Minnesota Humanities Center

Sparking positive change,
creating a more unified society

Join us in unleashing the power of the humanities.

Our Work Fostering Curiosity, Connection, and Compassion

Programming

We curate and co-create thought-provoking conversations, traveling exhibits, books and films, and other offerings that examine our society, institutions, cultures, and what it means to be human.

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Grantmaking

We grant funds to individuals, nonprofits, schools, museums, and organizations across the state who leverage the humanities to deepen connection and understanding in their communities.

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Open Applications

Host Spark! Places of Innovation

Apply by May 31, 2026
Spark! Places of Innovation is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program. The exhibit dives into innovation and invention happening in rural America.

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Host We Are Water MN

Apply by May 31, 2026
We Are Water MN deepens connections between the humanities and water through a network of partnerships, a traveling exhibit, and public events.

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“We should not permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities.”

Booker T. Washington

Join Us in Creating a More Unified Society

Learn more about yourself, our communities, and our society or share your unique vision about the human experience or our world.

Get Involved

Attend an Upcoming Event

Apr
23
St. Paul – We Are Water MN

Stop two on the We Are Water MN 2026 tour brings us to the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, where the exhibit is hosted by Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD). CRWD is a local unit of government dedicated to protecting, managing and improving the water resources of the District, which includes parts of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul.

Apr
23
Minneapolis – Taking Informed Action

K-12 educators will receive 2 clock hours. Examine the final stage of the inquiry arc—taking informed action. This session will explore ways to empower students to apply their learning to real-world issues and civic engagement opportunities.

Apr
23
St. Paul – Reading Without Words: Hidden Stories of Ethiopic Manuscripts

In this illustrated, hands-on workshop, Dr. Jeremy R. Brown brings the world of Ethiopic manuscripts to life, showing how much we can learn simply by looking closely. Images, materials, layout, and decorations tell stories about how these books were used, who made them, and why they mattered.

Apr
23
St. Paul – We Are Water MN Opening Reception at Capitol Region Watershed District

Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) invites you to the We Are Water MN Reception at our Watershed Learning Center. The We Are Water MN exhibit includes personal stories from 15 community members about their connection to water.

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The humanities remind each and every one of us that we are not alone here…When we truly look at what we’re asking and who we are, we can see the beauty that is all around us.

– Dr. Shelly C. Lowe, former Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities

Host Your Event

We help groups convene and connect around their own programming through rental of our full-service event center in St. Paul.

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