Directory of Humanities Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
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 browse to find a variety of categories to match the individual humanities professional to your topic of interest. You can directly contact the professional to discuss your project. If you need help to match humanities resources with local needs, consider applying for a Quick Grant which can provide up to $500 towards bringing the professional to your project.
Who is already using this site?
Michigan citizens, educators, college professors, public organizations, non-profit groups, cities, municipalities, and many other organizations.
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. Persons who use interdisciplinary approaches involving the humanities, such as librarians, museum curators, and archivists may also be considered humanities professionals. The definition may also include people who may not be professionals with degrees but who nevertheless possess extensive backgrounds in the humanities, such as traditional culture practitioners.
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:
- Consultant or Planner
- Presenter or Panelist
- Evaluator of Council-funded programs
- Humanities Technology Consultant
What Are the Distinguishing Features of the Directory of Humanities Professionals?
The 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. This directory does not include artists or performers (dancers, painters, etc.) except in cases where they choose to serve as scholars interested in critical approaches to arts, culture, and the humanities in general (e.g. art or dance history/criticism, etc.).
How do I apply for a Quick Grant to bring a professional to my project?
The Quick Grant program provides up to $500 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.
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, fill out and submit the application form on-line.
Am I already in the Directory
of Humanities Professionals?
If you are already listed in our Directory of Humanities Professionals, please update your information and check the listing for any discrepancies. To update information, call the Council at (517) 372-7770.
