Despite recent cuts to federal funding for the humanities, we still have much to celebrate! As we do on one special night each year, we'll welcome you and your fellow humanities supporters from the state's cultural, corporate, civic, academic, and philanthropic communities for a night of inspiration and networking at our signature event, the Annual Celebration of the Humanities.
By purchasing your ticket(s) to our most important fundraiser, you will help sustain free public programs for the people of New Hampshire and beyond, ensuring they remain free and accessible to all. Click the button below to get your tickets today!
(If you can't see the button, click HERE) Thank you to our Annual Celebration Lead Sponsor:
A former church, still boastingbeautifully crafted lancet windowsthat softly filter the sunlight, converted into a local museum – what could more poignantly symbolize change in a small town? This building is home toMuseum of the White Mountainsin Plymouth, NH, the current host of a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian entitled Crossroads: Change in Rural America.A partnership betweenNew Hampshire Humanities, Vermont Humanities,and theSmithsonian’s Museum on Main Streetprogram, this museum-quality exhibit is now on display at the fifth of six small towns across the two states.
Acompanion exhibition, The White Mountains: A Crossroads, explores the same themes of land, community, identity, persistence, and managing change in the context of the western White Mountains. Working with historical societies and public libraries in Plymouth, Franconia, Lincoln, Woodstock, and Bethlehem, the exhibition explores how these five communities developed and continue to evolve.Additional programming around the Crossroadsexhibitexplores the relationship between humans and animals through an agricultural lens – join the museum for aseries of field tripsto local farms to learn more about this complex topic.Learn more about the exhibit here.
The Smithsonian is coming to town! (perhaps your town?)
Partnering with VT Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, NHH is bringing Spark! Places of Innovation to six rural towns in NH and VT from June 2026 to March 2027.
This museum-quality traveling exhibit highlights stories from over 30 rural communities nationwide, exploring how place fuels creativity and innovation. Local hosts will explore how people, place, and circumstances combine to spark invention and meet challenges with fresh ideas.
How did your hometown meet adversity with creative solutions?Explore your town’s story through the Spark! exhibit. NHH is seeking proposals from NH-based organizations in rural towns to host Spark! and create community-centered programming.The Spark!  exhibit is most powerful when the local community plans, shapes, and implements the exhibit, defining what the project means to them.Learn more here.
Thank you to the following foundation and companies for their recent support of our Connections program that brings the best of children’s, young adult, and adult literature to more than 500 adult learners each year!
The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Eversource
This powerful question guided a recent Connections book discussion at Keene Community Education. This spring, English as a Second Language students—led by teacher Julie Moulton and longtime facilitator Patrice Pinette—explored four books that asked: What makes a “good” person? Can I make positive changes in my community? And finally, what can one little person do? Read this inspiring article by Connections program manager Mary Nolin. Read more & hear the song!
Libraries to receive access to newest Ken Burns documentary
Coming this fall, NHPBS will provide local libraries with access to The American Revolution, the powerful new 12-part film series by Ken Burns. To support community engagement and broader access, they’ll also offer discussion guides and online tools for deeper exploration.
Our summer issue of Engage! includes our FY2024 Annual Impact Report (but you can still read about upcoming events!) Click here or on the image below
As we forge towards a future with no federal support, we are grateful for our best giving day ever.Your support duringNH Gives, held on June 10-11, raised over $27,000!180 donors came together to say they believe in the work we do – andit could not have happened without each and every one.Thank you! A special thank you to a former board member, the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation, and Andrew Krivak and Amelia Dunlop, for their generous matching funds.Every gift made a difference.
Steve Taylor honored by the NH Preservation Alliance for Outstanding Leadership in Advocacy and Education
At this week’s awards ceremony, the NH Preservation Alliance celebrated outstanding leaders—including a familiar face!—along with small-town successes and investments in community development. From NHPA’s announcement of Steve Taylor’s award:
"Through his highly-engaging story-telling, impactful alliances and commitment to the best of New Hampshire rural life, Steve Taylor is a significant advocate for historic preservation in the Granite State. He has “sowed seeds” by mentoring colleagues throughout his career, and supporting practical and effective ventures in his hometown of Plainfield and across the state.
In his day jobs, he served as a daily newspaper reporter and editor, freelance writer, and dairy farmer. He was the founding executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. For 25 years, he served as the state's commissioner of agriculture. For 31 years, he served as Plainfield’s town and school district moderator.
STAFF PICK! Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone Recommended by Mary Nolin, Program Manager - Connections
As a former Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, I was drawn to the book Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leoneby my friend, Betsy Small. Despite serving nearly 25 years apart, our experiences in Sierra Leone could not have been more similar. While some might consider this a niche read, Sierra Leone and its people can offer so many insights into the importance of a close-knit community, knowing your neighbors, and generations of people coming together throughtraditions, stories, and dialogue. However, it also offers an important warning about what happens when those bonds are broken.
Congratulations to the Leadership NH Class of 2025! Last week, the Leadership NH Class of 2025 (including our own executive director, Michael Haley Goldman!) celebrated its graduation with alumni and the larger LNH network. This year's class of 2025 now joins more than 1,100 alumni who are leading with purpose and making an impact across the Granite State! Learn more
Partner News
Cohen Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies Attend the2025 Summer Institute for Educators: Holocaust by Bullets, July 15–17 at Keene State College. This 2.5-day residential program features experts from Yahad–In Unum and explores eyewitness testimony, mass violence, and classroom-ready tools to enhance critical thinking. Educators receive 20 CEU hours, free teaching resources, housing, breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks. Thanks to donor support, registration is just $50. Space is limited–learn more and register today!
NH Historical Society Workshops
New Hampshire and the American Revolution: A Hands-On Workshop for Educators, Monday, August 11 to Tuesday, August 12, 9 am - 3 pm. This two-day workshop explores the history and provides ready-madelesson plans, projects, and activities from the “Moose on the Loose” that will help your students in grades 3-8 understand the Revolution and its role in America’s unfolding story.
The Industrial Revolution in the Granite State: A Hands-On Workshop for Educators, Wednesday, August 13 - Thursday, August 14, 9 am - 3 pm: This two-day, in-person workshop explores the rise of factories—from the massive Amoskeag Manufacturing Company to small-town mills—and the people who powered them. Educators will dive into “Moose on the Loose” resources and gain hands-on experience with engaging lesson plans and activities designed for grades 3–8.
Granite Fun Facts and State Symbols: New Hampshire-Based Projects, Friday, August 15, 9 am - 3 pm New Hampshire may be a small state, but a lot has happened here! In this two-day workshop for elementary educators, participants will learn the history and get hands-on experience with the lesson plans, projects, and activities developed for students in grades 3-8.
All workshops include stipends, CEUs, and lunch. For more information about these workshops and toregister, click 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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