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Launched in 1983, the Speakers in the Humanities program brings the best in humanities scholarship to thousands of people at hundreds of cultural organizations in virtually every corner of New York. To host a lecture in your town, just select a topic, contact the Speaker, and apply for funding through the Council. Any not-for-profit organization in New York State is eligible to use the program. Speakers events must be open to the public and free of charge. If your application is successful, the Council covers the cost of the Speaker's honorarium and travel expenses.

How to apply to host a lecture

Confirm Your Eligibility
Speakers in the Humanities is available to most not-for-profit

organizations. Read more >

Select a lecture
Search or browse presentation listings to find the right topic for your audience. Find a lecture >

Contact the Speaker to arrange a date and time
Get in touch with the Speaker you have selected, using his or her listed contact information. Browse Speaker directory >

Apply to the Council for Funds
Once you have completed steps 1 through 3, apply to the Council for funding. Apply now >

Plan and Promote Your Event
Start publicizing your lecture as soon as you receive notice of Council funding approval. View Planning Tips >

The New York Council for the Humanities would like to thank the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation for its generous support of Speakers in the Humanities.

Need more information about Speakers in the Humanities?
View answers to Frequently Asked Questions >
Get in the September Back-to-School spirit with a literature series
Maria Luise Caputo-Mayr
A short introduction into Kafka’s life and his fascination with contemporary cinema in Prague, and the often “theatrical” character of his prose and novels. Will be followed by a presentation of the influence of his works on filmmakers. Clips of cinematic renditions available.
Michael Morrison
This audiovisual presentation examines the pioneering Shakespearean accomplishments of the African American actors Paul Robeson, Earle Hyman, and James Earl Jones.
Book an event in October for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Sherrie Baver
Latin American and Caribbean immigration to New York has dramatically changed the essence of New York and the nation. Are we becoming a bilingual/bicultural country?
Photo by Jack Foster Wilma Feliciano
Peru celebrates its history in dance-dramas and festivals that combine native spirituality with Catholic icons. These performances explore mestizo identity amidst mass culture and globalization.

Don't see what you're looking for? Apply for funding to create your own program. Read more >