More than 20 organizations from across the state have received funding to help bring “Frankenstein” scholars to their cities to offer talks about Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” in celebration of the novel’s 200th anniversary. The grants are part of Indiana Humanities’ One State / One Story: Frankenstein initiative, which includes a speakers bureau of intriguing talks about Mary Shelley’s timeless tale.
“Frankenstein” speakers bureau grants were awarded to 19 organizations; each of those organizations will hold lectures about a variety of topics related to “Frankenstein.” Speakers will include Cassandra Bausman, Rebecca Baumann, Emily Beckman, Richard Gunderman, Adam Henze, Greg Kishbaugh, Adrienne Provenzano and Matthew Weedman. Selected organizations include:
- Bartholomew County Public Library – Hope Branch, Hope
- Carmel Clay Public Library, Carmel
- Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis
- Crown Point Public Library, Crown Point
- Danville Public Library, Danville
- Dubois Branch Library, Dubois
- Eckhart Public Library, Auburn
- Flora Public Library, Flora
- Irvington Historical Society, Indianapolis
- Jeffersonville Township Public Library, Jeffersonville
- LaPorte County Public Library, La Porte
- Monticello-Union Township Library, Monticello
- Morgan County Public Library, Martinsville
- Purdue University Fort Wayne History Department, Fort Wayne
- Science Central, Fort Wayne
- Scientech, Indianapolis
- Joseph County Public Library, South Bend
- Sullivan County Public Library, Sullivan
- Washington Carnegie Public Library, Washington
Three Indianapolis organizations were also selected to receive a Community Read grant of $1,000, thanks to funding from The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate. These organizations will join 62 others across the state (awarded earlier this year) to hold their own discussions, speaker programs and other festivities for participants. In addition to the $1,000, recipients will receive a “starter kit” of promotional materials as well as planning and communications resources to help them host successful events. Selected organizations include:
- Ben Davis University High School
- Irvington Preparatory Academy
- Richard’s Episcopal School
“‘Frankenstein’ eerily anticipated many of debates we are now having about science and technology, including artificial intelligence and genetic engineering,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We’re excited to connect Hoosier communities to scholars from around Indiana to think and talk about these and ideas, as well as learn more about the origins and impact of Shelley’s influential book.”
One State / One Story: Frankenstein is an initiative designed by Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Indiana State Library and Indiana Center for the Book, to encourage Hoosiers to read the classic novel as it turns 200 in 2018. More than 400 programs, including a sci-fi and horror writing festival for teens, community reads and read-a-thons, exhibits and more- will bring “Frankenstein” to life all over the state. One State / One Story: Frankenstein has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more at IndianaHumanities.org/Frankenstein.
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Indiana Humanities is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Lilly Endowment, Inc. Learn more at indianahumanities.org.
About the National Endowment for the Humanities
Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at neh.gov.
About Indiana State Library
The Indiana State Library serves Indiana residents with a variety of needs, including genealogy, Indiana history, preservation, rare books and manuscripts, reference and government services, Talking Books and Braille library, as well as the State Data Center. The State Library also leads and supports the greater Indiana library community and is a magnificent limestone building to visit. Learn more at in.gov/library/index.htm.