Indiana Humanities

09/04/2026

Bring a book. Find your people. Read together.

Join us for Reading Rave, a relaxed outdoor gathering celebrating National Read a Book Day this Saturday, hosted by Rokh Research & Design. Bring the book you've been meaning to finish, discover a new favorite, or simply enjoy an afternoon of quiet connection with fellow readers.

Whether you're into fiction, memoirs, poetry, nonfiction, graphic novels, or essays, all readers are welcome. There are no assigned readings, no discussion requirements, and no pressure to socialize—just dedicated time to unplug, read, and share space with a community of book lovers.

What to Expect
📖 Quiet, uninterrupted reading time
🌳 A beautiful afternoon in Highland Park
🧺 Bring a blanket or chair, your current read, and your favorite beverage or snack

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reading-rave-tickets-1997059018283

09/01/2026

Voices and Votes is now in Upland!

In case you missed it, the Upland Historical Society will host the traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Upland Community Building until Oct. 4.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America brings discussions about America’s democracy to small towns during the U.S. semiquincentennial, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of the program, each site will also curate a section of the exhibit that explores its community's story of civic engagement.

Voices and Votes is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. The Museum on Main Street program works with rural communities to host high-quality exhibits and create dynamic public programs across the United States.

Learn more: https://indianahumanities.org/event/smithsonians-voices-and-votes-democracy-in-america-exhibition-upland/

08/27/2026

We're excited to announce that we've become the new Indiana affiliate for National History Day (NHD)!

For the past 50 years, Indiana has participated in NHD, a program that supports teachers and gets middle- and high-school students involved in uncovering and sharing history and that develops their skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and public speaking.

Each year, more than 5,000 students statewide participate in a series of local, regional, statewide, and national competitions for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash prizes.

Learn more: https://indianahumanities.org/program/nhd/

08/26/2026

What does it mean to be human?

We think a love of dogs has something to do with it, but it's just a working theory...

Happy International Dog Day to Luna, Gonzo, Grover, Babs, Rudy, Maisie, Earl, and Johann!

08/25/2026

The schedule is packed for Year Three — are you in?

Registration is now open for Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest where hundreds of writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts will gather on Oct. 3 in Indianapolis to celebrate the power of writing that grows right here.

Don't miss our headliners:
- Author Hanif Abdurraqib ("There's Always This Year") with writer Marcus Wicker ("Dear Mothership: Poems"), presented by The Butler University MFA Program in Creative Writing

- Writer Austin Channing Brown ("I'm Still Here") with Indiana author Leah Johnson ("You Should See Me in a Crown"), presented by Loudmouth Books

- Author Tom Lin ("Babylon, South Dakota") with Conversation Piece podcast host Patrick Armstrong, presented by Tomorrow Bookstore

Proof was developed by local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey in partnership with Indiana Humanities, which powers the Indiana Authors Awards.

RSVP today! https://events.humanitix.com/proof2026

08/24/2026

Did you know that Indiana is home to the oldest consecutively-celebrated Fourth of July festival in the nation?
 
Join Indiana Humanities, the Pekin Community Betterment Organization, and the John Hay Center at Eastern High School for a premiere screening of “The Fourth of July in Pekin, IN,” a new short documentary about Pekin’s annual Independence Day celebration.
 
The documentary, directed by local filmmaker Erik Thein, captures the spirit of Pekin’s Fourth of July festivities, during which generations of residents come together to embrace nearly 200 years of tradition.
 
After the screening, there will be a brief Q&A with the filmmakers and with community members who have had a hand in organizing the festival.
 
This event is free and open to the public.
 
RSVP at the link in bio.

08/23/2026

Last weekend, our director of grants had a chance to see the humanities in action at the Jennings County Historical Society in Vernon.

Historian Sue Livers hosted a talk on Black history in Jennings County, including some of the early Black pioneers and settlements in the 1800s. The room was full of folks interested in learning more about their community.

The program was part of a series supported by an Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant.

Learn more about our grants and events on our website: https://indianahumanities.org

08/19/2026

We are over the moon about these books!

08/18/2026

A well-deserved recognition for this Hoosier poet!

And what a lifetime it's been!

Marianne Boruch has written twelve books of poetry, a memoir, and four essay collections. Her poems and essays have appeared in the New Yorker, The London Review of Books, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. She’s received numerous recognitions for her work, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, MacDowell, and Yaddo, an Indiana Authors Award in 2015, and most recently, the 2026 Jackson Poetry Prize.

In 1987, Boruch established the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Purdue University, directing it for many years before “going rogue” and emeritus in 2018. She currently lives with her husband in West Lafayette, where they raised their son.

In her own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysxyUPkX4rQ

08/17/2026

Congratulations, Women Writing for (a) Change-Bloomington!

Congratulations, Women Writing for (a) Change-Bloomington!

As our 2026 Literary Champion, this organization has made significant contributions to Indiana’s literary community. WWf(a)C Bloomington has been growing its welcoming writing environment for the past 22 years, creating safe and inspiring learning opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue the art of writing as a tool for growth.

Throughout the years, it has expanded from a group of about 16 women to a nonprofit with several outreach programs created in collaboration with local organizations and nonprofits.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OpqruOwMj4