A monthly serving of illuminating programs for all Granite Staters!
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A monthly serving of illuminating programs for all Granite Staters
C E L E B R A T I N G A R T S & H U M A N I T I E S M O N T H
There’s a lot to celebrate here in New Hampshire... from history, literature, and culture to big questions about the world we share. The arts and humanities give us a place to learn from each other and see our communities in new ways. This month, we’re especially glad to be part of the many conversations taking place across the Granite State!
Thank you for celebrating with us!
What a wonderful evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us for New Hampshire Humanities’ 2026 Annual Celebration at BNH Stage last week – and to all who helped make the evening possible, including our generous sponsors and partners (listed on our event page). We were pleased to honor Dr. Charles Bickford with the Lifetime Achievement in the Humanities Award, and Dr. Kathy Mathis with the Excellence in the Humanities Award. Thank you to guest speaker Jenn White of 1A, along with panelists Fr. Philip Larrey, Lawrence Lessig, and Roopika Risam, who engaged in a fascinating conversation about democracy in the age of AI. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came, supported, partnered, and celebrated with us.
We hope you’ll enjoy these photos from the evening – and we look forward to celebrating with you again next year! View the photos on Facebook
Spark! Places of Innovation arrives in NH
What sparks innovation in a small town? Find out when Spark! Places of Innovation crosses the Connecticut River into New Hampshire this month. This Smithsonian traveling exhibit explores the many ways people in rural communities have used creativity, collaboration, local resources, and a little ingenuity to solve problems, build opportunity, and shape their communities.
After visiting three Vermont communities, Spark! comes to Berlin as the first of three New Hampshire stops. The exhibit features stories from more than 30 rural communities across the country and celebrates innovation in all its forms – from technological and scientific breakthroughs to artistic, cultural, and social change.
Berlin Historical Society, Berlin, NH October 21 - December 10, 2026
Mariposa Museum, Peterborough, NH December 17, 2026 - February 8, 2027
Canaan Historical Society, Canaan, NH February 15 - March 26, 2027
Catch our last Community Conversation program of 2026, next week in LITTLETON
Come curious, leave connected!
Join us in Littleton on October 14 for the final Community Conversation of 2026. Neighbors will gather to share ideas, explore the big questions that shape our communities, and make new connections. NH cartoonist, musician, and educator Marek Bennett will live-draw the conversation, capturing the ideas and moments that emerge.
Wednesday, October 14 at 5:00 pm Littleton Community Center, 120 Main Street, Littleton Details
Community Conversations, a partnership between New Hampshire Humanities and NH Community Development Finance Authority, gathered neighbors in 8 locations around the state. At each event, NH-based cartoonist, musician, and educator Marek Bennett live-draws as neighbors and strangers gather for wide-ranging conversations about the big ideas that shape our lives.
Listen to Marek Bennett’s reflectionson these programs in the video below, and learn how his artistic process captured key themes and important insights on community building:
Artwork by Marek Bennett – follow Marek's event sketchbooks at www.MarekBennett.com!
As the end of the year approaches, now is the perfect time to consider a gift that can benefit both you and the causes you care about. If you're age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to support New Hampshire Humanities. It's one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways to support the programs and conversations that strengthen our communities.
Prefer to make a traditional gift? You can support New Hampshire Humanities anytime through our secure online giving page.
Didn't catch our fall Engage?
There’s still plenty to discover! While our featured event, the Annual Celebration, has come and gone, our Fall issue of Engage! is filled with stories, ideas, and programs happening around New Hampshire. Take a look and find something to add to your calendar this fall.
NH Institute of Politics American politics can feel more divided and contentious than ever. But how much is truly new – and how much reflects longstanding patterns in American political life? Author James A. Morone, Ph.D. will present “Partisan Politics: What’s New? What’s Not? What’s Next” on October 15, 4:30-5:30 pm. Christine A. Gustafson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Politics, will moderate a discussion following the presentation. This event is free and open to the public, no advance registration required. Details
S1 Project
Join the S1 Project in partnership with New Hampshire Humanities, the Center for Ethics in Society, and the Ethics Forum at Souhegan High School on Wednesday, November 18 from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm for Are We Forgetting How to Be Neighbors? Practicing Hope in a Lonely Democracy, an intergenerational conference of high school students and adults, learning and practicing civic character. Free. Lunch is included. Registration is required: Click here
University of New Hampshire Revolutionary War historian Rick Atkinson is speaking at UNH October 20 in "The Making of the First President: America and George Washington at 250." This lecture is free and open to the public.Register here
American Association for State and Local History
Getting Started in Local Advocacy Webinar: Building on AASLH’s new manual, Speak Up for History: Getting Started in Local Advocacy, this October 20 webinar will offer attendees a basic understanding of what local advocacy is and why it matters, ways to translate big ideas into practical and flexible techniques, and concrete examples and tools for getting started.Register here
Doing History in Polarized Times: Core Issues Briefing Series Webinar: Political and cultural divisions in America today pose great challenges to the history field.This webinar on October 21 will explore recent research and tested strategies to help history practitioners work more effectively in today’s fractious discourse.Register here
The Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Workshops
2026 Conference Keynote Lecture: Beyond Broken Glass: A Gendered Perspective on the November Pogrom. Saturday, November 7, 5:30-6:30 pm (Public reception to follow)Details
Thank you to the following Annual Partners who provide year-round support for our work:
New Hampshire Humanities appreciates your help in growing engagement on all our platforms! Join our community of those who are passionate about the humanities by sharing this content by email or on social media, and thank you!
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