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Explore the Mass Humanities funded projects awarded from 2000 to the present. Browse by grant type, city, region or keyword. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive news when grants are awarded.
Historic Newton Underground Railroad Exhibition: Anthony Burns Audio StationHistoric Newtonmore
An interactive exhibit on the conflicts and rioting around the 1854 capture, trial, and extradition of the enslaved Anthony Burns, as part of the reinstallation of its Underground Railroad exhibit.
Newton, MA, Middlesex County (Metrowest Boston)
project director: Melissa Westlake
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $9,964
Social Media for "Never Stand Still"Jacob's Pillow Dance Festivalmore
Organization of a social media campaign in support of its new documentary on the legendary history of the organization and its influence in the world of dance.
Becket, MA, Berkshire County (Berkshire)
project director: Lisa Niedermeyer
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
First Down: The Early History of American College FootballCenter For Independent Documentarymore
Production of a film trailer for "First Down: The History of American College Football", which will become a four-part series on the subject of college football that also provokes debate on the controversies of sport, race, and masculinity.
Walpole, MA, Norfolk County (Southeast)
project director: Ron Lamothe
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
We Shall Not Be MovedCity Life / Vida Urbanamore
Support for the installation of We Shall Not Be Moved, a traveling exhibit that profiles the people and communities embroiled in the current housing and foreclosure crises, and examines the humanistic questions these crises raise.
Jamaica Plain, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Kelly Creedon
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
The High Notes of Roxbury's Jazz HIstory: An Oral History ProjectDiscover Roxburymore
An oral history project on jazz in Roxbury and its role in developing several key ideas and tactics that influenced the Civil Rights Movement. This compelling history will be delivered via trolley tours.
Roxbury, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Derek Lumpkins
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
All Access Boston Harbor - Treasures of Spectacle.Save the Harbor/Save the Baymore
Support for an educational program that teaches the archaeological interpretation of beachcombing, specifically when canvassing for treasures on Spectacle Island, the site of a former garbage dump for the city of Boston and now a park and recreation area.
Boston, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Bruce Berman
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
Paul Cuffe: A Man for All TimesNew Bedford Whaling Museummore
Support for "Cuffe's Kitchen," an interactive audio exhibit on the life and work of Paul Cuffe, an 18th century whaler of Wampanoag and African-American descent who started the West India Trading Company. Cuffe, who became one of the wealthiest men in the emerging nation, used his power and influence to fight against slavery and for civil rights.
New Bedford, MA, Bristol County (Southeast)
project director: Greg Galer
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
Mother of All Strikes: Bread and Roses Strike of 1912Lawrence History Center / Immigrant City Archivesmore
An interactive, multimedia exhibit on the famous Bread and Roses Strike of 1912. The exhibit will not only analyze the strike but also its longstanding implications in terms of workers' rights, unemployment, unions, and the state of Lawrence today.
Lawrence, MA, Essex County (Northeast)
project director: Barbara Brown
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $10,000
City of Champions: A Portrait of BrocktonStonehill Collegemore
A sociological collaboration between students and townspeople that will result in an exhibit of banner-sized portraits of Brockton residents hung in the city center. A written guide authored by local students will accompany the installation.
North Easton, MA, Bristol County (Southeast)
project director: Mary Beth Meehan
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $7,500
Events in Celebration of 20th Anniversary of Chinese Historical Society of New EnglandChinese Historical Society of New Englandmore
a series of lectures and discussions on Chinese-American history and its influences in the region. The series will be supplemented with exhibits of unusual artifacts from the Society's impressive archive.
Boston, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Nancy Eng
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $5,000
Theatrical Events for Cambridgeport History DayCambridge Historical Societymore
Development of vignette performances for this year's Cambridgeport History Day celebration on such key themes as immigration, race and ethnic identity, and urban development.
Cambridge, MA, Middlesex County (Greater Boston)
project director: Catherine Zusy
awarded on: 2011-06-11
amount: $5,000
Polish Immigration in HatfieldHatfield Historical Societymore
Inventory of documents relating to Polish immigration to Hatfield in the first half of the 20th century.
Hatfield, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: George H. Ashley
awarded on: 2011-06-01
amount: $1,500
The Antislavery Movement in Antebellum Cummington, MassachusettsCummington Historical Commissionmore
Research in preparation for a 2012 exhibit on the antislavery movement in Cummington.
Cummington, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Carla Ness
awarded on: 2011-06-01
amount: $1,500
The Cocoanut Grove Fire Materials Research ProjectThe Boston Fire Historical Societymore
Inventory of the collections of Charles Kenney and Jack Deady regarding the Cocoanut Grove Fire.
Somerville, MA, Middlesex County (Greater Boston)
project director: Ted Gerber
awarded on: 2011-06-01
amount: $1,500
Abolition and "Underground Railroad" in Northampton Center in the Collection of Historic NorthamptonHistoric Northamptonmore
Research on a collection regarding the "New Organization" Liberty and Free Soil abolitionists who were active in Northampton Center, with the goal of placing abolition and the "underground railroad" in their proper context for programming.
Northampton, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Steve Strimer
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $3,000
Pathways to the Past: Primary Sources for Primary GradesNorth Andover Historical Societymore
Identification of themes that come out of the Society's holdings and North Andover history that match the Massachusetts Frameworks curriculum; those materials will then be made accessible to teachers for use in classrooms.
North Andover, MA, Essex County (Northeast)
project director: Inga C. Larson
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $3,000
Transforming Norwood: Architect William G. Upham's Contribution to Early 20th Century Norwood HistoryNorwood Historical Societymore
Research on the architectural style and historical significance of municipal and commercial buildings in Norwood that were designed by architect William G. Upham between 1910 and 1930, in order to interpret their relevance to the town's civic identity and the landscape through public programming.
Norwood, MA, Norfolk County (Metrowest Boston)
project director: Patricia Fanning
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $2,952
The Greatest Anxiety: South Danvers on the Brink of WarPeabody Institute Librarymore
Public programming for an exhibit on Civil War archival materials, specifically those related to the deployment of local men to the war.
Peabody, MA, Essex County (Northeast)
project director: Nancy Barthelemy
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $2,000
"You Belong to Me"Ashfield Historical Societymore
A multimedia performance based on the exhibit, "World War II Veterans' Voices." The performance will feature monologues from characters at a restaurant who provide personal oral histories of World War II. The performances will take place at the Mohawk Trail Regional High School and the Shelburne Falls Senior Center.
Ashfield, MA, Franklin County (CT Valley)
project director: Jacqueline Cooper
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $1,800
Peace Corps at 50 Radio DocumentaryGood Radio Shows, Inc.more
One-hour documentary on the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, its efforts in international peacemaking and service, and how the organization has changed since the 1960s.
Albuquerque, NM, Bernalillo County
project director: Amy Mayer
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $5,000
One Play, One Community: Romeo & JulietPlimoth Plantation, Incmore
Staging of the project, "One Play, One Community: Romeo and Juliet," which will involve a wide range of constituents in the production of Shakespeare's beloved classic. Multigenerational audiences throughout the community will be engaged via reading and discussion groups, classes, children's programs in local libraries, and a television broadcast.
Plymouth, MA, Plymouth County (Southeast)
project director: Richard Pickering
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $9,251
Sanford Tavern Archaeological Excavation and Education ProjectSons and Daughters of Hawley, Inc.more
Archeological dig for high school students at Sanford Tavern in Hawley. The project will uncover craft and cooking habits, as well as explore aspects of tavern life, in the early 19th century.
Hawley, MA, Franklin County (CT Valley)
project director: John F. Sears
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $5,000
The Crisis of Race from the History and Legacy of Slavery in New EnglandThe Tracing Center on Histories and Legacies of Slaverymore
Teacher development workshops in Medford and Deerfield based on the film "Traces of the Trade", which chronicles the history of the slave trade in New England.
Watertown, MA, Middlesex County (Greater Boston)
project director: Kristin Gallas
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $10,000
BEYOND BELIEF Educational OutreachFilmmakers Collaborativemore
Creation, testing, and distribution of a curriculum for "Beyond Belief", a film that explores the aftermath of 9/11 through the eyes of American women whose spouses died in the tragedy as they travel to Afghanistan.
Melrose, MA, Middlesex County (Northeast)
project director: Beth Murphy
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $10,000
5CLIR Civil War Symposium - Civil War Causes and ConsequencesFive Colleges, Incmore
Two-day public symposium on Civil War history. The conference features many of the most notable names in Civil War scholarship and offers compelling workshops for attendees.
Amherst, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Charles K. Gillies
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $10,000
Having the Life of Our Times: Reflecting on an Iraqi/American Mural ProjectNorthampton Center for the Artsmore
Community programming around an exhibit of 15 murals created by Iraqi and American children. The programming, which includes a play performance, film screening, panel discussions, and a dance performance, addresses such topics as the effects of violence on children and marginalized voices.
Northampton, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Claudia Lefko
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $9,910
The Charlemont Forum: The Use and Misuse of Religion in American Political LifeCharlemont Federated Churchmore
A three-part series on the use and misuse of religion in American political life as part of its annual summer program serving the hill towns of Western Massachusetts.
Charlemont, MA, Franklin County (CT Valley)
project director: Susan S. Purdy
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $6,300
Extreme Sport: Jousting Then and NowHiggins Armory Museum - closed 2013more
An interactive exhibit entitled "Extreme Sport: Jousting Then and Now," which will examine the role jousting had in Medieval times and explore the larger implications of the period's warfare and history. The exhibit features flip-books, virtual activities, and computer learning tools.
Worcester, MA, Worcester County (Central)
project director: Jeffrey L. Forgeng
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $5,000
Stonehurst Permanent Exhibits and Signage ProjectStonehurst, Robert Treat Paine Estatemore
Creation of permanent signage that will educate the public about the historic value and significance of Stonehurst, a late 19th-century house owned by well-known reformers Robert Treat and Lydia Lyman Paine. The house and grounds were designed by H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted, respectively.
Waltham, MA, Middlesex County (Metrowest Boston)
project director: Ann Clifford
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $5,000
Worcester's Blackstone Canal Horse and Wagon ToursCanal District Alliancemore
Expansion of the horse and wagan tours training program and hiring of additional students to become living-history guides and perform public education tours about the area using horse-drawn hay wagons.
Worcester, MA, Worcester County (Central)
project director: Elizabeth Bacon
awarded on: 2011-03-11
amount: $10,000
The Carlos Arredondo ProjectCenter For Independent Documentarymore
Production of a trailer for a film that explores the concept of patriotism, with focus on the story of Carlos Arredondo, a Costa Rican immigrant whose oldest son Alexander died in combat in the war in Iraq.
Walpole, MA, Norfolk County (Southeast)
project director: Janice Rogovin
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $10,000
From Cultural Conflict to Common GroundVeterans Education Projectmore
A series of events designed to raise consciousness on the realities and impact of war, particularly those relating to the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Amherst, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Rob Wilson
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $9,350
The David Walker Memorial ProjectCommunity Change, Incmore
An educational forum directed at the city's youth concerning the life and work of David Walker, a pioneering figure in the abolitionist movement and precursor to Frederick Douglass.
Boston, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Paul Marcus
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $5,000
Left on Pearl: Women Take Over 888 Memorial Drive, Cambridge888 Women's History Project, Inc.more
A social media coordinator will expand awareness of the documentary film "Left on Pearl: Women Take Over 888 Memorial Drive, Cambridge", which explores 1970s feminist activism in Boston.
Cambridge, MA, Middlesex County (Greater Boston)
project director: Susan Rivo
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $10,000
What's the Big Idea?Northampton Arts Councilmore
Development of the pilot segment of a film series for middle school classrooms that will use situations from popular movies to explore issues involving ethics and moral choices.
Northampton, MA, Hampshire County (CT Valley)
project director: Julie Akeret
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $10,000
Mother of All Strikes: Bread and Roses Strike of 1912 Centennial ExhibitLawrence History Center / Immigrant City Archivesmore
Development of a permanent multimedia, multilingual exhibit on the Bread and Roses Strike. The exhibit will be mounted at the Everett Mill, where the historic strike began.
Lawrence, MA, Essex County (Northeast)
project director: Barbara Brown
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $10,000
Tories, Timid or True Blue? Teacher WorkshopOld North Foundationmore
Teacher workshops that train middle and high school educators to use a website that will allow them, and ultimately their students, to work with primary source documents from the Revolutionary War period.
Boston, MA, Suffolk County (Greater Boston)
project director: Elisabeth Nevins
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $4,000
Henry Wilson ExhibitNatick Historical Societymore
Reinvention of the exhibition on the important, but unheralded, abolitionist politician, Henry Wilson. The exhibit will feature new interactive materials and become more accessible to children
Natick, MA, Middlesex County (Metrowest Boston)
project director: Jennifer Hance
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $5,000
Lowell Speaks of Jack: An Audio Tour of the City Through the Life and Works of Jack KerouacUniversity of Massachusetts Lowellmore
Audio archive of 175 interviews concerning acclaimed writer and native son, Jack Kerouac. The project will result in a permanent oral history walking tour in Lowell.
Lowell, MA, Middlesex County (Northeast)
project director: Michael Millner
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $5,000
Nonviolent Movements in The Modern World Professional Development Teacher InstituteCenter for Nonviolent Solutionsmore
Teacher training on the history of nonviolent movements. The program will show how such movements advance the cause of human rights and dignity as well as provide educators with tools to create better learning environments in their classrooms.
Worcester, MA, Worcester County (Central)
project director: Paul S. Ropp
awarded on: 2010-12-10
amount: $10,000