In the Weeds

NJCH believes in harnessing the power of the humanities to strengthen New Jersey.

Over the past 50 years, we have supported countless dynamic and engaging humanities programs created by a diverse community of partners from around the state.

Many of the programs we support are created by small and mid-sized organizations that have limited staff or are primarily volunteer run. Some have trained humanities practitioners and scholars on staff, but many do not. This means that they are often learning how to do humanities-focused work while juggling daily operations and may not yet have the expertise or infrastructure to do it as well as they’d like.

That’s where In the Weeds comes in.

In the Weeds Logo

Events in this program will include professional development and skill-building for individuals working on humanities programs, capacity building for organizations, and opportunities for all of us to come together for learning and networking.

Join us at one of our upcoming programs, or check out recordings from our past events on our Youtube channel.

Up Next

About the Program

In the Weeds aims to strengthen New Jersey’s public humanities sector by targeting small and mid-sized organizations—and the people who make them run.

Events in this program will include professional development and skill-building for individuals working on humanities programs, capacity building for organizations, and opportunities for all of us to come together for learning and networking. We will feature organizations and individuals doing humanities work in New Jersey and beyond, and really dig into how they make it happen.

We have so much to learn from each other. So let’s get “In the Weeds!”

Scroll down to learn more about new opportunities and upcoming In the Weeds events.

New Initiative!

Communities of Practice

A Community of Practice (COP) is a flexible gathering of individuals united by shared interests and expertise, providing peer-to-peer support, learning, and networking opportunities. COPs may be cultivated around a topic, geographic area, professional practice, or other common concern for humanities practitioners.

In 2024, NJCH will pilot two COPs:

  • Community college humanities
  • Oral history and story-gathering

If you see yourself in one of these communities, please fill out the form below to express your interest! Group meetings will take place virtually over Zoom, with the option to meet in-person as the group thinks best. Gatherings will begin this spring and will be announced on NJCH’s website, through email outreach, and via social media.

Upcoming In the Weeds Events

Past In the Weeds Events

Humanities Lab Information Session
March 13 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
Webinar: Applying for an NJCH Grant
February 29 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
In the Weeds: Creating an Outstanding Proposal
April 4, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
In the Weeds: Expertise in Humanities Programs
January 26, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST

Use the links above to access archived recordings and information about past events.

Get in Touch

Got an idea for a future In the Weeds topic? Do you have a particular need that we may be able to help you address through a workshop, training, or convening? Has something worked particularly well to enable your organization to build skill and capacity to do humanities work?

We want to hear from you!

Future seasons of In the Weeds will be built around ideas and suggestions from you—our NJCH community. Email us at programs@njhumanities.org or use the form below to send your ideas, stories, and suggestions.