|
Opening Eyes December 2024 | | |
|
One of my favorite parts of being the CEO of Maryland Humanities is finding ways to support the humanities throughout Maryland. This season, I am so thankful we are able to spread the love through our SHINE grants to 90 organizations across the state doing important humanities work. Having led a tiny historical society for almost a decade, I know just how impactful these dollars are for many of these organizations.
Read on to learn about the ways you can join me in supporting the humanities throughout Maryland. Volunteer opportunities and contributing to our annual fund are both equally important in helping us reach our mission as the year closes out.
Sincerely,
| Photograph by Portia Wiggins Photography |
|
Announcing our 2025 SHINE Grantees! | | |
Happy Tenth Anniversary to... | |
|
Veterans, join one of our Veterans Book Groups this winter: the Maryland Humanities program celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2025!
In an informal and supportive environment, you will talk about military experiences and returning to civilian life. If you participate, you'll read a wide variety of memoirs, novels, poetry, short stories, and essays. A trained facilitator supports each group.
We host groups in Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties. Meetings will begin in January or February, depending on the county. Registration requirements and other details vary by location.
Did you know that using literature to discuss service fosters connection, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a safe context? If you're not a veteran but have one in your life, please share this message with them.
| |
Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with the Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and St. Mary’s County public libraries and Montpelier Arts Center. The program is sponsored by Andrews Federal Credit Union, Wawa Foundation, and Tower Cares Foundation. | |
Guide Young People In Their Journey Through History | | |
|
Inspire and guide students across Maryland as they delve into historical research and presentation at our Maryland History Day State Contest by volunteering as a judge. Maryland's young historians are ready to impress, and we need your help.
Join a diverse group of individuals who share a love for history and education. Want to learn more? Register for one of our two information sessions over Zoom using the corresponding link below:
No prior judging experience is necessary; simply bring your curiosity and love for history! This year's State Contest takes place on May 3 at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
| | |
Maryland History Day is supported by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), National History Day®, and other funders that may be announced later. Image by Portia Wiggins. | | |
Hatza SHINE Grantee Spotlight:
Women Solve
| |
|
Women Solve received one of our Hatza SHINE Grants at the end of 2023. The Frederick nonprofit’s mission is “to harness the collective power and diverse talents of women to address pressing challenges in our communities,” reads their grant application. Black history and culture are central to Women Solve’s work.
“We are committed to fostering positive change through innovative solutions, advocacy, and community engagement,” the organization’s mission statement continues. “By empowering women to lead, collaborate, and take action, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive world where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every problem finds a solution.”
| |
Women Solve’s main program is their Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance Program, which culminates in an annual performance during Black History Month. Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade play music, dance, or showcase other talents while other students display their visual artwork in a gallery in the same venue. Women Solve’s goal for Seed to Roots is “elevating cultural identities, heritage, and traditions.” More than simply a one-day performance, the program also funds scholarships that enable participating students to receive lessons, attend summer camps, and hone their artistic skills through other methods. | |
|
“Your support, alongside the SHINE grant funds, played a vital role in the success of the event, and for that, we are immensely grateful,” says Desiree Tucker, Executive Director of Women Solve, in an email after the 2024 performance. (Tucker sent the email, shared here with permission, to Emily Ross, who serves as the Program Officer for Grants at Maryland Humanities.) Women Solve used SHINE funding to compensate members of the planning committee for the 2024 Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance.
“Thank you once again for your support, your presence at the event, and the positive impact Maryland Humanities continues to make in the lives of young Marylanders through art and education.”
Other programming includes fostering STEM education through free robot-building workshops. Through these workshops, which Women Solve offers for free at Frederick libraries, the organization aims to “bridge the STEM gap for children of color.”
| |
Images from the 2024 Seeds to Roots You Performance courtesy of Women Solve | |
Gratitude Corner:
M&T Bank | | |
Thank you so much to M&T Bank, one of our sponsors for One Maryland One Book 2024! M&T has over 1,000 branches in twelve states on the East Coast, with 354 branches and ATMs in Maryland.
"At M&T Bank, we believe in the power of community and shared experiences. The One Maryland One Book program embodies this spirit by bringing Marylanders together through the joy of reading," says M&T Bank representation. "It's a privilege to play a role in fostering connection and understanding, reaching underserved populations and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement across every county."
We are grateful that Ruth Kim, who serves as Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at M&T Bank, sits on the Board of Directors at Maryland Humanities.
| | |
Congratulations, Alexandra! | |
|
Last week, Alexandra Cenatus—our Director of Programs—completed the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program!
Part of the program's first graduating class, Alexandra connected with leaders from Maryland's public, private, government, education, and nonprofit sectors for six months.
“I am thrilled to share that the 40 members of the Class of 2024 represent a dynamic cross-section of ambitious and promising rising leaders,” said David Fike, President and CEO of Leadership Maryland, this past spring.
“The knowledge, experience, and connections they will gain in our program will prepare them to become more adaptive and impactful leaders in their careers and communities,” the President and CEO continued.
Congratulations again, Alexandra!
| |
Brighten Our State's Future | The humanities have the power to create a future where everyone’s voice has a role in the shared story—will you invest in it? If you give by the end of 2024, we’ll send you a limited-run sticker with your personal thank-you note! | | | | | |
