PA Humanities

“I thought I was knowledgeable… but I learned a whole new depth of different things.” -Oliver Hudson, 14

At Erie County Public Library’s Blasco Memorial Library, teens explored folklore from around the world through stories, discussion, art, writing, games and guest speakers.

Supported by PA Humanities’ Youth-Led Humanities program, the project invited participants to think about how stories and beliefs are passed down, what lessons they carry, and how folklore connects cultures across time and place.

Youth-Led Humanities project is made possible by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries; by support from the J.D. Charitable Trust, the Caroline Fredericka Holdship Charitable Trust, and the Amelia Miles Foundation; and with additional support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, individual donors, and other funders.

Teens’ exploration of folklore sparks curiosity, creativity and conversation at Erie library - PA Humanities The more teens at Blasco Memorial Library in Erie examined folklore, supported by PA Humanities' Youth-Led Humanities program, the more connections they made between how cultures all across the world share different stories to represent the same lessons and concepts .

“Poetry serves as a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings about myself, the world around me, friendships, community, just about anything.” -Allison Walters, 14

Teen voices are showing up on the streets of Kane, Pennsylvania! 🌧️

Through our Rain Poetry project, young people at Friends Memorial Library created haiku inspired by the “Colors of Kane.” Their poems are now installed on sidewalks around town using a special invisible spray that appears only when wet. The project is engaging teens and the broader community through the humanities.

Kane is the first town in Pennsylvania to implement Rain Poetry independently using PA Humanities’ new toolkit.

Rain Poetry is part of PA Humanities’ ongoing work to spark creativity, strengthen communities, and connect people through the power of the humanities. Its expansion has been made possible with the support of Pennsylvania’s state legislators. Funding has been provided by William Penn Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance, Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Grable Foundation, The Wyomissing Foundation, with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Community and Economic Assistance Program.

Teen creativity on display as Rain Poetry expands to Kane - PA Humanities Anne Cleer wanted to bring PA Humanities’ Rain Poetry project to Friends Memorial Library in Kane as a way to encourage young people to express themselves and also bring a little magic to the streets of their rural community. Now, for many of the youth who participated in the project,…

Are you ready to connect, learn, and lead with cultural practitioners across Pennsylvania?

PA Humanities has launched the PA Cultural Exchange (PaX) Fellowship, a statewide fellowship that brings together humanities, creative, and cultural practitioners for immersive learning exchanges, peer connection, and community-based project support.

Designed for artists, educators, organizers, scholars, librarians, storytellers, archivists, cultural workers, community leaders, and independent practitioners, the fellowship supports people whose work engages communities through culture, creativity, storytelling, public humanities, and civic dialogue.

Visit the PaX website to learn more about eligibility, watch an informational webinar, see program highlights, and review the application process.

Applications are due July 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The PA Cultural Exchange is made possible through the generous support of Spring Point Partners and The Heinz Endowments, with additional support from Pennsylvania state legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

PA Cultural Exchange (PaX) PA Cultural Exchange is an 18-month fellowship that convenes cultural practitioners from creative hubs in a dynamic learning exchange, encouraging creativity, deepening connections, and building relationships that strengthen Pennsylvania’s humanities network.

PA Humanities is looking for people across Pennsylvania who want to share their experience, networks, and leadership in support of our statewide mission. Interested? Completing our new interest form is the first step for anyone curious about serving on the Board of Directors, joining a committee, or contributing to an ad hoc volunteer group.

This year, we’re piloting a new process designed to learn about your connection to our mission, related experience, and community ties. We are especially interested in hearing from people with experience in fundraising, philanthropy, investment, and financial oversight, as well as those who bring rural perspectives and library connections.

Complete the interest form here:

Join Our Board - PA Humanities Home Join Our Board Thank you for your interest in joining the PA Humanities' Board of Directors! This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a committed team illuminating possibilities for Pennsylvanians and elevating our shared humanity to create stronger communities and fulfilling lives.The pur...

PA Humanities Announces New Statewide PA Cultural Exchange Fellowship New fellowship will convene humanities, creative, and cultural practitioners across Pennsylvania through immersive learning exchanges, peer connection, and community-based project support

We look forward to seeing everyone today at 2pm at the informational webinar.

If you haven't already registered, here's the link: https://pahumanities.zoom.us/meeting/register/LDZhNFixRu-ssP-IffM-og #/registration

PA Cultural Exchange (PaX) PA Cultural Exchange is an 18-month fellowship that convenes cultural practitioners from creative hubs in a dynamic learning exchange, encouraging creativity, deepening connections, and building relationships that strengthen Pennsylvania’s humanities network.

Big news for Pennsylvania’s humanities, arts, culture, and community-based practitioners: PA Humanities has launched the new PA Cultural Exchange Fellowship (PaX).

This statewide fellowship will bring together practitioners from across Pennsylvania for immersive learning exchanges, peer connection, leadership development, and community-based project support. Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 fellowship award and participate in cultural exchange weekends in Pittsburgh, the PA Wilds, and York.

Curious about whether PaX is right for you? Join our informational webinar on June 16, 2026 at 2pm to learn more about the fellowship, eligibility, application process, and to expect.

Applications are due July 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

The PA Cultural Exchange is made possible through the generous support of Spring Point Partners and The Heinz Endowments, with additional support from Pennsylvania state legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

PA Cultural Exchange (PaX) PA Cultural Exchange is an 18-month fellowship that convenes cultural practitioners from creative hubs in a dynamic learning exchange, encouraging creativity, deepening connections, and building relationships that strengthen Pennsylvania’s humanities network.

Congratulations to Tammy Blount on being named one of PA Humanities' inaugural "Window Keepers" Civic Honors recipients!

Through Tammy's leadership of the Teen Reading Lounge and Youth-Led Humanities programs at the Erie County Public Library, Tammy has helped inspire young people to engage in reading, meaningful discussion, and civic participation.

This statewide recognition celebrates individuals who strengthen their communities through education, storytelling, and civic engagement. We are proud to see Tammy's dedication to Erie County and its youth recognized across Pennsylvania. Thank you, Tammy, for making a lasting difference in the lives of so many young people.

This summer, PA Humanities is excited to welcome Amelia Spielman as our intern working primarily with our programs and communications teams, including special support for The Window Keeper: Civic Honors. Amelia is a Haverford College student double majoring in English and economics, with experience in social media, writing, student engagement, and community-building. She even has a Carnegie Hall piano performance on her résumé!

Follow the link to learn more about Amelia, what drew her to PA Humanities, and what she hopes to learn this summer.

Haverford's John B. Hurford '60 Center for the Arts and Humanities

Getting to know PA Humanities intern Amelia Spielman - PA Humanities A native of Austin, Texas, Amelia Spielman just completed her sophomore year at Haverford College and is double majoring in English and economics. Click to get to know her better.