“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

—Rosa Parks

The BIG WATCH is here!

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.

Together, we’ll 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. 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 facilitators 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?

Interested in watching the entire film series? Learn more here: The American Revolution | All Episodes Now Streaming | Ken Burns | PBS

There are more than 80 Big Watch events happening all over the state! Click here to find a program to attend near you.

This program is a collaboration with NH Public Broadcasting (NHPBS), with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust.

Hampton Falls Free Library Roadshow
March 18, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm

To help kick off our Big Watch programming, New Hampshire Humanities invites you to attend a special event at Hampton Falls Free Library on Wednesday, March 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm. 

Enjoy refreshments and mingle with neighbors and hear brief welcome remarks from Michael Haley Goldman, Executive Director of New Hampshire Humanities, followed by a 30-minute excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, titled The Spirit of Service. Facilitator-led small group discussions and reflections will follow the screening, concluding with closing remarks from Erin Sniderman of Hampton Falls Free Library.

Please RSVP to Sarah Chaffee by March 10, at schaffee@nhhumanities.org or 603-224-4071, ext. 113.

Mark your calendar: Tickets on sale April 1!

In partnership with NHPBS and the Capitol Center for the Arts, New Hampshire Humanities is proud to host Ken Burns and the American Idea on Tuesday, June 9. Tickets will go on sale on April 1, so watch your email for the announcement!

Announcing a new funding opportunity to strengthen civic life and foster a sense of belonging through the humanities!

Civic Life and Belonging Grants of $2,000 support nonprofit organizations that are hosting public events to bring community members together in meaningful ways. Funded projects should improve civic life by encouraging discussion, perspective-sharing, and connection through a cultural or humanities-based lens. This grant is intentionally designed to be accessible. We welcome applications from organizations that may not have previously applied for grant funding, as well as from established nonprofits that serve as trusted anchors in their communities.

Whether your event explores history, storytelling, art, literature, culture, or shared community experiences, we’re looking for projects that create space for dialogue, understanding, and belonging. Deadline: March 2

Click here to learn more about this grant opportunity!

HISTORY & HUMANITY: How Two New Hampshire Educators Livened Up the Past for Students

By Zachary Camenker, Board of Directors, New Hampshire Humanities

During the 2024-2025 school year, two educators were chosen by New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) for the inaugural Jere Daniell Public Humanities Teacher Fellowship. Cassandra Doore and Mallory Langkau-Gross were selected by NHH in the summer of 2024 following an extensive interview process of numerous applicants from all across the state. Doore, a humanities teacher at Barrington Middle School, and Langkau-Gross, a social studies teacher and assistant principal at Groveton High School, each worked on a year-long project that focused on a past moment in history. Their fellowships both relied on local resources, New Hampshire historians, and extensive research that allowed students to see the past come alive before them in the present moment.

Doore’s unit on refugees and the history of human movement began with guest speaker Kati Preston, a local Holocaust survivor who speaks frequently around the state and has done advocacy work for genocide education at the New Hampshire State House. This was a very deliberate decision as it allowed students to begin exploring human migration and the reasons that people seek refuge outside of their home countries. Keep reading!

Thank you to Revo Casino and Social House for supporting the humanities during our recent fundraiser! Through their Rebels With a Cause initiative, they’re helping keep stories, history, and culture thriving right here in New Hampshire. Sarah Chaffee, NHH Director of Development, was thrilled to accept this generous gift from Cesar Sierra, General Manager of Revo Casino.

Photo by Jon Crean Photography

Tax Information

When you donate to New Hampshire Humanities you receive a receipt acknowledgment via email or letter for your tax records. If you need a copy, or a summary of your 2025 giving, just let us know! If you have any questions, you are encouraged to consult with your tax professional.

Thank you for giving so generously to New Hampshire Humanities last year!

PARTNER NEWS

Kati Preston Film Screening: HIDDEN
On Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 pm, Prospect Mountain High School in Alton welcomes the public to view a screening of HIDDEN, is an international award-winning film that tells the story of local resident and Holocaust survivor, Kati Preston (Recommended age 12+). *Kati will not be speaking at the event. Depending on her health, she may stay afterwards. (The film will also be shown at the Jewish Film Festival at Red River Theatres in Concord on Saturday, March 29.) For more information, visit the Hidden website or the Kati Preston website.

NH State Council on the Arts
Please join us for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud (POL) events and cheer on New Hampshire high school students participating in these dynamic poetry recitation competitions. POL is a national program for students across the country to learn about poetry while building public speaking skills, confidence, and community. All events are free and open to the public. Details

UNH Center for the Humanities

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant or abstract possibility; it is already reshaping how we work, create, decide, and relate to one another. As AI systems grow more powerful and more deeply embedded in social life, a new set of questions demands our attention. The Sidore Lecture series explores this in its spring 2026 series. Click here for the schedule and details: Sidore Lecture Series | Center for the Humanities

Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies

On Friday, March 27 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, the Cohen Institute will offer a workshop for educators: “What Happens After War? A Case Study on Justice and Peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina” in person at Keene State College. How do countries and communities’ function in the wake of atrocities? In societies where neighbors persecuted neighbors, is there hope for peace, justice, and reconciliation? Learn more and register​

Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Applications are now open for the inaugural 2026 Youth Leadership Institute, a weeklong program held on campus that is designed to help students reflect on history, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their own communities. This program is designed for high school students who are curious, thoughtful, and eager to grow as compassionate and ethical leaders and will take place from July 12-17, 2026. Details

Thank you to the following Annual Partners who provide year-round support for our work: