Virginia Humanities is excited to present the second annual Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities with Carly Fiorina at the Dominion Energy Center on October 15, 2026. 

The Commonwealth Lecture will include a private reception, a presentation of the 2026 Commonwealth Humanities Awards, and a public lecture with National Honorary Chair of the VA250 Commission and Colonial Williamsburg CEO Carly Fiorina. Barbara Hamm Lee, an award-winning journalist and host of Another View, will moderate a conversation afterward. Through the event, we aim to foster deeper reflection on the importance of the humanities in shaping our society, particularly as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our nation's founding.

All sponsorships and individual tickets are for the private reception and public lecture. Those wishing to attend only the public lecture may purchase lecture-only tickets through the ticketing website.

2026 Commonwealth Humanities Awards

During the public lecture, we will celebrate remarkable individuals and organizations with three statewide humanities awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia.

A Longstanding Tradition

Virginia Humanities is the state humanities council. We aim to share the stories of all Virginians—or, better yet, find ways for people to share their own stories. We want Virginians to connect with their history and culture and, in doing that, build a shared future together.

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