today. For example:
- One Maryland One Book: This annual reading program encourages all residents of Maryland to read one book together as a community.
- Museum on Main Street: This traveling exhibit brings Smithsonian-quality exhibits on various themes related to American culture directly into small towns across rural America.
- Veterans Book Group: A reading group specifically designed for veterans where they can discuss books related specifically related their experiences.
In addition to these programs aimed at adults; there are also several initiatives aimed at children including:
- Student Research Awards: An annual competition open only high school students which awards cash prizes for research papers written on topics within humanities.
- History Day in Maryland: A statewide competition where middle school students create exhibits based around historical events or figures.
- Literature & Medicine®️ : A reading group designed specifically healthcare professionals which uses literature as a way explore complex ethical questions faced daily in medical practice.
Overall,Maryland Humanities plays an essential role in promoting lifelong learning throughout communities across this state . Through its various programs , it helps individuals develop critical thinking skills while fostering empathy towards others . Whether you're interested in exploring American history , discussing contemporary social issues , or simply looking for ways expand your knowledge base ; there's something here everyone!