Special Initiatives

Special initiatives allow us to explore innovative ideas beyond our core programming. These initiatives respond to emerging data insights, evolving community needs, or new opportunities, helping us test new approaches and engage new audiences.

Transforming the humanities through experimenting, innovating, and reaching new audiences.

Special initiatives represent project-based opportunities that enable our organization to explore innovative concepts and pursue grant-funded work outside our standard programming.

These initiatives typically fall into two categories: experimental projects born from patterns we’ve identified in our data collection or from recognizing shifts in community needs or targeted efforts made possible through external funding we’ve successfully secured.

While these initiatives are generally time-limited and conclude once their specific objectives have been met, they provide us with the flexibility to explore new ideas and allow us to connect with new audiences.

2026 Special Initiatives

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Learn more

Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now

Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now is a traveling exhibition that explores the evolution of one of our most important American freedoms from its earliest incarnation in the Maryland Colony to its role in contemporary society, designed to encourage all citizens to think critically about the roles of a free press to self-government in democracy.

Learn more

“A sophomore on our school’s state-champ runner-up varsity football team was so taken by Joe’s story of the sophomore year on the boat that he got his dad (the coach) and several members of his team to read the book even though they weren’t assigned it in class.

“Another student described a discussion she got into with her math teacher after school about the relevance of the English curriculum and used her experience with Brown’s work and the field trip to convince her teacher that humanities are just as important as STEM. Great stuff!”

One Maryland One Book Teacher

“Museum on Main Street helps fulfill our promise of bringing impactful humanities programs to every corner of Maryland.

What I appreciate most is the way it creates long-term and meaningful change in the diverse communities that host each tour—promoting local pride, providing resources and ensuring sustainable partnerships.”

Rob Forloney

Program Officer, Partnerships

Join us and support our cause today!

We’re a statewide, educational nonprofit organization that creates and supports bold experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities.

Donate Here