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PA Humanities has announced the second group of honorees selected through The Window Keeper: Civic Honors, an ongoing statewide initiative recognizing Pennsylvanians whose everyday actions help shape strong communities and sustain civic life through the power of the humanities.
The 30 new Window Keepers were nominated by people in their own communities and join the 25 inaugural honorees announced this spring. Nominations remain open through Aug. 16, with the final group of Window Keepers to be announced in the fall.
A Warren County woman is included in the list. Erin Wallace is the founding member and Coordinator of the Be Well Collaborative, initiated and supported by Warren YMCA. Using a Community Care Model, the Be Well Programs further supportive connections firmly grounded in the foundation of mental wellness. Wallace and her team create and promote resources for persons of all ages and socio-economic groups.
While the initiative's first 25 Window Keepers were selected by PA Humanities staff from the organization's statewide network of partners, every member of this new group was nominated by someone in their community. They are everyday Pennsylvanians recognized by their colleagues, neighbors, friends and others who have seen firsthand the difference they make in the places they call home.
"What makes this group so special is that every Window Keeper was nominated by someone who has seen their impact up close," said Laurie Zierer, executive director of PA Humanities. "Their neighbors, colleagues and community members told us, 'This is someone whose work matters, and more people should know about it.' These nominations are a powerful reminder of how much people value those who dedicate their time, creativity and talents to strengthening their communities."
The 30 new Window Keepers represent 21 counties across Pennsylvania and reflect the many ways people use the humanities to bring people together and create positive change. Their work includes preserving African American and Indigenous histories, documenting and sharing local stories, revitalizing neighborhoods, creating opportunities to experience arts and culture, mentoring young people and building spaces where neighbors can gather, learn and better understand one another.
Among the new Window Keepers is Erin Wallace of Warren County, recognized for her work as the founding member and Coordinator of the Be Well Collaborative, initiated and supported by Warren YMCA. Using a Community Care Model, the Be Well Programs further supportive connections firmly grounded in the foundation of mental wellness. Wallace and her team create and promote resources for persons of all ages and socio-economic groups.
Created in celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary, The Window Keeper: Civic Honors is inspired by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher's poem "The Window Keeper," in which the Declaration of Independence is imagined as a vast window that must be continually cleaned, clarified and cared for so it can both let in light and reflect the light of each new day.
Window Keepers take on that work in communities across Pennsylvania. They are neighbors, volunteers, artists, historians, educators, writers, organizers and community members who use storytelling, history, culture and other tools of the humanities to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and help people feel more connected to the places they call home.
As the statewide leader in the humanities and voice for the cultural sector for over 50 years, PA Humanities has demonstrated how stories, dialogue, and reflection can strengthen communities and expand participation in civic life. Their nationally recognized programs, such as PA Heart & Soul and Youth-Led Humanities, have helped cultivate a growing network of civic leaders across Pennsylvania.
With the nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, PA Humanities hopes to recognize Window Keepers from every Pennsylvania county and create a statewide portrait of the people whose creativity, commitment and care strengthen civic life.
"When we launched this initiative, we knew there were Window Keepers in communities all across Pennsylvania," Zierer added. "These nominations are proof of that. People are paying attention to the neighbors, colleagues and community members who make their towns and cities stronger, and they want their stories to be told."