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Founded in 1971, Georgia Humanities is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We are the only organization in Georgia providing statewide support of the humanities. In this role, we share and support programming that engages all ages and backgrounds to explore what shapes us as individuals and binds us together as Georgians.
Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to encourage understanding and inspire hope.
Communities across Georgia are home to the stories that move us and make us. Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to each other, to our past, to new ways of thinking, to visions for the future, to our own stories, and to the stories around us. We believe that by understanding ourselves and each other, we can create a society where we all feel valued, our ideas are heard, and our lives grow richer with meaning.
The humanities are the academic disciplines involved in the study of human culture. Simply put, they explore how people understand and express the human experience, and include literature, history, language, ethics, philosophy, history of the arts, and much more.
Georgia Humanities’ programs and resources are executed in partnership with schools, libraries, museums, and other cultural and educational entities. We serve all of Georgia, and our programs reach people of all economic levels.

Colonial Christmas

Porch Songs & Public Voices Festival

Volunteer as National History Day Judge

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Announcing Our Spring 2026 Grant Recipients

The Smithsonian Returns to Georgia for America250

PRESS RELEASE: Georgia Humanities Announces “Porch Songs, Public Voices” as Part of National “By the People” Initiative

PRESS RELEASE: Georgia Humanities Announces New Board Members and Board Leadership

PRESS RELEASE: Jasper County’s Bonnie Garvin to Receive National History Day Georgia’s Midyear Classroom Award

PRESS RELEASE: Georgia Humanities Launches The Connector: Atlanta’s Catalyst for Collaborative Impact

PRESS RELEASE: Announcing Our Fall 2025 Grant Recipients

Introducing the Inaugural Georgia Circuit

Press Release: Governor, First Lady Announce 2025 Recipients of Arts and Humanities Awards

Georgia Humanities at the 61st Annual Georgia Council for the Social Studies Conference

Jen Welborn

Christina Wolfe

Brooke Wheelock

Edward Hatfield

Today, we celebrate 250 years. On July 4, 1776, Georgia was one of thirteen colonies that declared independence—and Georgians have been defining the American story ever since. All year long, Georgia Humanities has been marking America's Semiquincentennial with programming that brings our history to life: "Voices and Votes," a Smithsonian traveling exhibition on the history of American democracy, touring Georgia communities through March 2027; The Georgia Circuit, public conversations on Georgia's role in the Revolution and beyond; National History Day Georgia, where students explored "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History"; and community grants supporting local programming in every congressional district. Today’s milestone belongs to every Georgian. However you're celebrating, we hope you'll take a moment to reflect on the stories—250 years of them—that got us here.

Georgia Humanities Interim President recently had the pleasure of visiting with Jamil Zainaldin, who led Georgia Humanities for many years and helped build the organization’s lasting impact across the state. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss ideas for the future of Georgia Humanities and to benefit from Jamil’s thoughtful feedback and decades of experience. His insights, encouragement, and practical advice were greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jamil, for your hospitality, wisdom, and continued support of Georgia Humanities. 📸 Photo: Georgia Humanities Interim President visits with former President Jamil Zainaldin at his home.

There's still time to nominate for the 2026 Governor's Awards for the Arts and Humanities. Help us celebrate the people and organizations making an impact in your community. Nominations are open until June 26. Complete your nomination today at the link in our bio! @georgiacouncilforthearts

Our @nhdgeorgia students are in College Park, Maryland, this week competing in the @nhdcontest national competition and sharing their original research on "Revolution, Reaction, Reform." We couldn't be prouder of these young historians!

Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are now open! Presented by the Office of the Governor in partnership with @georgiacouncilforthearts and Georgia Humanities, the awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across Georgia through community development, innovative programs, historical preservation, and long-term investment in the arts and humanities. Know someone doing important work in your community? Submit a nomination today at the link in our bio. The deadline to submit is June 26!

National History Day Georgia is proud to present this year's team of National Qualifiers! In June, 71 students from across the state will represent Team Georgia at the NHD National Contest. Please join us in congratulating these hardworking students and their teachers. 👏🎉 Repost: @nhdgeorgia. National History Day Georgia is a program of Georgia Humanities and @lagrangecollege #NationalHistoryDay #NHDGA #nationalhistorydaygeorgia #StudentResearch #inquirybasedlearning

Middle Georgia: There's just a little over one week left to see the Smithsonian exhibition "Voices & Votes: Democracy in America" in Eatonton. Can't make it by the 31st? "Voices & Votes" will be stopping at Hartwell, Cartersville, Mount Vernon, Brunswick, Dawson, and the Georgia National Fair in Perry.

Every community has a story to tell! We're grateful to journalist David Plazas for his recent article about the opening of "Voices and Votes," a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibition, in Eatonton. And we're so proud to see the meaningful conversations "Voices and Votes" is inspiring. Read the full story at the link in our bio. You can catch the exhibition in Putnam County until May 31, or see "Voices and Votes" in Hartwell, Cartersville, Mount Vernon, Brunswick, Dawson, and Perry during the Georgia National Fair. 📷: @ajcnews @deplazas #georgia #history #georgiahistory #smithsonian #voicesandvotes #america250 #georgia250 #civicengagement

Georgia Humanities joins our fellow Georgians in mourning the loss of Ted Turner, one of the state’s most consequential figures. As the New Georgia Encyclopedia notes: “In the last three decades of the twentieth century, Ted Turner transformed himself into a modern-day icon whose work made a significant impact nationally and in the city of Atlanta. Known variously as a media titan, cable-TV pioneer, father of the Goodwill Games, owner of a World Series champion, skipper of a yacht that won the America’s Cup, feature film producer, and restaurateur, Turner began by parlaying an overextended billboard company and a low-power television station into a communications giant.” Pictured here holding the 1995 Braves World Series Trophy. You can read more about Ted Turner's remarkable life and legacy here: https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/ted-turner-b-1938/

Today is the FINAL DAY to apply for a spring 2026 Georgia Humanities grant. Submit your application before 11:59 pm tonight: https://www.georgiahumanities.org/grants

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow, April 25, in Eatonton for the grand opening of “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street Exhibition, hosted locally by @georgiawritersmuseum8 and the Old School History Museum. Join us at the Putnam County Administration Building for a special kick-off event featuring a conversation with Governor Nathan Deal and Representative Calvin Smyre, moderated by Cathy Cox, President of Georgia College & State University. Stick around afterward to tour the exhibition! When: Saturday, April 25, 5:30–7:00 PM Where: 117 Putnam Dr., Eatonton, GA Busy this Saturday? "Voices and Votes" will be on display in Eatonton through May 31.

What a day to make history! We’re still smiling from last weekend’s National History Day Georgia state contest. Nearly 500 students and 100 teachers came together at LaGrange College to present their original research and showcase some truly remarkable talent. 73 students qualified to represent Georgia at the National History Day national contest at the University of Maryland this June! You can read more about this year’s winning projects at the link in our bio! We're also thrilled to recognize this year's outstanding educators: NHD Georgia Teacher of the Year • Junior Division: Dr. Katie Baker-Johnson, Hilsman Middle School • Senior Division: Dr. Yi'Sheika Lawrence, Georgia College Early College NHD Georgia Classroom Award • Ms. Bonnie Garvin, Jasper County High School • Ms. April Allen, Baker Middle School • Ms. Kadesha Gordon-Simms, Miller Magnet Fine Arts Congratulations to every student, teacher, and volunteer who made this year's contest so special! Now, Go Team Georgia!

Tomorrow is the day! National History Day Georgia 2026 is here! Students from across the state have spent months researching and making history. We can't wait to see and celebrate what they've created.

Join us in Hartwell on April 18 for Porch Songs & Public Voices! 🎵 The festival is one of Georgia's contributions to “By the People: Conversations Beyond 250,” a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by @humfed and the@smithsonianfolklife as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Can't wait to see you there!

Georgia students are bringing history to life—and they need your support to keep their stories going! Every gift helps students unlock their potential, share their discoveries, and shine through their research and creative projects. National History Day Georgia takes place April 18th, and your support ensures these young historians can continue exploring, creating, and presenting their stories for years to come. 👉 Donate today: https://www.georgiahumanities.org/mccarty-nhd-fund/ #DiscoverGeorgiaHistory #NHDGA #SupportStudents #GeorgiaHumanities

The countdown is on! We're just a week away from one of the best days of the year: @nhdgeorgia 2026! Over 500 students (and their teachers) from across the state will travel to @lagrangecollege on April 18 — supported by more than 100 volunteers — to present months of original research through exhibits, performances, documentaries, and more. This year's theme: "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History." Top competitors will advance to represent Georgia at the national competition in June. We can't wait to see what our student historians have in store. Until then, enjoy some snapshots from last year's state contest.

Every great historian started as a curious student—your donation helps Georgia students research, create, and share history today! National History Day Georgia celebrates the research, creativity, and critical thinking of young historians across the state. Your support ensures that students across Georgia can continue participating in this program for years to come. Donate today: https://www.georgiahumanities.org/mccarty-nhd-fund/ Every gift helps students unlock their potential, share their discoveries, and bring history to life. #DiscoverGeorgiaHistory #NHDGA #SupportStudents #GeorgiaHumanities

There's still time to apply for a Georgia Humanities spring grant! We're accepting proposals from Georgia-based nonprofit organizations through May 1, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Projects connected to our America250 initiative are especially welcome. Learn more and submit your application today at the link in our bio! https://www.georgiahumanities.org/grants/

History and culture are in full bloom this April, with programs and events in communities across the state! Join us at the Porch Songs festival in Hartwell, cheer on Georgia students at the @nhdgeorgia state contest in LaGrange, tour the Smithsonian Voices and Votes traveling exhibit at the grand opening in Eatonton, or participate in grant and Georgia Circuit events from Columbus to Atlanta. Mark your calendars, and don’t miss your chance to connect with the humanities in your town!

We’re still looking for a few more volunteer judges to support our National History Day Georgia annual state contest at LaGrange College. Come spend Saturday, April 18, with us and prepare to be amazed and energized by what our state’s students can do! Register now at the link in our bio! @nhdgeorgia @lagrangecollege

History doesn't just live in textbooks. Some arrives by mail! Our @newgeorgiaencyclopedia's stamp collection brings together a century's worth of U.S. postal stamps honoring the people and culture of Georgia, from political figures to artists to state symbols. Head over to the encyclopedia to explore the collection and click any stamp to discover the story behind it: https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/collections/stamp-collection/ And let us know in the comments: what Georgia story would you like to see on a stamp? The New Georgia Encyclopedia is a program of Georgia Humanities in partnership with the @ugapress, @ugalibs, and GALILEO. 📷: National Postal Museum

The Smithsonian returns to Georgia for America250, and the first stop is Eatonton! Voices and Votes: Democracy in America opens April 25 and runs through May 31 at the Putnam County Administration Building, presented in partnership with our local hosts @georgiawritersmuseum and the Old School History Museum. We hope you'll join us for an opening night reception, featuring a discussion panel with Nathan Deal, 82nd Governor of Georgia, Representative Calvin Smyre, Dean of the Georgia House, moderated by Dr. Cathy Cox, President of Georgia College and State University. You can reserve your free tickets at the link in our bio! Can't make it to Eatonton? Catch Voices and Votes throughout 2026-27 at its next stops in Hartwell, Cartersville, Mount Vernon, Brunswick, Dawson, and the Georgia National Fair in Perry.

We love Georgia teachers! Georgia Humanities was proud to support @gacouncileconed's place-based professional development at the Port of Savannah, where teachers left with standards-aligned lesson plans ready to use in their classrooms. That’s the goal of our grants program: to connect Georgia's stories to the people and places that bring them to life...in schools, libraries, museums, and beyond. BTW, our spring grant cycle is open now. If you've got a project that will engage and inspire your community, we want to hear from you. Apply today at the link in our bio!

Georgia Circuit speakers are popping up in communities all over the state...all at free or low cost. Want a scholar or storyteller to visit your town? Explore our available speakers, and book today at the link in bio!

History is happening this weekend as two Georgia Humanities grantees celebrate America250. On St. Simons Island: Revolution on the Coast! The Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s semiquincentennial celebration features quill writing, tricorn hat making, and a walk-through replica of George Washington's Revolutionary War tent. In Forsyth: the grand opening of Culloden: 250 Years of American Independence, a new exhibit on Georgia's revolutionary history from Monroe County Historical Society. Both programs are free and open to the public! Learn more, or find an event near you at georgiahumanities.org/events.

We had an incredible time in our nation’s Capitol! 🇺🇸 Last week, Georgia Humanities staff and board members traveled to Washington, DC, for Humanities on the Hill. There, we connected with legislators to share what the humanities do for Georgia: education, history, culture, community building, and so much more. We’re grateful to our state representatives and their staffers for great conversations, and to everyone who helps share the very real impact of the humanities in our everyday lives.

We're thrilled to announce Porch Songs, Public Voices, a traveling festival connecting Georgia communities through music, storytelling, and shared traditions. It's Georgia Humanities' contribution to "By the People: Conversations Beyond 250," a national initiative celebrating 250 years of American culture. And we're kicking things off in Hartwell! The Hartwell Folk Life Festival: Porch Songs & Stories takes place Saturday, April 18, in downtown Hartwell! The day features Cherokee storytelling, music & dance, a blues history experience with Max Simpson, and an evening Blues Jam with the High Cotton Music Hall House Band and Clarence "Big C" Cameron. All events are free and open to the public! Stay tuned for more about upcoming community programs, and we'll see you in Hartwell! --- By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by 51 humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by @humfed and @smithsonianfolklife.

ICYMI: our spring 2026 grant cycle is open, and there's never been a better time to apply. Lots of new details in this application round (including max awards of $7500!), so please visit our website to learn more and apply, or post your questions in the comments.

A few scenes from our West GA-LaGrange College Regional Contest this past Saturday! #nationalhistoryday #nhdgeorgia #nhdga #nationalhistorydaygeorgia

We're excited to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors this year: Ember Bentley (Macon), Jeff P. Garland(Statesboro), Milton "M. Jay" Hall Jr. (Tifton), and John Knapp (St. Marys). Representing communities from across Georgia, they bring deep experience and local perspectives that will help us connect more people with the humanities. Welcome, y'all!

Congratulations to Spring 2025 grantee @cobblandmarks on their recent @gamuseums award! They created an outdoor exhibit and pocket park in Vinings to celebrate the legacy of Nellie Mae Rowe, a visionary self-taught artist who transformed her home into a living work of art. We're proud to support projects like this one that bring Georgia's creative voices and cultural history to life for communities across the state!

Love history and giving back to your community? You can support the next generation of scholars by volunteering as a judge for National History Day Georgia 2026. Regional contests run through March, and our State Contest is on Saturday, April 18, at LaGrange College Sign up today, and invite a friend at the link in bio! @nhdgeorgia @lagrangecollege

📣 Apply for a Grant Georgia Humanities is now accepting applications for our Spring 2026 grant cycle. As part of our America250 initiative, we welcome proposals that explore the stories—and the ongoing work—of democracy, as well as other public humanities programs that foster learning and dialogue across Georgia. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $7,500 and are open to Georgia-based organizations. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from February 2 to May 1, 2026. Learn more and apply at georgiahumanities.org/grants (link in bio)

🚨 Last call for applications for the National History Day Georgia Midyear Classroom Award! 🚨 >> DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Are you an NHD educator who would appreciate some extra monetary support as your students complete their projects? Are you a school administrator who works with a deserving teacher? Submit a nomination now using the link in the replies! #nationalhistorydaygeorgia #NHDGA #HandsOnLearning #teachersupport

We’re thrilled to share this video featuring our Board Chair, Cameron Bean, talking about why Georgia Humanities matters and how our programs, including Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and the Georgia Circuit, enrich communities across the entire state. Georgia Humanities serves all of Georgia, and every donation helps us bring meaningful programming, storytelling, and history to residents everywhere. If our work inspires you, please visit https://www.georgiahumanities.org/donate/ to support our mission and help us continue offering these opportunities to communities statewide. #GeorgiaHumanities #WhyISupportGH #KeepStoriesAlive #InvestInTheFuture #HumanitiesMatter

DEADLINE EXTENDED for the 2025 National History Day Georgia Midyear Classroom Award! Don't miss out on this opportunity to support your NHD students! Applications are due THIS FRIDAY, 12/12. The Midyear Classroom Award is a cash award granted to educators to be used to meet this year's classroom or school NHD program needs. Apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25NHDGA-Classroom We'd like to extend a sincere thank you to the sponsors of this award, Alisa A. and Joseph B. Alonso. #NationalHistoryDay #nationalhistorydaygeorgia #StudentVoices #teachersupport

We are delighted to announce the 2025 recipients of the Governor's Awards for the Arts & Humanities! With the @georgiacouncilforthearts, Georgia Humanities has had the privilege of honoring our state's most outstanding artists and cultural leaders since 2012. This year's individual honorees include Andy Gaines, Sherrill Milnes, Sasikala Penumarthi, Dennis Skelley, Luciana Spracher, and Tomer Zvulun. Recognized organizations include the Atlanta Drum Academy, Okefenokee Heritage Center, Suzi Bass Awards, and Union County Historical Society. Congratulations to all of our recipients! Visit https://www.georgiahumanities.org/programs/governors-awards-for-the-arts-humanities/ to access the event program and learn more about the 2025 honorees.

📣 Introducing Amy Banish, our new Program Coordinator Amy joined Georgia Humanities after serving with the National Endowment for the Humanities. A published poet, experienced grants administrator, and lover of folklore, Amy looks forward to supporting projects that amplify underrepresented voices and expand access for communities whose stories sustain and enculture the humanities. Read Amy’s full interview to learn more about her extensive experience with humanities programming! https://www.georgiahumanities.org/2025/11/18/introducing-our-new-program-coordinator-amy-banish/

🎙 Our friends at GPB have an exciting event coming up! 💬 On Wednesday, November 19, GPB is hosting a live Narrative Edge Podcast featuring co-host Orlando Montoya and author Lorissa Rinehart talking about her book Winning the Earthquake, the first major biography of Jeannette Rankin, the trailblazing suffragist, activist, and first woman elected to Congress. The event is free, and you can find more information at GPB.org/events. #georgiapublicbroadcasting #booktalk #podcast

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