Indiana Humanities’ upcoming thematic initiative focuses on American history, civics, and democracy in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Over several years, we will design and support humanities programs that help Hoosiers examine America’s founding principles, the history of American democracy, how Americans play a role in our system of government, and how citizens relate to one another to build the civic fabric of our nation.
We work with humanities scholars, experts, elders, and culture-bearers to shape and lead our programs. Humanities scholars bring deep expertise and provide valuable context, and they’re also often skilled at sharing information and unlocking conversation around a big idea or shared text. Further, scholars are good at helping people become comfortable with tension and gray area, with the idea that answers are rarely “yes” or “no” but often more complex than we ever realized.
About the Speakers Bureau
View the Catalog
How to Book a Speaker
Interested in hosting a speakers bureau member at your organization? Consider the following steps in selecting a speaker, organizing the program, and hosting a speakers bureau member in your community.
- Peruse the catalog and select the speaker that you feel best meets your organization’s programming goals and audience interests.
- Review the speaker’s suggested fee and consider the travel requirements, and compare these to your budget for the program. Look at where the speaker is located and calculate mileage to your site. We strongly recommend that you reimburse mileage at the IRS standard mileage rate of $0.70/mile, though you can negotiate this with the speaker. If the speaker is traveling several hours for an evening event, you may also need to offer to book a hotel room or reimburse the speaker for the cost. Make sure you feel confident that you can cover these possible expenses.
- When you contact the speaker (we have provided contact information in the catalog), you will want to work together to decide details such as: date/time of the program, format, and length; speaking fee, travel and lodging reimbursement, and method/timing of payment; audio/visual and other setup needs for the program.
- Once you have decided on the details, you are welcome to use the template agreement letter to get all details in writing with the speaker.
- We encourage you to have a pre-program conversation with the speaker to address any lingering questions, share information about your audience and location, and ensure that everyone is in agreement about the program details.
- A few days before the program, email the speaker with final confirmation and your phone number if not already shared in case the speaker has any trouble finding your site or runs into any issues while on the road.
- After the program, thank the speaker, provide payment, and share any constructive feedback you received about the program.
How to Join the Bureau
Interested in joining the speakers bureau? Candidates can submit a talk description and biography, resume, or CV for review. To apply, review the call for proposals and submit an application to join the speakers bureau, by filling out this form.
New applications to join the bureau will be reviewed quarterly by Indiana Humanities staff. If you have a question about your proposal. Email Megan Telligman, director of programs, at mtelligman@indianahumanities.org.
Share Your Program
We want to help you promote your programs!
If you book a speaker from the catalog, please let us know via this form. We will post your event to our website and share details via our social media accounts (@INhumanities).