In communities across Michigan, humanities-rich programming is making a lasting impact in the hearts and minds of residents and visitors alike. MI Humanities is proud to partner with local community champions to bring you high-quality public programming through community project grants, Museum on Main Street, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: Some events may be canceled or postponed. We work to ensure that our events calendar remains accurate. We strongly urge you to call the event contact for any program you are interested in to confirm that the event is still planned.
In this virtual event, two leading scholars bring to life the dynamic partnership of President James K. Polk and First Lady Sarah Polk—one of the most influential political couples of the 19th century. Amy Greenberg and Matt Costello explore territorial expansion, wartime leadership, and the often overlooked political power wielded by Sarah Polk. A lively […]
In this virtual event, historian Lindsay Chervinsky and author Louisa Thomas explore the extraordinary political and personal partnership of John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams. This program highlights their role in shaping early American diplomacy, political identity, and the evolving expectations of public service. Together, the speakers illuminate a marriage that was both deeply […]
In this virtual event, historian Alexis Coe offers a fresh, lively, and deeply researched look at John F. Kennedy. Moving beyond the familiar “Camelot” narrative, she explores how JFK constructed his public identity, how his presidency reshaped American culture, and why his story continues to captivate generations. A smart, engaging program for anyone interested in […]
In this virtual event, beloved civic educator Sharon McMahon examines the short but symbolically powerful presidency of William Henry Harrison. Through engaging stories and myth-busting insights, she explores how Harrison’s campaign transformed political messaging and how presidential narratives—true or not—shape public memory. An ideal program for audiences who enjoy accessible, energetic history. This virtual event […]
In this virtual event, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Jack Rakove examines the intellectual world of James Madison and the forces that shaped the U.S. Constitution. Through clear, accessible storytelling, Rakove reveals how Madison’s ideas on representation, factions, and federalism continue to guide (and challenge) American civic life today. A foundational exploration perfect for audiences seeking deeper […]
The Menominee Range Historical Museum will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from September 12–October 24, 2026. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country […]
Join Great Michigan Read author, Curtis Chin, on July 29 at 6 p.m. for a conversation and book signing at the Southfield Public Library. Additional details are available on Southfield Public Library's website and Facebook event. This partner event is made possible in part by a Great Michigan Read Action Grant.
Join Great Michigan Read author, Curtis Chin, on July 28 at 7 p.m. for a conversation and book signing at the Caroline Kennedy Library in Dearborn Heights. Additional details are available on Dearborn Heights' website and Facebook page. This partner event is made possible in part by a Great Michigan Read Action Grant.
Great Michigan Read author Curtis Chin will visit Mon Jin Lau in Troy from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 27 for a conversation and book signing. This free event includes a meal from Mon Jin Lau and a copy of "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant." Space is limited and we […]
Join Great Michigan Read partners Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee on Saturday, July 25, for their second annual Detroit Chinatown Block Party. This free and family-friendly event will feature a dynamic lineup of DJs, cultural performances, and interactive activities designed to educate and engage attendees about the legacy and future of Detroit’s Chinatown. Haven't had a […]
The Dennos Museum Center will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from June 19–September 6, 2026. An opening reception for the exhibit will be hosted at the Dennos on July 2 at 7 p.m. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights […]
Join the LGBTQ+ History Association for a Pride Month event featuring three writers whose work explores Detroit’s queer histories. Curtis Chin will read from his memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Mix Mann will present their research on the life of the Detroit-based Black lesbian activist Ruth Ellis, and Tim Retzloff […]
Join co-hosts Ogemaw District Library and West Branch District Library on May 15 at 7 p.m., at the China Inn Restaurant for a free event featuring a conversation with Curtis Chin, author of the current Great Michigan Read, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Following a conversation with Curtis, books will be […]
Join the St. Ignace Public Library on May 14 at 6 p.m. for a free partner event featuring a conversation with Curtis Chin, author of the current Great Michigan Read, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. This event is made possible in part by a Great Michigan Read Action Grant from Michigan […]
Join the Peter White Public Library on May 13 at 5:30 p.m. for Let’s Dish: Sharing Culture, Stories & Connection, a free event featuring a conversation with Curtis Chin, author of the current Great Michigan Read, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an opening […]
Join the Bayliss Public Library on May 12 at 6 p.m. for a free event featuring a conversation with Curtis Chin, author of the current Great Michigan Read, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Following a conversation with Curtis, books will be available for sale and signing. The 2025–26 Great Michigan Read […]
Join the Charlevoix Public Library on May 11 at 6 p.m. for a free event featuring a conversation with Curtis Chin, author of the current Great Michigan Read, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Following a conversation with Curtis, books will be available for sale and signing. The 2025–26 Great Michigan Read […]
Chin will be joined in conversation by University of Michigan Professors Nadine Hubbs and William A. Calvo-Quirós exploring themes of immigration, identity, community and the experience of growing up queer in 1980’s American and outside its borders. Together, they will reflect on how a place of upbringing becomes the setting for an unlikely origin story: […]