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What is the Humanities Center?
As scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences at the University of Rochester, we examine human culture in its myriad forms: literature, language, media, philosophy, religion, history, anthropology, visual and performing arts, and much more. We are committed to critical thinking, reasoned discourse, inclusiveness, civility, empathy, and compassion—values that lie at the center of humanistic inquiry and that are essential for a thriving democratic citizenry. The Humanities Center, located in Rush Rhees Library, is our home base for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. We offer programs for faculty, students, and the public. To become an affiliate of the Center and receive emails about our events, contact humanities@rochester.edu.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
Lisios Give Gift for Humanities
Longtime donors Arnold and Anne Lisio have given $1.75 million to establish a fund supporting visiting scholars in Italian and Mediterranean studies. The gift will bring global perspectives to campus through teaching, research, and public programming in the humanities. Read more>

Annual Report
Now Available Online
We are proud to feature the highlights and accomplishments of the Humanities Center in our 2025-2026 annual report. Read MoreThe Humanities Center
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
In the Humanities Center, faculty, fellows, students, affiliates, and the public gather to collaborate and create community. Seminars, workshops, lectures, digital projects and other forms of humanistic inquiry animate our beautiful new space in Rush Rhees Library.
Watch VideoWith majors and degree programs that incorporate dozens of disciplines.
Comprised of hundreds of courses based in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Support the Center
Rochester is uniquely positioned to pursue research that spans the arts and humanities. If you would like more information about the humanities at Rochester or the Central New York Humanities Corridor, please contact us.


