Directory of Humanities Professionals
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Michigan Humanities Council (MHC), the state's affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is proud to present our on-line Directory of Humanities Professionals. The Council always seeks qualified professionals and scholars to participate in public humanities programs as discussion leaders, writers, consultants, evaluators, facilitators, lecturers, panelists, planners, presenters, researchers and speakers.

A listing in the Directory of Humanities Professionals is not an endorsement by the MHC, nor is the MHC responsible for the content of any presentations contracted through the use of the Directory.

• How do I use this site?
• Who is already using this site?
• Who is a Humanities Professional?
• What Roles Can Humanities Professionals Play in the Development of Public Humanities Programs?
• What Are the Distinguishing Features of the Directory of Humanities Professionals?
• How do I apply for a Quick Grant to bring a professional to my project?
• How do I apply to be in the directory?
• Am I already in the Directory of Humanities Professionals or Scholars?

How do I use this site?

If you are looking for a humanities expert for a cultural project or program, this is the place! Just link to the search page to find a variety of categories to match the individual humanities professional to the topic of interest: search by last name, region, county, area of expertise/specialization, or academic affiliation. Then, under that specific listing, select the individual professional to review their professional background, their expertise and their interests. You can directly contact the professional to discuss your project and to learn more about the particular topic of your inquiry... if you need help to match humanities resources with local needs, consider applying for a Quick Grant which can provide up to $750 towards bringing the professional to your project.

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Who is already using this site?

Michigan citizens, educators, college professors, public organizations, non-profit groups, cities, municipalities, and many other organizations.

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Who is a Humanities Professional?
Michigan Humanities Council guidelines define a qualified humanities professional as someone who has at least a master's degree or equivalent in a humanities-related discipline (history, literature, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, comparative religion, etc.). Although professionals are often affiliated with colleges and universities, it is not a requirement. In addition, persons who employ interdisciplinary approaches involving the humanities, such as librarians, museum curators and archivists may also be considered humanities professionals. Further, the definition may also include persons who may not be professionals with degrees but who nevertheless possess extensive backgrounds in the humanities, such as traditional culture practitioners. Contact the Council for clarification at 517/372-7770 or by e-mail.

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What Roles Can Humanities Professionals Play in the Development of Public Humanities Programs?
The Directory of Humanities Professionals serves organizations across Michigan in planning and implementing a public cultural project. Humanities professionals are used for consulting, planning or evaluating funded humanities projects. Discussion leaders, facilitators, lecturers, panelists, presenters and researchers are among roles scholars and professionals play in the development of public humanities programs and projects. Some humanities program formats include but are not limited to: civic discussions, community outreach programs, curriculum development projects, exhibit and video projects, presentations and projects for life-long learning. Qualified professionals may be interested in working with the Council in one or more of the following roles:

Presenter/Panelist: All Council-funded projects must include scholars as presenters, discussion leaders, panelists, etc. Council funds insure that a reasonable honorarium is provided for scholars' participation. Travel costs will also be reimbursed. Evaluator: While staff and Council members regularly attend and evaluate funded programs, outside evaluators are also utilized by the Council. Honoraria are offered humanities professionals who agree to visit projects and provide written evaluations to the Council. Travel costs will also be reimbursed.
Humanities Technology Consultant: The Internet is not just for business and e-commerce. Potential applicant organizations are often interested in developing on-line humanities resources. On-line humanities projects involve but are not limited to: curriculum development and presentation, digitized media and interactive educational sites. Humanities scholars and other qualified professionals knowledgeable of the many issues and skills involved in developing on-line humanities and educational projects are in demand.

Review other areas of this web site to see the kinds of humanities projects that might call for the services of humanities scholars.

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What Are the Distinguishing Features of the Directory of Humanities Professionals?
Michigan Humanities Council's Directory of Humanities Professionals is a free, on-line database of humanities professionals and qualified professionals available to project directors and program coordinators to assist in developing public humanities programs. The Directory of Humanities Professionals does not include artists or performers (dancers, painters etc.) except in cases where they choose to serve as humanities professionals and/or scholars interested in critical approaches to arts, culture and the humanities in general (i.e. art or dance history/criticism, etc.) Funding is available to cover the costs and honorarium of qualified humanities professionals for Michigan Humanities Council-funded projects or other humanities projects in Michigan.

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How do I apply for a Quick Grant to bring a professional to my project?The Quick Grants program provides up to $750 to Michigan-based, non-profit organizations for public humanities programs and services that fall outside the design and deadline schedules of the Council's and networking grants program. Link here to apply for a Quick Grant.

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How do I Apply to be in the Directory?
The Council seeks the broadest inclusion possible of qualified humanities professionals across Michigan and is particularly interested in greater representation of ethnic and women scholars. Become an active participant in our Directory of Humanities Professionals and the Council's efforts to support a variety of public humanities programs across Michigan! To be listed in our Directory of Scholars or for further information, contact Michigan Humanities Council, 119 Pere Marquette Dr., Suite 3B, Lansing MI 48912-1270; call 517/372-7770 or e-mail (shirko [at] mihumanities.org). Or, fill out and submit the application form on-line. Support the humanities! Pass along this information to colleagues who may be interested in participating.

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Am I Already in the Directory of Humanities Professionals or Scholars?
If you are already listed in our Directory of Humanities Professionals or previously in our Directory of Scholars, please update your information and check the listing for any discrepancies. To update information, fill out and re-submit your application.