State Humanities Program

FAIN: SO-253179-17

Pennsylvania Humanities Council (Philadelphia, PA 19102-4121)
Jacqueline Penrod (Project Director: May 2016 to November 2017)
Silas Chamberlin (Project Director: November 2017 to December 2019)
Mary Persico (Project Director: December 2019 to November 2021)
Cheryl Matherly (Project Director: November 2021 to October 2025)

Funding details:
Original grant (2017) $199,100.00
Supplement (2017) $1,018,010.00
Supplement (2018) $1,254,720.00
Supplement (2019) $1,291,600.00

To support local humanities initiatives and state humanities council operations.

PHC grounds its work in people, and focuses on the impact the humanities have in their lives. Our programs inspire people to come together to make a difference by advancing cultural diversity, economic vibrancy, and an equitable society through the humanities. We focus on two areas of need in the state where the humanities can have significant impact. In education, we emphasize the 21st century skills that Pennsylvanians of all ages and stages of life need to make good decisions and plan for their communities’ future; in civic engagement we focus on humanities-based methods of resident engagement and creative placemaking that lead to sustainable and inclusive community and economic development. We also work to promote public understanding of the role the humanities play in educating citizens and strengthening communities—through regional and national convenings to present and promote research as well as partnerships with universities, advocacy organizations, and government agencies.