Inspiring learning and sharing the joy and power of discovery - that's Maryland Humanities.
A guided walking tour through Baltimore’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood visits the homes and haunts of some of our state’s literary legends, providing insights into the contexts and influences of their work.
This unique cultural collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Maryland Humanities brings high-quality traveling exhibits to small communities across the state.
Encouraging a love of reading and a deeper sense of community, One Maryland One Book is like a statewide book club. Every Marylander is invited to participate through one of the hundreds of events happening around the state.
88.1 WYPR, Thursdays at 4:44 pm. Tune in every week for a few minutes with our executive director Phoebe Stein and an array of fascinating guests for stories and lively discussion around literature, our heritage, culture, and more.
Have you ever read a book that moved you so much you wish you could tell the author? Letters About Literature, our annual contest for grades 4 -12, encourages students to share their love of books and reading.
Using relevant plays, short stories, poetry, fiction and personal narratives, healthcare professionals across Maryland connect through this program to increase their empathy for patients and one another.
In a friendly competition, students in grades 6-12 immerse themselves in a facet of history that interests them by researching it in-depth and presenting it in a creative way.
With our network of partners, MCFB develops and supports literary programs that promote and celebrate books, reading, libraries, Maryland writers, and the state’s literary heritage.
Together, veterans service organizations across the state and Maryland Humanities present a series of programs for military veterans, their families, and the public at large that explore the history, experience, or meaning of war and military service.
“The most American thing in America.” That’s how Theodore Roosevelt described the Chautauqua movement, where history comes to life in vivid detail. Join your fellow Marylanders and meet and talk with celebrated figures from our nation’s past.
Find out where you can see author Tim Junkin during his statewide tour, September 30–October 4.
Or chat with him one-on-one at our annual Author Reception on Saturday, September 29 at Baltimore Center Stage. Tickets are $60 & include a signed copy of Bloodsworth.
“The OMOB 2014 selection seemed to touch the hearts of so many teachers and students. Everyone who read the story was in awe of the struggles, the will to survive, and then the motivation to write the memoir. The Distance Between Us created such an impact on each reader that s/he handed the book to someone with the request, “you must read this story!” Plus, the selection was inter-disciplinary and ‘captured’ students in all grade and academic levels. Renya Grande captivated the readers who, “couldn’t put the book down.” It is one of the best selections. Thank you!!”
I didn’t know that with history came such unique stories and experience.
“Although “Fences” are down, the reverberations of our initiative are still resonating. The web of collaboration is clearly active. Many “reached across the fence.” Our community is all the stronger for it. The exhibition boasts the largest attendance of any seven week display on campus with a visitor count of over 1,050. Add to that the rich programming amounting to over 25 events which saw attendance again well over 1,000 participants. What is remarkable is the cross section of interest groups and individuals who attended from the three-county area of southern Maryland and beyond. In essence, the rich mosaic that formed attracted a broad range of people and opened a rare exchange of ideas. We witnessed epiphanies!”
“Left on my own, I would choose the same kind of books over and over again. Now, [participating in One Maryland One Book,] my reading experience is broader and richer and all the more enjoyable.”
“The humanities allow us to learn about lives and experiences that are different than our own through compelling and engrossing experiences.”
“The topic, readings and discussions have encouraged me to consider other ways of interacting with patients and families in the context of culture, lifestyle and economics.”
“[My favorite part of the tour was] visiting the Peabody Library and getting a few minutes with the librarian there who showed us a few interesting books from their collection.”
“My participation continuance with the program comes from the great cohesiveness of our group […] everyone’s ideas and work philosophies teach me something new about how to handle my work and my own life.”
Humanities matter because humanity matters. The best thoughts, the highest questions, the most profound actions of courage and sacrifice are found in written accounts, art, and creative expressions throughout the ages. To study the humanities is to study oneself in a way that develops cultural literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
“Funding from the Maryland Humanities to distribute our first publication allowed Wide Angle Youth Media to expand our reach and share youth voice in a way we have never done before. With your support, this project has not only been successful in programmatic outcomes, but has inspired and empowered young people, giving them the platform to become published artists and share their voices in our city and beyond.”