The American Antiquarian Society (AAS), a national research library and learned society of American history and culture, is calling for applications for visiting fellowships for historical research by creative and performing artists, writers, film makers, journalists, and other persons whose goals are to produce imaginative, non-formulaic works dealing with pre-twentieth-century American history. Successful applicants are those whose work is for the general public rather than for academic or educational audiences. The Society's goal in sponsoring this program is to multiply and improve the ways in which an understanding of history is communicated to the American people.
The fellowships will provide the recipients with the opportunity for a period of uninterrupted research, reading, and collegial discussion at the Society, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. At least three fellowships will be awarded for residence of four weeks at the Society at any time during the period January 1 through December 31.
For fellows who reside on campus in the Society’s scholars' housing, located next to the main library building, the stipend will have the room fee deducted from the $1850 stipend. (Room fees range from $700 to $500 per month.)
The stipend will be $1,850 for fellows residing off campus. Fellows will not be paid a travel allowance.
Funding for this program began with a grant to AAS from the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. Additional funding for the awards is derived from income from endowments established by the Robert and Charlotte Baron Fellowship, William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and Jay and Deborah Last.
Fellowship projects may include (but are not limited to):
- historical novels
- performance of historical music or drama
- poetry
- documentary films
- television programs
- radio broadcasts
- plays
- libretti
- screenplays
- magazine or newspaper articles
- costume designs
- set designs
- illustrations and other graphic arts
- book designs
- sculpture
- paintings
- other works of fine and applied art
- nonfiction works of history designed for general audiences of adults or children
Application Procedure
Applications are due October 5, 2017.
Application instructions for the Fellowships for Creative and Performing Artists and Writers are included in the online application.
Please note:
CURRENT RESUME should include a listing of any awards, scholarships, or grants received.
STATEMENT should not be more than five typed, double spaced pages which briefly summarizes the applicant’s educational and professional background and goals, describes the research for the project, including readings in primary and secondary sources, and indicates the nature of the research program proposed for the fellowship. You must demonstrate how you will use the Society’s collection materials for your project.
WORK SAMPLES will be distributed to reviewers and the selection committee.
Written works (play and video scripts; prose and poetry; works of non-fictions, etc.) cannot exceed 25 pages in length
Two to three copies of full, completed works, in addition to the 25-page work sample, may be mailed to the Society
If you are submitting CDs or DVDs, please send only 3 copies of each
If your samples can be viewed on the web, please send us all relevant web addresses
You are strongly encouraged to include any relevant reviews of your work by professional critics
If you would like your samples returned to you, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
TWO LETTERS OF REFERENCE should be emailed by individuals familiar with your career accomplishments and goals. Please have letters sent to Cheryl McRell, Program Administrator at AAS, at cmcrell@mwa.org.
For further information about the Fellowships for Creative and Performing Artists and Writers, please contact Cheryl McRell, Program Administrator at AAS, at cmcrell@mwa.org.