Merlin Receives $5,000 CARES Grant from Humanities Montana

Understanding ourselves and the world we live in is critical to our well-being – as individuals and communities.  The questions (and answers) that arise from this sort of seeking — why we do the things we do, how we make meaning of our experiences in the world, what things we ought to strive for and how to best go navigate life – fall largely within the domain of the humanities.  It is for these reasons alone (though certainly many more arguments in favor of the humanities can be made), that funding for the humanities is imperative.  We are deeply grateful for organizations like Humanities MT and for their efforts to help keep the humanities alive and thriving in Montana.

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“Thinking About A Place”: An Invitation to Explore Helena Afoot

This project invites people to explore Helena afoot & consider questions about “place.”  A space is abstract; a place is a space with meaning. From its historic storefronts and iconic architecture to its meandering natural walls and pathways, Helena is packed with “place.” But why? What is it about Helena that continues to call out — not as a dot on map but as a unique lived experience that beckons and makes one feel at home? 

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Merlin Receives $2,000 Grant from PLATO for their “Thinking as a Community” Program

The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization (PLATO) is amazing!!!  We are so grateful for their continued support of our organization and public philosophy programs!!  

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Greater Helena Gives Raises $3,612.44 for Philosophy in the Community!

Greater Helena Gives 2020 yielded the most funds we have ever raised during GHG to date! We are blown away!!! Thank you so much to everyone who so generously donated to our organization for philosophy in the community!

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2020 Reeder’s Alley Block Party Cancelled: A Letter to the Community

To announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fundraiser block party due to the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19.  While we wish it weren’t the case, we believe it’s the right thing to do, all things considered.  Additionally, we hope that this decision allows event sponsors to redirect their contributions to organizations offering direct services for our community members most in need and health care providers on the front lines.

Once the parameters of our current health crisis situation become more clear, our goal (if possible) is to host a smaller-scale event later this year in Reeder’s Alley honoring each and every one of you and the sacrifices that you are making to try and keep our city running and people safe, near and far.  Stay tuned for more information about this and please save the date for the 2021 Reeder’s Alley Block Party on Saturday, June 12th 2021.

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‘What Say You?” — Philosophical Musings with Dr. Barry Ferst (An Internet Dialogue)

“What Say You?” is a fun and casual internet-based philosophy in the community activity inspired by our belief that physical distancing need not equate to social distancing.  Each week philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst will share some of his philosophical musings on our Merlin Facebook page and invite readers to comment and discuss. Think SNL’s “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy”….only with somewhat more gravity (maybe).

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