Given annually by the IHC, the Public Humanities Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to public understanding of the role the humanities play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Barbara Gaines received the 2007 Public Humanities Award on April 26, 2007 at the University Club of Chicago.  As Artistic Director of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Gaines has led the way in making Shakespeare come to life on the stage for people of all ages. With this award we also honor the work she has done with teachers and students, guaranteeing that the humanities continue to be at the core of education.

• See photos from this and other past Public Humanities Award events!

Past Public Humanities Award recipients include:

• 2006 - Mary A. Dempsey
• 2005 - The Honorable Abner and Zoe Mikva
• 1994
  - Martin E. Marty
  - Stanley J. Ikenberry
  - Richard J. Franke
  - Chicago Tribune
• 1993 - Francis J. Pettis
• 1992 - Nancy Anderson Stevenson
• 1990 - Bridget Lamont
• 1989 - Cyrus Colter
• 1988 - Brena and Lee Freeman
• 1987 - The Hon. Dawn Clark Netsch and Walter Netsch
• 1986 - Mary Ward Wolkonsky
• 1985 - J. Michael Lennon
• 1984:
  - John Hope Franklin
  - Stuart Struever
  - The Hon. Jim Edgar
  - The Hon. Paul Simon
  - The Hon. Sidney Yates
  - Louise Año Nuevo Kerr