Virginia Tech Humanities Week
What is Humanities Week?
Virginia Tech Humanities Week highlights the essential work happening in the humanities at Virginia Tech and around the world. Members of the public and the Virginia Tech community are invited to attend panel discussions, lectures, and other activities throughout the week of October 19-23, 2026.
This year's theme is Legacies of 1776, featuring NPR's Scott Simon as the keynote presenter. Join us for a keynote presentation and Q&A, "The Responsibilities of Being American," as acclaimed journalist, author, and longtime NPR host Scott Simon explores the meaning and responsibilities of American citizenship. The Humanities Week keynote will be held at the Lyric Theatre on Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Humanities Week is sponsored by the Center for Humanities and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
2026 Schedule
Keynote Address
Join us on October 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre for a discussion and Q&A session by keynote speaker Scott Simon, American journalist, author, and longtime host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. Mr. Simon's books will be sold by Blacksburg Books in the lobby before the event, and Mr. Simon will be available for book signing following the Q&A.
Monday, October 19
Center for Humanities Research Seminar
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Join our weekly humanities seminar series, revolving around research work done by one of this year's humanities associates.
124 Newman Library, Athenaeum classroom, 560 Drillfield Drive
Technological Sovereignty and Transparent Systems in the Age of AI
Rishi Jaitly and Warren Dixon
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Fireside chat with Distinguished Humanities Fellow Rishi Jaitly and Dean of the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Warren Dixon.
Assembly Hall, The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Tuesday, October 20
Keynote Address "The Responsibilities of Being American"
Scott Simon
7:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion and Q&A session by keynote speaker Scott Simon, American journalist, author, and longtime host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. Mr. Simon's books will be sold by Blacksburg Books in the lobby prior to the event, and Mr. Simon will be available for book signing following the Q&A.
The Lyric Theatre
Wednesday, October 21
Freedom Scholars Showcase
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Drop in any time during this window for self-guided, informal discussion with any of our 6 humanities freedom scholars. Learn about their research into various aspects of freedom and sovereignty. Refreshments will be served.
Goodall Room, Newman Library
Hamilton Movie Screening and Sing-Along
6:30 -9:15 p.m.
Come for a night of fun, as we view Disney's film "Hamilton" (2020, PG-13). Singing is encouraged!
Squires Auditorium, Squires Student Center
Thursday, October 22
Freedom Mural Making
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
What does freedom mean to you? Stop by War Memorial Hall during this window. Add to our mural with word or illustration and visit the Center for Humanities. Located just off the main lobby of the Drill Field entrance. Refreshments and supplies provided.
Main Lobby, War Memorial Hall
Friday, October 23
ICAT Playdate
Eiman Elgewely
9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Roots of Eternity is a multisensory immersive exhibition that reimagines the 4,000-year-old garden model from the Tomb of Meketre—one of the most iconic archaeological finds from Ancient Egypt.
C&I Building
Notes of Freedom
TBD
Come enjoy knee-slappin', porch pickin' bluegrass music, provided by members of the Appalachian Caucus.
TBD