Humanities to Go (HTG) is our statewide speakers’ bureau that helps nonprofit organizations and community groups offer high-quality cultural programming to the public at minimal cost to the host. Every year, New Hampshire Humanities sponsors hundreds of  HTG programs that are free and open to the public.  

Humanities to Go presenters coordinate directly with host organizations to schedule their presentations. Presenters receive a $300 honorarium (plus additional, optional, $125 fee for living history presenters only) in addition to round trip mileage for each program.  

• We are proud to partner with many highly-qualified presenters with diverse backgrounds and expertise. HTG presenters typically hold an advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in one of the humanities disciplines; however, NHH respects a variety of training and experience. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences with demonstrated expertise in their proposed subject matter. 
• We strongly prefer applicants who have public speaking or teaching experience. 
• Presenters must be willing to travel statewide to present programs, within limits. We offer accessibility accommodations for both hosts and presenters such as virtual programs and preference in travel locations, times, and seasons. If you require different accommodations, please get in touch so that we may work together to find a solution.

Content 

• HTG programs must be firmly based in the humanities: 

• • “The humanities” refer to a group of academic fields and disciplines, including history, literature, philosophy, ethics, archeology, anthropology, art history, linguistics, geography, classics, and legal, gender, ethnic/race, cultural, or religious studies. Practitioners employ interpretive and analytical methodologies to explore a particular question. The public humanities bring the insights, methods, and knowledge of the humanities disciplines to bear in publicly-available programs that help us question and learn about the world around us.   

• • We expect programs to not simply cover content (for example information about the past or types of ethical dilemmas) but also methodology (how do we know the accuracy of information about the past, or what ethical frameworks help us make sense of ethical dilemmas). 

• NHH prefers to accept new proposals that explore topics different from what we currently offer – please browse our catalog to learn more about our current offerings. If you propose a program on a topic already covered, please be very specific how your approach, content, or format will be different from the existing topic. 

• Limit 2 submissions per person.  

Format 

• Our programs take many different formats – lectures, topical discussions, living history presentations, demonstrations, walk and talks, and others.  We ask presenters to choose a format, or suggest one not listed here, that best suits their skills and the content, while encouraging curiosity and audience engagement.  
• As our catalog already contains a high number of living history presentations, NHH is unlikely to select these in this year’s process, though we will consider them. 

Theme 

NHH will prioritize proposals that relate to the topics below. However, we will accept and review proposals on any humanities topic. 

• America’s 250th:  The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is in 2026.  Topics might include the Declaration itself, the context of the American Revolution, struggles to achieve the ideals of the Declaration over 250 years, or questions about freedom, democracy, galvanizing a community, or why we celebrate, commemorate and remember certain things.  Other connections welcomed and considered. 

• The Promises and Perils of Innovation:  In conjunction with New Hampshire’s hosting of a Smithsonian Museum exhibit in 2026-2027 called Spark! Innovation in Rural America, we are calling for proposals on the topic of innovation broadly.  This could be technological, social, artistic, or cultural innovation.  Proposals on bioethics and artificial intelligence are particularly welcome, but as with all proposals, must be deeply grounded in the humanities. 

Timeline 

• May 21 – Deadline for submissions. 

• August 5 – Applicants will be notified of their proposal status. 

• August 15 – Final paperwork due for accepted proposals. 

• September 1 – New programs are ready to start scheduling with hosts for November 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.  

Evaluation  

The information you provide will be reviewed by NHH staff as well as a small number of selected content experts and members of the public. They will evaluate the proposed presentation and make a recommendation regarding its addition to the HTG catalogue.     

Reviewers will consider the following criteria when evaluating the proposed presentation: 

• The degree to which the program draws on at least one humanities discipline and uses concepts and methods from the humanities.  

• The degree to which the presentation has a clear focus and organization that will allow the audience to learn about the topic in a structured way.  

• The degree to which the presentation is grounded in substantive research and draws upon current, respected scholarship.  

• The degree to which the presenter articulates clear learning goals for the program and has structured the program in such a way to achieve these learning goals.  

• The degree to which the presenter is qualified to speak on the proposed topic and can provide an informative and engaging presentation that is appropriate for a general audience.  

• The degree to which the program’s subject will, in the opinion of the reviewer, interest and engage HTG audiences.  

• The degree to which the program would expand the current HTG catalog by drawing on a field, covering a topic, or using a presentation style that is not already represented and grow the reach or appeal of HTG to a broader audience. 

• Proposals on topics related to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (America’s Semiquincentennial or Sestercentennial) or The Promises and Perils of Innovation will be given priority. 

Required Materials 

Please provide the following to NH Humanities by May 21, 2025. 

• A completed application for each proposed program. (Limit is two proposed programs.)  

• A copy of your CV or resume.

• A photo for publicity purposes should your proposal be accepted.  
• A current headshot to accompany your bio should your proposal be accepted.

• A 5–7-minute sample video recording that demonstrates your presentation style. We encourage samples of the proposed presentation, including recordings from a live or simulated program with audience, but this is not required. You could also submit a selection from a previously recorded presentation (Zoom or another taping) that would best highlight your abilities as an HTG presenter. 

Submission Instructions 

• Review the HTG Speaker Expectations document.  

• CLICK HERE TO APPLY
  • Click here to view a SAMPLE application form. (Please note you cannot use the sample application form to apply – you will need to copy and paste your information into the actual application form – see Click here to Apply)

• Review and submit your application with attachments by May 21, 2025. If you are submitting more than one new presentation, you must complete this form for every program you propose.  

If you have any questions, please contact New Hampshire Humanities at programs@nhhumanities.org.