Virginia Humanities

10/09/2026

We're pleased to announce $226,858 in grants awarded to 30 community nonprofits that help connect Virginia's past to the present. Join us in congratulating our latest grantees!

Meet the grantees: https://loom.ly/9Sk8fnU

Pictured: Wallace Gusler (left) will be featured in an exhibition and public forum by the Historical Society of Western Virginia. Photo taken during Gusler's Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship in 2013 by Pat Jarrett.

10/08/2026

There's just one week to go and we only have about 40 tickets left to the 2026 Commonwealth Awards and Lecture in the Humanities.

The evening will start with an awards ceremony recognizing Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, and the Fluvanna Historical Society for their exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia.

Then Carly Fiorina, National Honorary Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg will deliver the 2026 Lecture in the Humanities.

It all takes place Thursday 10/15 in Richmond at the Dominion Energy Center. Tickets are just $13.60 and we only have about 40 tickets remaining. Get yours here: https://loom.ly/xUe7Viw

10/05/2026

Get ready to dance! 💃 This weekend at the Richmond Folk Festival, our Program presents “Dance Revolution,” celebrating the people, traditions, and connections that keep us moving.

Join us for joyful movement and performances from community dance groups from across Virginia as we explore what dance can teach us about who we are and how we come together.

🔗 Learn more: https://loom.ly/HulYnGA

10/03/2026

"VA250 has three goals. One is to educate, to educate Americans by telling the whole story, the complete story, with all it's contradictions."

Earlier this year, in a special panel held at George Mason University, four leaders including Carly Fiorina explored the complex legacy of George Mason, Virginia, and the founding of our country.

📹 Watch: https://loom.ly/7KGMDlE

Hear more from Carly Fiorina at the 2026 Commonwealth Awards and Lecture in the Humanities on Oct. 15 in Richmond Virginia. Prior to the lecture, we will present the second annual Commonwealth Humanities Awards to individuals and organizations who have championed the humanities through service, leadership, and philanthropy.

This year's awards will honor:
Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe
Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
Fluvanna Historical Society

🎟️Tickets and Info: https://loom.ly/xUe7Viw

Don’t miss a video from George Mason University, subscribe now: htt...

10/02/2026

October is National Arts and Humanities Month! is our nation's largest celebration of arts and the humanities. And we think it's a perfect time to share the impact of our work over the last year with you.

Our annual impact report is out. You can view it online at https://loom.ly/-ZZDvt0 or download a PDF at https://loom.ly/r1aGMEs

Look for stories about our impact here throughout the month. And please consider making a gift in honor of National Arts and Humanities Month: https://loom.ly/CqJpMbA

10/01/2026

"Literally, there would not be a United States of America without Virginia."

Earlier this year, in a special panel held at George Mason University, four leaders including Carly Fiorina explored the complex legacy of George Mason, Virginia, and the founding of our country.

📹 Watch: https://loom.ly/Zo5jM6M

Hear more from Carly Fiorina at the 2026 Commonwealth Awards and Lecture in the Humanities on Oct. 15 in Richmond Virginia. Prior to the lecture, we will present the second annual Commonwealth Humanities Awards to individuals and organizations who have championed the humanities through service, leadership, and philanthropy.

This year's awards will honor:
Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe
Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
Fluvanna Historical Society

🎟️Tickets and Info: https://loom.ly/xUe7Viw

Don’t miss a video from George Mason University, subscribe now: htt...

09/29/2026

Encyclopedia Virginia's fundraiser is almost over, and we are so grateful for everyone's support! We would love one last push of donations to help us meet our goal. Thank you for making a difference!

Make your gift today: https://loom.ly/f8MU8Y4

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Last chance to sign up for tomorrow’s EntryPoint!

Don’t know the difference between a “promenade” and a “do-si-do”? Or do you know exactly what to do when the caller tells you to “wheel and deal”? Whatever your background with square dancing, check out Encyclopedia Virginia’s next EntryPoint: “Swing Your Partner! The History of Square Dancing in Virginia.”

Registration is free for this virtual lunchtime webinar. Join EV Editor Patti Miller, traditional dance historian Phil Jamison, and McEver Dugan of RVA Square Dance from noon to 1 p.m. on September 30 to learn about the history of square dancing in Virginia.

Register here: https://loom.ly/AzVhy9k

09/28/2026

The latest installment in our new video podcast In Common is out! Fonseca Holman and Gloria Johnson from Positive Force Line Steppaz in Buckingham County join us to talk about soul line dancing–which is so much more than the electric slide!

Watch: https://loom.ly/ZhAC8Ik

See Positive Force Line Steppaz in person at the on Oct. 10-11!!

This episode is part of Dance Revolution, a limited series featuring dance groups from across Virginia. Dance Revolution asks if moving together, with joy, might be exactly the revolution we need now.