Host institutions must be in cities and towns with populations of 25,000 or less. Sites will be chosen based on geographic location, physical display space, and strength of proposed ideas for auxiliary programs and ideas for institutional growth and development.

Each host community is required:

• Identify a staff member or volunteer who will serve as project director for its duration and who will attend the orientation, program planning, and installation workshops
• Plan and implement public humanities programs during the exhibition
• Track all staff and volunteer time, facilities, and other resources donated to the project and provide a report of this local cost share at the projects conclusion
• Pay and arrange for shipping

The IHC covers the rental costs for the exhibition, provides humanities scholars to assist in program planning, provides access to museum professionals who will offer technical assistance in other areas, and grant money for accompanying public humanities programs.