Conference to bring together cultural workers, educators, historians, storytellers, and community leaders from across Maryland
(Baltimore, MD) – Maryland Humanities is pleased to announce Centering Community Voices: Exploring the Stories That Shape Us, the organization's first statewide humanities conference, taking place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The conference will convene a diverse group of cultural workers, educators, museum professionals, public historians, students, service providers, interpreters, and community members to explore how storytelling can foster dialogue, inclusion, understanding, and social change.
Through panel discussions, workshops, facilitated conversations, and interactive activities, participants will examine the many ways stories shape communities, preserve memory, address difficult histories, and inspire action. Topics will include oral history, media, community storytelling, reparative narratives, publishing, education, and the use of primary sources to tell more inclusive and authentic stories.
The conference keynote speaker will be Cory McCray, author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and call to action that highlights apprenticeship as a powerful pathway to success. McCray will share insights from his work expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and advocating for access across Maryland.
"Stories help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how we are connected to one another," said Lindsey Baker, CEO of Maryland Humanities. "At a time when community and meaningful dialogue are more important than ever, this conference will create a space for Marylanders to learn from one another, share their experiences, and explore the humanities’ potential to promote inclusion, conversation, and social justice through storytelling. We are excited to welcome participants from across the state for this landmark gathering."
The conference will highlight innovative storytelling initiatives taking place throughout Maryland and the broader region, showcasing how organizations and individuals are documenting, sharing, and preserving community stories through exhibitions, oral histories, film, literature, digital media, and other creative approaches.
"Every community has stories that deserve to be heard," said Rob Forloney, Program Officer for Partnerships at Maryland Humanities. "This conference is an opportunity to bring together people who are doing the important work of collecting, interpreting, and sharing those stories. We hope attendees leave with new ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling to build understanding and foster belonging."
The conference will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by Maryland Humanities' Annual Meeting, “This Has Happened Before: The Humanities as Democratic Resistance,” from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration for the conference is open to the public, with discounted rates available for Regional Humanities Network members.
For more information, visit Maryland Humanities’ website. If you have questions, please contact Rob Forloney at rforloney@mdhumanities.org.
About Maryland Humanities
Maryland Humanities creates and supports bold experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities. Maryland Humanities is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Maryland, private foundations, corporations, small businesses, and individual donors. Connect with Maryland Humanities on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube.