Georgia Humanities is pleased to share a season of exciting milestones—from new organizational leadership to student scholars heading to the national stage, a celebrated Smithsonian traveling exhibition, and the launch of a statewide speakers bureau connecting communities across the state.

Georgia Humanities Names New Interim President

Georgia Humanities Board of Directors congratulates Jen Welborn on her appointment as Interim President. Welborn steps into the role at an important moment for the organization, bringing leadership and vision as Georgia Humanities continues to advance its mission of connecting Georgians with the humanities. We are grateful for her willingness to serve and confident in her ability to guide the organization forward.

494 Students Compete at National History Day Georgia State Contest

On April 18, LaGrange College welcomed an extraordinary gathering of young historians for the National History Day (NHD) Georgia state contest. A total of 494 students, 96 teachers, and 93 volunteer judges came together to celebrate months of dedicated research, writing, and refinement. By the end of the day, 73 students had earned spots to represent Georgia at the national contest in College Park, Maryland.

Several educators were also honored for their exceptional contributions. Dr. Katie Baker-Johnson of Clarke County and Dr. Yi’Sheika Lawrence of Baldwin County were named NHD Georgia Teachers of the Year for the junior and senior divisions, respectively. The NHD Classroom Award—which funds NHD program needs directly in the classroom—was presented to Ms. Bonnie Garvin (Jasper County), Ms. April Allen (Muscogee County), and Ms. Kadesha Gordon-Simms (Bibb County).

Georgia Humanities congratulates all members of Team Georgia heading to nationals, and every student who made the journey to LaGrange this spring.

Smithsonian’s ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America’ Exhibit Tours Georgia

The Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibit launched its Georgia tour last month in Putnam County to a full house and rich community conversation. A distinguished panel—including Governor Nathan Deal, Representative Calvin Smyre, and Georgia College & State University President Cathy Cox—sparked exactly the kind of civic dialogue the exhibition is designed to foster.

Georgia Humanities extends its gratitude to the State of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Georgia General Assembly for enabling the statewide tour. Sponsors include Georgia Systems Operations, Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia EMC, Georgia Magazine, and Hart Telephone Company.

Voices and Votes continues in Eatonton through May 31 before traveling to additional communities throughout the year as part of America’s 250th celebration. Communities are encouraged to watch for a stop near them.

Georgia Circuit Speakers Bureau Launches Statewide

Georgia Humanities has launched the Georgia Circuit, a statewide speakers bureau connecting libraries, museums, schools, and organizations with storytellers, scholars, artists, and civic leaders—at low or no cost. The program’s 16 inaugural speakers are available now for bookings.

Organizations interested in scheduling a program can browse the full speaker list and book at georgiahumanities.org.