Honoring exemplary contributions
to the public humanities
Do you know someone who is doing exceptional humanities work in Maine?
Accepting nominations THROUGH December 31, 2023
Every two years, Maine Humanities celebrates how people in Maine have contributed to the public humanities—by going deep within their communities and regions, or by reaching the whole state.
Through Constance H. Carlson Public Humanities Prize (named for the first female president of a public university in Maine) and our Partner and Facilitator Prizes, our honorees foster agency, connection and engagement; emphasize and/or increase diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice; and represent or engage with communities that have traditionally had the least access to humanities resources.
CommitTee
Constance H. Carlson Prize
Maine Humanities Council awards the Constance H. Carlson Prize to a Maine resident who has connected and empowered people in Maine through the public humanities.
Public humanities use a wide variety of catalysts—books, movies, art, performances, exhibits—to prompt discussion on how people have lived or might live—and how things are or could be.
Facilitator Prize
Maine Humanities awards a Facilitator Prize to someone who brings extraordinary depth and expertise to their facilitation with our Discussion Project groups and others, engaging and supporting people in a range of Maine’s communities.
The award recipient is selected by the Maine Humanities program team, in alignment with our Program Criteria, Equity Statement, and Strategic Plan.
Program Partner Prize
Maine Humanities awards a Program Partner Prize to an organization who brings extraordinary energy and curiosity to the humanities programs and projects they create with us, and a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the people in their communities.
The award recipient is selected by the Maine Humanities program team, in alignment with our Program Criteria, Equity Statement, and Strategic Plan.
PUBLIC HUMANITIES Prize
Awarded to a Maine resident who has connected and empowered people in Maine through the public humanities.
Recipients are selected by the Constance H. Carlson Public Humanities Prize Selection Committee, which is made up of people with strong ties to the public humanities in Maine. Recipients are selected in alignment with Maine Humanities’ Prize Criteria, Equity Statement, and Strategic Plan.

2022 Prize-winners
Joseph Jackson
For his theater programming for kids at Long Creek, his efforts using poetry and other forms of the humanities to reform the justice system, and his role as advisor in the Freedom & Captivity initiative.

Carol Dana
For her lifelong work to bring back, preserve, and teach the Penobscot language, and her work preserving and sharing Penobscot storytelling.
Facilitator
Prize
Awarded to someone who brings extraordinary depth and expertise to their facilitation with our Discussion Projects and others, engaging and supporting people in a range of Maine’s communities.

2022 Prize-Winner
Wendy Allen
For exemplifying what it means to be a MHC facilitator. We celebrate Wendy’s leadership, mentorship of others, and her incredible work leading and guiding discussions.
Recipients are selected by the Maine Humanities program team, in alignment with the Maine Humanities’ Program Criteria, Equity Statement, and Strategic Plan.
Program Partner
PrizE
Awarded to an organization who brings extraordinary energy and curiosity to the humanities programs and projects they create with us, and a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the people in their communities.

2022 Prize-winner
Literacy Volunteers of Franklin & Somerset County
For their innovation, creativity, and curiosity in our mutual work. We value how LVFSC has grown with us over the years, how they’ve engaged with their communities and adjusted program design accordingly, and how they’ve fulfilled the MHC priorities of engaging with and bringing resources to people under-resourced in the humanities.
Recipients are selected by the Maine Humanities program team, in alignment with our Program Criteria, Equity Statement, and Strategic Plan.
past constance h. carlson prize Winners
Related News
Accepting Nominations for Public Humanities Prize
Read more »