The Massachusetts Storyteller of the Year Award, launched in 2025, honors artists and changemakers who deepen our understanding of Massachusetts, its communities, and the power of the humanities to shape a more just future.
This year, we honor Ken Casey, frontman of the Dropkick Murphys, for a career defined by music, activism, and archival storytelling. From labor rights to Irish American identity, Casey’s lyrics and leadership amplify the voices and struggles of working people. The September 25 event will feature a conversation with Casey about five songs that capture his remarkable career.
In April 2025, Mass Humanities lost 35% of its annual funding due to the abrupt elimination of its National Endowment for the Humanities grant. This decision threatens the future of humanities programs in underserved communities across the state.
Our September 25 benefit will raise essential funds to ensure that local libraries, historical societies, and cultural nonprofits can continue to serve their communities.
Our event with Ken Casey is not just a celebration—it’s a lifeline for the public humanities.
Your sponsorship supports the survival of grassroots storytelling and cultural vibrancy in Massachusetts. Choose the level that aligns with your values and visibility goals:
All sponsors are recognized on the Mass Humanities website and social media, and in displays and announcements during the event.
Contact Diane Feltner, Development Manager
dfeltner@masshumanities.org | 413-203-6239
Lead the movement for storytelling and equity
Champion public access to the humanities
Shine a light on Massachusetts stories
Support voices rooted in place and community
Invest in stories that build understanding
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we can continue our work in making the humanities more accessible to all residents of Massachusetts. If you want to help continue this work, consider becoming a sponsor.
Social hour
Speaking program and awards presentation
Reception with grantee performances
Visionary Storyteller award presentation, keynote speech, and panel discussion
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grantee workshops and tours of New Bedford
5:00 pm
Social hour
6:00 pm
Speaking program and award presentations
7:00 pm
Reception
Our programs invite people across Massachusetts to explore the humanities through thought-provoking courses and events that inspire reflection, discovery and conversation.
Artists for Humanity is an innovative space in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. The venue is the home to a nationally acclaimed youth arts enterprise and a LEED Platinum facility. It’s a perfect place to celebrate creativity, accessibility, and civic storytelling.
We look forward to seeing you in September to honor Ken Casey.
Join us in acknowledging this impressive list of individuals whose work in the humanities continue to inspire us.