The New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Schools program offers FREE top-notch lectures on a wide variety of humanities subjects to high school communities across New York State.

The Council offers humanities lectures by a renowned and diverse group of scholars. These scholars are available to you and your high school community! Browse our list of lectures and enrich your students’ and colleagues' learning by inviting a Speaker into your school. This program supports a New York state standards-based education.

If your application is successful, the Council will cover all costs associated with the program, including the Speaker’s honorarium and travel expenses.

Select a Lecture/ Speaker

Browse presentation listings to find the right topic for your students, school community and curriculum. Find a Lecture/Speaker >

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
 Once you have completed steps 1 and 2, submit the Speakers in the Schools application. Apply >

Plan your event

As soon as you receive notice of Council approval, start planning your event, including pre- and post-lecture activities. View Planning Tips >

Follow-Up

Submit your Lecture Coordinator Evaluation and Legislative Contact Letters to the Council. Access Coordinator Admin >

Speakers in the Schools is made possible by funding from the New York State Legislature.

Still Making Us Smile After 200 Years: Political Puns and Social Satire in the Genre Paintings of William Sidney Mount Elizabeth Kahn Kaplan Subtle humor injected into scenes of country life by this world-renowned 19th century Long Island artist brought smiles to the lips of those in the know.

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