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 N A T I O N A L P O E T R Y M O N T H
“Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words.” – Paul Engle
Hello friends,
We are excited about all the programs coming up! In this issue of Spark! you’ll learn about our spring series of Humanities@Home and the many programs we are bringing to you in over 40 communities across our state for the US@250: Big Watch. As we get closer to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we have many opportunities to come together to recognize and reflect on this milestone.
We’re also recognizing another anniversary.
Last April, the federal government cancelled humanities funding without any notice. Despite this unprecedented setback and continued uncertainty, we are still here – because of you.
You and the NHH community have always been the key to our success.
Your support matters. Your commitment to our mission means our programs can thrive. Thank you. See you at a Big Watch program!
With gratitude, Michael Haley Goldman Executive Director, New Hampshire Humanities
Can we count on you to make a gift by April 30 to help ensure that every community in our Granite State, no matter what their geography or resources, has access to high-quality humanities programming?
April Humanities@Home: Kid Power, A Reprise: A Conversation with NH Civics Friday, April 17 at 5:00 pm on Zoom
Join us online to watch a rebroadcast of NH Civics' 2026 Treat Talk, Kid Power! with author and global change maker, Marley Dias. Afterwards, Allyson Ryder, Executive Director of NH Civics, will discuss the impact of this event on students as well as NH Civics' work across the state. (Registration required)
Kid Power! was supported by a New Hampshire Humanities Civic Life and Belonging Grant.
June Humanities@Home: US@250: Big Watch Friday, June 26 at 5:00 pm on Zoom
Join us virtually for an interactive discussion to commemorate and reflect upon the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! Together, we’ll watch short excerpts from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, followed by a community discussion that we'll all participate in.
The featured segment from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, “The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a core American value, from the nation’s founding through to the present day – examining volunteerism, civic participation, public leadership, and more.
Expert facilitator Courtney Marshall, Ph.D. will guide thoughtful conversations about “remembering together,” considering questions such as: • What moments from our past define who we are and point to a shared future? • What are the key historical moments in your town’s or community’s history? • How does focusing on these moments shape your sense of your community’s future?
Big Watch programs are made possible by a partnership between New Hampshire Humanities and New Hampshire PBS, with support from Cogswell Benevolent Trust. 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.
The BIG WATCH has begun!
Join us this spring to commemorate and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
In communities all across New Hampshire, the Big Watch will bring neighbors together to recognize and the explore the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In the US@250 Big Watch Film Screening & Discussions, neighbors will gather to watch a short excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, followed by a community discussion.
In addition to hosting the film discussions, host locations are offering a complementary event for their communities and there are more than 80 Big Watch events happening all over the state.Click here to find a program near you!
This program is a collaboration with NH Public Broadcasting (NHPBS), with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust.
Ken Burns & The American Idea Tuesday, June 9 in Concord! (TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!)
Join New Hampshire PBS, New Hampshire Humanities and the New Hampshire Historical Society on June 9 at the Capitol Center for the Arts for Ken Burns and the American Idea–an inspiring evening with one of America’s most influential storytellers. The show begins at 7:00 pm.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and author Laura Knoy, this event will feature a thoughtful conversation with Ken Burns about the people, events and enduring ideals that shape the American story. The evening will also feature powerful excerpts from several of Burns’s landmark films, including his newest series, The American Revolution, bringing to life the stories, struggles and triumphs that helped define our nation.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the power of history, storytelling and the American spirit – through the lens of one of the country’s most celebrated filmmakers. Tickets to the general public are only $25 and are selling quickly! Visit www.ccanh.com.
Thank you, Connections funders!
We are grateful to for the generous support of our Connections adult book discussion program that brings the best of children’s, young adult, and adult literature to more than 500 adult learners each year! www.nhhumanities.org/Connections
Our spring issue of Engage! is packed with events celebrating the launch of our US@250 programs – at more than 80 events across the state, citizens will come together to explore how the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence challenges us to reflect on this pivotal moment in U.S. history, and how it can help us better understand the world we inhabit today.
Read on...
This month's Engage! features Ken Burns and the American Idea on June 9 at the Capitol Center for the Arts, as well as US@250 Big Watch programming across New Hampshire.
Bring the humanities to your town!
You can apply now through April 15 to host aHumanities to Go programshappening May - July, 2026.Choose from a wide variety of high-quality programming, including lectures, book discussions, music appreciation, living history, and more! Learn how at nhhumanities.org/htg!
PARTNER NEWS
America's Potluck As communities across the country prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., America's Potluck is a grassroots initiative taking place in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that encourages neighbors to gather and share a meal on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The idea is simple: people connect through food and conversation. To learn more and explore ways to participate, join a short information meeting on April 20 at 1:00 pm EST: Click here for the Zoom event and use Meeting ID: 811 0085 8755/Passcode: c0gt%SEV.
Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications: 2026 Brodsky Prize The $5,000 Brodsky Prize, hosted by the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, recognizes a NH high school student who demonstrates strong reporting skills, initiative, and independent thinking. Students who live in NH and attend public, charter, or parochial schools are eligible to apply. Students who live in a neighboring state, but attend a NH school, are also eligible. Deadline is Friday, April 24. Details
American Independence Museum Founded as a place where the community could gather to learn about our shared democratic heritage, the American Independence Museum was born in 1991. Now, as our country looks back at its founding, we’re returning to our roots too. When the museum's doors open for the season in May, it will be as the American Independence Center. Learn more here
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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