Speakers in the Humanities
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 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
>
Speakers in the Humanities lectures are made possible with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York State Legislature, and through funds from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.
Speakers flyer template available for easy customization and promotion of your Speakers in the Humanities event.
Get in the September Back-to-School spirit with a literature series
![]() |
Women Writers of the Italian Renaissance (1450-1600)Rinaldina RussellThis talk will explore the political, cultural, and social reasons that in sixteenth century Italy made possible the appearance on the literary scene of highly educated women in numbers that astonished the rest of Europe. Examples will be drawn from the works of authors stemming from different social strata and using a variety of literary media. |
Objects and MemoryJonathan FeinWhat are the things in our homes and museums that mean the most to us? How do we preserve the past and speak to the future? |
Book an event in October for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Jacob K. Javits and Latin American Economic IntegrationSalvador RiveraThis lecture examines efforts by New York Senator Jacob K. Javits to promote the economic integration of Latin America. |
The Mexican Muralist Movement and the American Artists It InfluencedJaime ArredondoMexico's rich cultural heritage has attracted artists from all over the world -- and led to a cross-fertilization of ideas between some of the greatest artists of Mexico and the United States. |
Don't see what you're looking for? Apply for funding to create your own program. Read more >




