Inspiring learning and sharing the joy and power of discovery - that's Maryland Humanities.
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.
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.
This unique cultural collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Maryland Humanities brings high-quality traveling exhibitions to small communities across the state, who make locally focused companion exhibits.
Veterans Book Groups aim to bring veterans of all eras together to talk about military experiences and returning to civilian life while providing an informal, supportive environment for discussion, spurred by the shared reading of literature.
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.
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.
Maryland Humanities brings oral history training to schools and communities with Maryland Voices, an oral history project led by Maryland Humanities staff and trained oral historians.
one maryland one book 2021
Join your friends and neighbors in reading this year’s One Maryland One Book selection with the theme of “hope:” Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights: Essays.
I didn’t know that with history came such unique stories and experience.
“[I liked] witnessing three leaders in American thought discuss important issues in illuminating ways.”
“History Day has taught men how to interpret and effective use primary sources in my writing to create and support claims. Now I am much more likely to explore databases, go to libraries, and explore further external sources for credible and effective sources.”
“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.”
“One of my students, a boy who works 35 hours a week at McDonalds, took the time to write me a letter stating the book had changed his life.”
“[I enjoyed] the selection of icons: Taylor [Branch], Isabel [Wilkerson], and Sherrilyn [Ifill] as a team!!! I died and am in heaven.”
“I distributed copies of the book and we engaged in an afterschool discussion which included students and staff. Everyone who participated was so engaged that our 45 minute planned discussion ended up stretching into an hour and a half!”
“I am far more aware of making sure my patients and their families have true informed consent. A misunderstanding of consent can have a huge negative impact on several generations. I never would have realized this without Literature & Medicine.”
“[One Maryland One Book taught me that] these types of book discussions that include diverse populations across the state open necessary dialogues to help solve problems. We need to have many more.”
“[The students] learned a variety of ways to present their material and they could focus on what they wanted to learn about. The students had a choice in their learning. It was about their learning NOT what someone else felt they need to learn.”