How to Visit the Indiana Humanities

The Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering thoughtful dialogue, deepening civic engagement, and celebrating the power of the humanities in everyday life. Through public programs, educational initiatives, community partnerships, and cultural events, the organization brings history, literature, philosophy, and ethics to life across Indiana. For residents, visitors, educators, students, and lifelong learners, visiting the Indiana Humanities—whether physically, virtually, or through its programs—is an opportunity to connect with ideas that shape our shared culture and identity.

While the Indiana Humanities does not operate a traditional museum or public attraction, its presence is felt in libraries, classrooms, historic sites, and community centers throughout the state. Understanding how to engage with its offerings requires clarity on its structure, locations, events, and digital resources. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you meaningfully visit and participate in the work of the Indiana Humanities—whether you're planning a trip to Indianapolis, seeking remote learning opportunities, or looking to bring a program to your town.

This tutorial is designed for individuals seeking authentic cultural experiences, educators planning curriculum-aligned activities, tourists exploring Indiana’s intellectual landscape, and community leaders interested in collaborative programming. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to access, engage with, and benefit from the Indiana Humanities’ mission—not as a passive observer, but as an active participant in the state’s living conversation about what it means to be human.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What the Indiana Humanities Offers

Before planning your visit, it’s essential to recognize that the Indiana Humanities is not a single building or museum. It is a network of programs, partners, and events designed to activate the humanities in diverse settings. Its core offerings include:

• Public lectures and author talks
• Community reading programs
• Historical storytelling events
• Workshops for educators
• Grants for local organizations to host humanities-based activities
• Online resources and digital exhibitions

These initiatives are delivered in collaboration with libraries, museums, universities, historical societies, and community centers. Your “visit” may take the form of attending a lecture in Evansville, participating in a book discussion in Fort Wayne, or exploring a curated online exhibit from your home in Bloomington.

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

The first and most critical step in planning your engagement is visiting the official website: indianahumanities.org. This is the central hub for all programs, events, resources, and contact information. The site is organized into clear sections:

• Events – A calendar of upcoming public programs statewide
• Programs – Descriptions of flagship initiatives like “Books@Work,” “Humanities in the Park,” and “Indiana Conversation”
• Grants – Information for organizations seeking funding to host humanities events
• Resources – Downloadable lesson plans, reading lists, and multimedia content
• About – History, mission, staff, and board information

Bookmark the site and subscribe to their email newsletter. Updates are sent monthly and include event reminders, new grant opportunities, and featured stories from communities across Indiana.

Step 3: Explore the Events Calendar

Once on the website, navigate to the Events section. The calendar is filterable by:

• Region (e.g., Northwest, Central, Southeast Indiana)
• Event type (lecture, discussion, workshop, film screening)
• Format (in-person, virtual, hybrid)
• Date range

Filter for events happening within your desired timeframe and location. For example, if you’re visiting Indianapolis in October, you might filter for “in-person” events in “Central Indiana” between October 1–31. Each event listing includes:

• Exact date and time
• Physical address or virtual meeting link
• Organizing partner (e.g., “Presented with the Indianapolis Public Library”)
• Registration requirements (free, RSVP required, ticketed)
• Accessibility information (ASL interpretation, wheelchair access, captioning)

Many events are free and open to the public, but some require advance registration due to space or resource limitations. Always check the “Register” button or link and complete any required forms.

Step 4: Plan Your Physical Visit

If you intend to attend an in-person event, treat it like any cultural outing. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Confirm the location: Use Google Maps or another navigation tool to verify the venue’s address. Some events are held in historic buildings or community centers that may not be well-known to visitors.
2. Check parking and transit options: Many events in downtown Indianapolis are accessible via IndyGo buses or the Red Line. Rural events may require personal transportation.
3. Arrive early: Doors typically open 15–30 minutes before the event. Early arrival ensures seating and time to check in.
4. Bring materials: While not always required, bringing a notebook, pen, or tablet can enhance your experience, especially for discussions or workshops.
5. Follow venue guidelines: Some locations may have quiet zones, no-phone policies, or specific entry procedures. Respect these rules to support a thoughtful atmosphere.

For example, if you’re attending a “Humanities in the Park” event at Garfield Park in Indianapolis, bring a blanket, sunscreen, and water. These events are designed to be relaxed and accessible, often held under trees or in pavilions.

Step 5: Participate in Virtual Events

Not everyone can travel across the state. Fortunately, many Indiana Humanities programs are designed for remote participation. Virtual events are typically hosted via Zoom or YouTube Live and include:

• Live-streamed author readings
• Online panel discussions on ethics, history, or literature
• Interactive webinars for teachers

To join:

1. Register through the event page on indianahumanities.org.
2. Check your email for a confirmation with the meeting link.
3. Test your audio and video settings 10 minutes before the event starts.
4. Join using a quiet space and stable internet connection.
5. Engage by typing questions in the chat or raising your hand if the host invites participation.

Virtual events are often recorded and archived on the website’s Resources or Media section, allowing you to revisit content at your convenience.

Step 6: Engage with Educational Resources

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or self-directed learner, the Indiana Humanities offers a wealth of educational materials. Visit the Resources section to find:

• Curated reading lists on topics like civil rights, migration, and identity
• Lesson plans aligned with Indiana academic standards for K–12 educators
• Podcasts featuring interviews with historians, philosophers, and writers
• Downloadable discussion guides for book clubs

For example, the “Indiana Voices” reading series includes short stories, essays, and poems by Hoosier authors. Each selection comes with guiding questions and historical context—perfect for classroom use or personal reflection.

Step 7: Connect with Local Partners

The Indiana Humanities does not host all events directly. Instead, it partners with over 200 organizations statewide. To find events near you:

• Use the “Find a Partner” tool on the website
• Search by county or city
• Visit the partner’s website (e.g., “Vincennes University,” “Tippecanoe County Public Library”)
• Look for logos or mentions of “Presented by Indiana Humanities”

Local partners often host events with deeper regional relevance. For instance, the “Civil War in Indiana” series might be offered by the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis, while “Immigrant Stories” could be hosted by a refugee support center in Lafayette.

Step 8: Apply for a Grant to Host Your Own Event

Are you a librarian, museum director, or community organizer? The Indiana Humanities offers grants to support local humanities programming. The process is straightforward:

1. Visit the Grants page on indianahumanities.org
2. Review the current funding opportunities (e.g., “Community Conversations,” “Reading Together”)
3. Download the application form and guidelines
4. Prepare your project plan, budget, and community impact statement
5. Submit by the deadline (typically quarterly)

Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund speaker honorariums, materials, venue rentals, or promotional costs. If awarded, you’ll receive support from Indiana Humanities staff to help promote and evaluate your event.

Step 9: Join the Conversation Online

Follow the Indiana Humanities on social media to stay updated and engage with others:

• Facebook – Event announcements and community stories
• Instagram – Photos from events, book highlights, and quotes from thinkers
• Twitter/X – Live-tweeting during events and sharing articles
• YouTube – Full recordings of past lectures and panels

Use hashtags like

IndianaHumanities, #HoosierReads, and #HumanitiesInAction to join ongoing conversations. You can also submit your own stories or questions for potential inclusion in their digital features.

Step 10: Reflect and Share Your Experience

Engagement doesn’t end when the event does. Take time to reflect:

• What ideas challenged your thinking?
• How did the discussion connect to your life or community?
• Who did you meet? What did you learn from them?

Share your experience by:

• Writing a short review on the event page
• Posting a photo or quote on social media (tagging Indiana Humanities)
• Discussing the topic with friends, students, or colleagues
• Volunteering to help organize a future event

Your reflection helps the organization understand impact and inspires others to participate.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

Many popular events fill up quickly, especially during fall and spring. Register as soon as you know you want to attend. However, remain open to last-minute changes—events may shift locations, switch to virtual formats, or add new speakers. Check your email and the website regularly for updates.

Respect the Space and the Speakers

Humanities events are not entertainment spectacles—they are spaces for thoughtful exchange. Avoid using phones during talks, refrain from interrupting speakers, and listen with curiosity rather than judgment. Questions are encouraged, but frame them respectfully and concisely.

Engage with Diverse Perspectives

Indiana Humanities programs intentionally include voices from all backgrounds—rural and urban, Black and white, Indigenous and immigrant, young and old. Approach each event as an opportunity to learn from someone whose experience differs from your own. Bring humility, not assumptions.

Use the Resources, Don’t Just Collect Them

It’s easy to download lesson plans or reading lists and never open them. Set a personal goal: “I will read one essay per month” or “I will host one book discussion with friends.” Action transforms resources into meaningful experiences.

Bring a Friend or Group

Humanities thrive in dialogue. Invite a colleague, neighbor, or student to attend with you. Afterward, discuss what you heard. Shared reflection deepens understanding and builds community.

Support Local Partners

When you attend an event hosted by a library, museum, or university, consider supporting them directly—buy a book from their gift shop, donate to their fund, or volunteer your time. The Indiana Humanities amplifies their work; your support helps sustain it.

Advocate for the Humanities

When someone asks, “Why should I care about history or philosophy?” respond with your experience. Share how a lecture changed your view, how a story helped you understand a neighbor, or how a discussion sparked a new idea. Advocacy ensures the humanities remain visible and valued.

Document Your Journey

Keep a simple journal of the events you attend, the people you meet, and the ideas that linger. Over time, this becomes a personal archive of intellectual growth. You might even turn it into a blog, podcast, or community presentation.

Tools and Resources

Primary Tools

• indianahumanities.org – Central hub for events, grants, and resources
• Google Calendar – Sync Indiana Humanities events to your personal calendar
• Zoom – Platform for virtual events (download the app for best experience)
• Mailchimp – Used for newsletters; ensure you’re subscribed
• Canva – Free tool to design posters or social media graphics if you’re promoting an event

Recommended Reading and Media

These are curated by Indiana Humanities staff and frequently referenced in programs:

• “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson – A foundational text for discussions on migration
• “Indiana: A New Historical Guide” – Published by Indiana University Press, often used in educational programs
• “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo – Featured in youth reading circles
• “Indiana Voices” Podcast – Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
• “The Daily” by The New York Times – Recommended for those interested in ethical storytelling

Free Digital Libraries and Archives

Access these for deeper exploration:

• Indiana Memory (indianamemory.org) – Digitized historical documents, photos, and oral histories
• Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org) – Free public domain books, including works by Hoosier authors
• Library of Congress Digital Collections (loc.gov/collections) – National resources with Indiana-related materials
• Internet Archive (archive.org) – Audio recordings of past lectures and community events

Accessibility Tools

Indiana Humanities prioritizes inclusion. Use these tools to ensure full participation:

• Descript – For transcribing audio from virtual events
• Google Live Transcribe – Real-time speech-to-text on Android devices
• Microsoft Immersive Reader – Helps simplify complex texts for readers with learning differences
• Zoom Live Captioning – Automatically generates captions during virtual events (enable in settings)

Mobile Apps for Event Discovery

• Eventbrite – Some Indiana Humanities events are listed here
• Meetup – Search for “Indiana humanities” or “book club” groups
• Google Arts & Culture – Features virtual exhibits co-hosted by Indiana institutions

Real Examples

Example 1: A Teacher in Terre Haute

Ms. Rodriguez, a high school English teacher, wanted to bring more civic dialogue into her curriculum. She visited indianahumanities.org, found the “Humanities in the Classroom” grant, and applied for $2,000 to host a series of discussions on justice and identity. With funding, she invited a local poet and a retired judge to speak to her students. She used the provided discussion guides and recorded the sessions for future classes. Students wrote essays based on the conversations, and two were selected for publication in the Indiana Humanities’ youth anthology. Ms. Rodriguez now leads a district-wide humanities initiative.

Example 2: A Retiree in Evansville

After moving to Evansville, Mr. Thompson felt disconnected from his new community. He subscribed to the Indiana Humanities newsletter and signed up for a monthly “Book & Brew” event at a local café. He began attending every third Thursday, reading the selected novel ahead of time and joining the conversation. Over time, he became a regular, then a volunteer. He now helps organize the events and even leads a discussion group for veterans. “I didn’t know I needed this,” he says. “But now I can’t imagine my week without it.”

Example 3: A Family in Fort Wayne

The Martinez family—parents and two teenagers—wanted to spend weekends doing something meaningful together. They started attending “Humanities in the Park” events. One summer, they listened to a storyteller share Native American legends. The next month, they watched a documentary on the Underground Railroad in Indiana. They took notes, asked questions, and later discussed the themes at dinner. Their 15-year-old daughter wrote a poem inspired by the stories and submitted it to a youth contest. It was published. The family now plans their weekends around Indiana Humanities events.

Example 4: A Remote Student in Bloomington

As a college student studying philosophy, Ana couldn’t attend many in-person events due to her schedule. She discovered the Indiana Humanities’ YouTube channel and began watching archived lectures. One talk by a philosopher on “Ethics in the Age of AI” sparked her senior thesis. She emailed the speaker with questions and received a thoughtful reply. She later applied for a student internship with the organization and now helps transcribe oral histories from rural communities.

Example 5: A Librarian in Lafayette

Librarian Jamal noticed that attendance at his library’s book club was declining. He reached out to Indiana Humanities and received a “Reading Together” grant to revamp the program. He partnered with a local church, a university professor, and a high school teacher to co-host monthly discussions on race, faith, and belonging. He used the organization’s discussion guides and promoted the events through local radio. Attendance tripled. “It wasn’t about books,” he says. “It was about creating space for people to be heard.”

FAQs

Do I need to pay to attend Indiana Humanities events?

No, the vast majority of events are free and open to the public. Some special events may request a suggested donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Can I attend if I’m not from Indiana?

Yes. Indiana Humanities welcomes visitors from all states and countries. Many virtual events are accessible internationally. If you’re visiting Indiana, check the calendar for events in your destination city.

Are events suitable for children?

Many events are family-friendly, especially “Humanities in the Park” and youth-focused programs. Check individual event descriptions for age recommendations. Some lectures may be more appropriate for teens and adults.

How do I find events in my county?

Use the “Events” calendar on indianahumanities.org and filter by region or county. You can also use the “Find a Partner” tool to locate organizations near you that host Indiana Humanities programs.

Can I suggest a topic or speaker?

Yes. The organization welcomes suggestions via their contact form on the website. While they cannot accommodate every request, community input helps shape future programming.

Are materials available in Spanish or other languages?

Some resources, including discussion guides and event announcements, are available in Spanish. If you need materials in another language, contact the organization directly—they may be able to arrange translation.

What if I have a disability?

Indiana Humanities is committed to accessibility. All events include information about accommodations. Contact them in advance to request ASL interpreters, large-print materials, wheelchair access, or captioning.

Can I volunteer with Indiana Humanities?

Yes. Volunteers help with event setup, social media, transcription, and outreach. Visit the “Get Involved” section of the website to apply.

Do they offer professional development for teachers?

Yes. The “Humanities in the Classroom” program provides workshops, grants, and curriculum resources for educators at all levels. Many are eligible for continuing education credits.

How is Indiana Humanities funded?

The organization receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. It does not receive direct state funding for operations.

Conclusion

Visiting the Indiana Humanities is not about checking a box on a tourist itinerary. It is about stepping into a living, breathing conversation—one that has been unfolding in libraries, schools, parks, and living rooms across the state for decades. It is about listening to a poet from Gary, debating ethics with a retired professor in Muncie, or reading a letter written by a soldier during the Civil War in a quiet corner of a rural library.

This guide has walked you through the practical steps to engage with the Indiana Humanities—whether you’re planning a trip to Indianapolis, attending a virtual lecture from your kitchen, or applying for a grant to bring a story to your neighborhood. But the real journey begins when you show up—not as a spectator, but as a participant.

The humanities remind us that we are not alone in our questions. They connect us to the past, ground us in the present, and inspire us to imagine a better future. The Indiana Humanities doesn’t just offer events; it offers belonging. It offers space—for reflection, for disagreement, for wonder.

So go. Attend the next event. Read the next essay. Ask the next question. Share your voice. Because the conversation doesn’t wait. And Indiana is listening.