MFH Resources

The Massachusetts Humanities Resource Center is a collection of books organized into thematic series, films, and a directory of scholars who give talks and lead discussions on the many topics that these resources explore.

Film List

Book Series List

Scholar Directory

The collection makes a wide variety of thought-provoking, humanities-based programs easily available to nonprofit organizations throughout the state. It includes many award-winning films and video tapes. There is no charge for the use of these resources. Your only cost is return postage. Your group or public institution provides the meeting space and any necessary equipment. (Due to distribution agreements with certain producers, restrictions apply to some titles.)

The Resource Center collection draws upon the best film and video projects funded by the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities. A number of high quality films funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities are included also. Titles can be used individually, or as part of a prepared thematic package on topics like issues in ethics, Massachusetts history, women and work, art and society, and the American short story.

Many libraries statewide offer Reading and Discussion programs, making use of our book series. Libraries may choose to borrow books free of charge and lead their own discussions, or they can apply for a Reading and Discussion grant to pay for a scholar or scholars to facilitate.

Speakers can add an extra dimension to your humanities program. The Foundation offers small grants to cover the cost of obtaining a scholar in the humanities to present a brief talk on the topic of your program and then engage your audience in discussion. Grant funds also may be used for publicity costs. The Foundation maintains a directory of Massachusetts humanities scholars and provides referrals. A humanities scholar is a person with an advanced degree in a humanities discipline who is actively working in the discipline. Most humanities scholars are college professors, but some work in libraries or museums, while still others are writers or independent scholars without institutional affiliation.

To borrow any of the resources listed, simply fill out the Request for Materials form available in the download library and return it to the Foundation. Please allow at least four weeks before the date of your planned program for processing of your request. If you are interested in applying for a grant to obtain a speaker for your program or apply for a reading and discussion library grant, please go to the download library for the application or call the Foundation.