Humanities at Home

In these challenging times,  we believe more than ever in the power of the humanities to bring us together. Even though we’re social distancing, we can still think, read and talk. We still can (and probably should) read more about history and the situation we find ourselves in. We can think about what we value and how we make decisions, and we can engage in thoughtful discussions (online or at the dinner table). 

 That’s why we’re starting a weekly post with ways to keep the humanities alive and well across Indiana, along with resources you might need in these uncertain times. You’ll find information about upcoming Indiana Humanities activities you can tune in to (or maybe some you’ve missed) and a few curated staff picks to help you cut through the clutter.  

Be kind, stay well and don’t forget to wash your hands. 

 —Kristen  

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COVID-19 resources for individuals and groups: 

• Arts Council of Indianapolis and community funders announce $275,000 Indy Arts & Culture COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund 
• Resources and information for the museum field from the American Alliance of Museums  
• Pandemic preparedness resources for libraries from the American Library Association 

 Indiana Humanities happenings: 

• As spring arrives, we’re bringing our White River films out of the vault! We’ll be watching and discussing these three short films on Facebook, with prizes for those who like, share and comment. Join us for Facebook Watch Parties this week: 

• • Tuesday, March 24 @ 7 p.m.: Onward Ever: https://bit.ly/onwardever 
  • Wednesday, March 25 @ 7 p.m.: Braided with the Current:  https://bit.ly/braidedwiththecurrent 

• • Thursday, March 26 @ 7 p.m.: White River: Perspectives:  https://bit.ly/WhiteRiverPerspectives 

• Have you read the fantastic pieces from Midwest authors in Belt Magazine as part of our INseparable initiative? They cover topics such as “Traveling While Black,” “Losing the Farm,” “At the Lake County Fair” and much more. 
• If you find yourself dreaming up exciting humanities projects, don’t forget about our grants program, which offers monthly deadlines for Humanities Action Grants, as well as upcoming deadlines for our INcommon Grant, Preserving Women’s Legacy Grant, Innovation Grant and Collaboration Grant.  
• Our monthly Books, Booze & Brains book club is going virtual. Join us on March 31 via Zoom for a facilitated conversation among popular science book club lovers. (Don’t worry, you don’t even have to read the book in advance to participate.) 

 What I’m thinking, reading and talking about: 

• My son and I started reading Granted by John David Anderson, and we’re hooked on this delightful story featuring a fairy named Ophelia. It’s just one of many Indiana authors I hope to spend time with as I socially distance. 
• Inspired by the new Netflix drama on Madam C.J. Walker that started streaming on Friday, I bought this Rebel Girls chapter book for readers ages six to nine. 
• Last week while enjoying an outdoor adventure, I packed my Next Indiana Campfires: A Trail Companion to take notes about who I was with, what we saw and what we read. 
• A new podcast from our friends at DePauw University called “Getting Ethics to Work” will have you missing your coworkers and will make you a better colleague and manager when you return to the office. 

 What I’m looking forward to: 

• A fall Homecoming Tour with Jean Thompson, author of our One State / One Story book The Year We Left Home.  
• My kids going back to school, rooting for the home team at a baseball game, brainstorming in person with my colleagues and more!