How these interns used the past to guide their future

(October 9, 2026)

Ohio Today

This summer, 14 students participated in a unique local internship experience. Since 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Central Region Humanities Center (CRHC) recruited Ohio University students to create exhibits that connect this national event with Southeast Ohio history and stories.

The CRHC supports university research and experiential learning in the humanities, connecting that to Southeast Ohio and the surrounding regional communities. Mariana Dantas, associate professor and director of the CRHC, was thrilled to involve students in this milestone event.

“The biennial conference was a great opportunity to develop a stronger relationship between the CRHC, our students, and the amazing local public humanities organizations in our city and county,” Dantas said. “When students have the chance to take their skills and knowledge into the community to promote the work they do and help them tell their stories, they get a taste of the wonderful things they can accomplish with their education.”

The student experiences were funded by a grant of almost $200,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities, allowing the CRHC to fund research and opportunities for their interns surrounding the 250th anniversary.