Projects:Public Humanities Scholars Projects


From a talk on the music and events of the ‘60s presented by scholar Jerry Zolten at the Public Library for Union County.

Organizations chosen for Public Humanities Scholars clearly explain the role of the humanities in their project, articulating the issues and questions that they will explore with their scholar. Their projects target a broad range of people in mid-central Pennsylvania and are well planned. Finally, selection to Public Humanities Scholars depends on the availability of appropriate scholars.

2007 Projects
  • As part of Altoona's One Book One Community program on To Kill A Mockingbird, Allied Motion Dance Company (Blair County) created a new dance about justice and ethics. This was done in collaboration with philosopher Emily Grosholz, who also presented talks to complement the public performances.

  • Public Library for Union County and historian Irwin Richman developed a walking tour tracing the development of Lewisburg and examining the architectural and historical significance of the town's notable buildings.

  • Saint Francis University (Cambria County) invited poet and literature scholar Julia Kasdorf to give a community lecture and discussion about the impact of Mennonite traditions on Kasdorf's poetry.

  • State College Friends School (Centre County) partnered with artist and art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu to present a lecture on African masking, play and ritual for students and teachers. Also included, an African storytelling session for younger children.
2006 Projects
  • Allegheny Portage Railroad (Blair County) teamed up with historian Brian Black to examine research on area African Americans and improve the site's programs about this community.

  • Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties and media arts expert J. Michael Hogan planned a series of discussions that reflected on recent world events as portrayed by the media.

  • In conjunction with an exhibition about local artistic traditions, Jefferson County Historical Society invited renowned poet and literature scholar Julia Kasdorf to lead a discussion about poetry in Western Pennsylvania.

  • Reaching out to baby-boomers, the Public Library for Union County and media arts and American studies scholar Jerry Zolten organized two talks about the music and images of the 1960s. The talks also traced the relationship between the music and the era's historic events.

  • St. Mary's Public Library (Elk County) presented a lecture about the Civil War by historian William Pencak, with a special focus on the conflict's impact on Elk County residents.

  • State College Area High School's Enrichment Program (Centre County) partnered with classics professor Daniel Berman to sponsor seminars and a lecture about ancient languages and the history and culture of the societies that used these languages.

  • State College Area High School's World Languages Program (Centre County) hosted an exhibition and slide presentation about the peoples of Latin America by photographer and Spanish scholar Javier Escudero.

Also See...