Application

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, Kentucky Humanities has developed Our American Story: Kentucky's Voices, an interactive program that celebrates Kentucky's unique voices. Based around four themes— Remembering Together, Growing Together, Harmonizing Together, and Moving Together— these selected Kentucky Chautauqua® and Speakers Bureau presentations will highlight the unique role Kentucky has played in America's history, and facilitate community conversations about who we are and where we're going.

These discounted presentations, hosted by partners in your community, will bring history to life and ask the question, “What does 250 mean in your community?” As a companion to receiving one Kentucky Chautauqua, one Speakers Bureau, and a thematic discussion guide, host sites will be tasked with collecting 3-5 interviews or audio/visual snippets from members of your community to be deposited in the Smithsonian Institution Archives and/or the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections.

How to Apply:

Step 1 – Review Themes & Programs

Before applying, review the available themes and corresponding programs under the Resources tab. Choose one theme and tentatively select one Kentucky Chautauqua and one Speakers Bureau presentation from the list of presenters available for that theme.

Example:

Theme: Remembering Together

Speakers Bureau: Quilt Art: Examining the Narrative in Kentucky Quilts, presented by Dr. Pearlie Johnson

Kentucky Chautauqua: Colonel Charles Young: Bridge Builder, presented by Mike Jones

*Please do not contact presenters until you have received an award letter from Kentucky Humanities*

Step 2 – Find Partners

Speak with potential community partners such as your local library, museum, historical society, book club, Rotary, or other civic groups about hosting and supporting your selected programs. Consider ways to connect these programs with existing community events or America 250 celebrations. The more partners involved, the stronger your application will be.

Step 3 – Complete the Application

Complete the online application below. Be sure you have selected your theme and presentations before beginning. Programs are limited and will be awarded by a selection panel based on proposal strength and geographic distribution.

Selected applicants will receive:

• one of the selected Speakers Bureau talks and one of the selected Kentucky Chautauqua dramas
• a discussion guide based on your chosen theme

Participating sites will be expected to:

• Book one (1) Kentucky Chautauqua® performance and one (1) Speakers Bureau presentation for your community. Presentations may be hosted by you or by community partners. Host sites are responsible for presenter lodging, if required.
• Facilitate a community conversation using the provided discussion guide
• Promote events using the provided template materials
• Collect three (3) to five (5) interviews or short audio/video clips with local community members based on questions in the selected discussion guide
• Complete reporting requirements for the Kentucky Chautauqua, Speakers Bureau, and Our American Story: Kentucky’s Voices programs
• Pay a $150 host site fee (fee covers both presentations).

Program Eligibility

• Applications open on February 16, 2026
• Programs should be completed by August 31, 2026
• Programs are awarded on a rolling basis, with consideration given to application strength, community partnerships, and geographic distribution
• For-profit organizations, individuals, and political or advocacy organizations are NOT eligible to apply

 Questions can be directed to Derek Beaven at derek.beaven@uky.edu or (859) 257-5932.