Speakers Bureau

Welcome to the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau!

MHC provides Speakers Bureau presentations to communities throughout the state to stimulate informed dialogue and civic engagement on issues critical to Marylanders. 

Important Information about Revised Speakers Bureau Procedures

Beginning November 1, 2008, there are two categories of Speakers Bureau programs available: 

1. A limited number of presentations available without charge that
   • support MHC’s special initiative 
   • address issues critical to Marylanders
   • support poetry and literary programs for the Maryland Center for the Book
2. Presentations for which there is a $300 fee

Procedure Changes:  Free Programs

• A list of these programs is available here.
• A limited number of the selected programs will be available without charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• These programs must take place between February 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009. 
• Programs available without charge from MHC must be free and open to the public.
• Once the supply of free programs has been requested, all programs will be available for a fee of $300.

Procedure Changes: Programs for a $300 Fee

• Host organizations may charge an admission fee of up to $5.00.

Before completing the online application form, read the following guidelines and requirements carefully. 

Guidelines for Requesting Speakers

• Any nonprofit organization in Maryland may apply for a Speakers Bureau presentation. Hosts may include libraries, museums, local governments, historical organizations, civic groups, senior citizens centers, churches and synagogues, correctional institutions, public radio and television stations, and ad hoc committees. Colleges and universities may sponsor an event, provided they partner with a community organization to attract a substantial non-student audience.

• Middle and high schools (grades 6-12) may request special initiative programs (link to certain MLK presenters and oral history workshops) for school assemblies or combined classes.  Presentations requested by schools that are not designated under the special initiative must be open to the general community.

• A nonprofit organization may request no more than one speaker per MHC fiscal year (November 1 – October 31). County library systems and county offices on aging may request a maximum of two speakers, provided that the presentations are given at different branches or sites.

• Speakers Bureau programs must attract an audience of at least 25 people, although host organizations are strongly encouraged to build a larger audience by partnering with other groups.

• Programs provided without charge by MHC must be free and open to the public.  Programs for which there is a $300 charge may have an admission fee of up to $5.

• Programs must take place in a handicapped accessible facility, and the program publicity must say that sign language interpretation is available with advance notice (MHC will provide for interpretation, if there is two-week notice).

• To request a speaker, complete the online application form at (link). Requests must be made at least 8 weeks before the proposed date of the program.

• Responsibilities of host organizations:
  • Make arrangements with speaker regarding video and sound equipment, set up needs, program format, description of expected audience, driving directions, and procedures in the event of cancellation.
  • If planning to videotape or audiotape the presentation, obtain written permission directly from the speaker.
  • Actively publicize the program to the general public in addition to your organization's constituency. Host organizations are encouraged to co-sponsor the event with another organization to attract greater public attendance.
  • Acknowledge Maryland Humanities Council support in all publicity, use the MHC logo (link), acknowledge MHC sponsorship in introductory remarks at the event, and display the MHC poster during the event.
  • Distribute and collect audience survey forms, using form provided by MHC.
  • Submit final report forms to MHC – Event Review, Cost Share Report, and copies of Attendee Survey forms – within five days of the program’s conclusion.  Forms and instructions for these reports will be provided to host organizations along with a letter of confirmation.

• Restrictions – the host organization cannot:
  • Use the speakers as advocates for a cause promoting an organization's agenda.
  • Request speakers to give presentations for events limited to an organization's membership; fundraising events; business meetings; luncheon meetings; awards ceremonies; religious services.
  • Exclude any person from attending or participating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or age.
  • Be debarred or suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs in violation of regulations implementing Executive Order 12546, "Debarment and Suspension."