VIRGINIA HUMANITIES REGIONAL CENTERS

Update: Applications for grants are now open.
Visit WHRO Grants to learn more.

Honoring the vibrant voices and cultures that define Virginia

Virginia Humanities at WHRO is the first of several new regional humanities centers being launched as Virginia Humanities begins celebrating its 50th anniversary later this year.

This new partnership will amplify stories from across Hampton Roads, illustrate the ways the humanities bring communities together, and foster dialogue and understanding.

This new regional center will augment Virginia Humanities local grantmaking by providing $60,000 in grants to support local humanities programs Eastern Virginia residents care about most.

The 50th anniversary will be celebrated throughout Virginia, starting here with WHRO.

WHAT ARE THE HUMANITIES?

The humanities explore what it means to be human—how people have shaped the world through actions, beliefs, and creativity over time. Bringing the humanities into a regional focus creates stronger local connections and understanding of place and people. When people see themselves and others in the history, literature, and experience of a place, they make connections, find meaning, and ultimately strengthen our human community.

Virginia Humanities at WHRO is now accepting Request for Proposals for grants that will be awarded in July 2025. Apply at WHRO Grants.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Amy Houck
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
757.889.9491

The gallery below is a sample of stories from Virginia Humanities.
Learn more at virginiahumanities.org.

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Veronica Jackson looks over a finished banner from her letterpress project, titled A Permanent Record. The project commemorates the attendees of Pine Grove Elementary School. Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities.

Pat Jarrett

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Three generations of Hendersons—Wayne, right; Jayne, left; and her daughter Matilda—prepare to perform at the 3rd Annual Legends of Grayson Old-Time Weekend in April 2024. Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities.

Pat Jarrett

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Chief Lynette Allston of the Nottoway Tribe holds a wampum belt made by Assistant Chief Archie Elliott. The wampum belt tells a story in simple pictures, while also acting as a type of currency and a timekeeper for travelers. Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities.

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Sushmita Mazumdar is a multidisciplinary artist and writer whose work is inspired by her immigration story from India and is informed by the community where she lives in Arlington. Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities.

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Fred Motley (right) and his apprentice Karen Williamson share a love for collecting stories from people in their community and preserving them for posterity. Photo by Pat Jarrett/Virginia Humanities.