Gilder Lehrman Scholarly Fellowships 2027

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is offering short-term research fellowships. This program supports scholars researching American history broadly. Doctoral candidates, faculty, and independent scholars may all apply. Since 1994, the Institute has awarded 723 fellowships to researchers. International scholars remain fully eligible to apply for this opportunity. Fellows use New York City’s Gilder Lehrman Collection for their research.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
• Location: New York City, with research at the Collection
• Award Amount: $3,000 per fellowship
• Research Period: Must complete within one year of notification
• Application Deadline: October 26, 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Focus Areas

• Colonial American history, through the John Winthrop Fellowship
• Slavery and abolition studies
• Cold War history and diplomacy
• All aspects of American history broadly welcomed

About the Fellowship

This program funds focused, short-term archival research trips specifically. The John Winthrop Fellowship centers on colonial-era historical research particularly. It’s named for a descendant of Massachusetts Bay’s first governor, John Winthrop. His 1634 letter describing early Boston life resides in the collection. Beyond this special fellowship, two additional scholarly fellowships exist.

These cover slavery and abolition studies, plus Cold War history specifically. Applicants in these three priority areas receive preference during selection.

What Fellows Are Expected to Do

Selected fellows must complete their research within one year of notification. During their New York trip, fellows meet the program’s director personally. Afterward, fellows submit a 750 to 1,000-word essay on their findings. This essay accompanies a separate paragraph documenting consulted archival collections specifically. These requirements ensure genuine engagement with the collection’s historical resources.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include doctoral candidates and faculty at any academic rank. Independent scholars without institutional affiliation may also apply freely. International scholars researching American history are equally welcome to apply. There’s no restriction limiting applicants based on nationality or citizenship.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a project proposal spanning two to five pages. This should include a primary source list and anticipated research budget. A curriculum vitae of any length accompanies this project proposal. Additionally, two recommendation letters from established scholars are required.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application through Gilder Lehrman’s official online portal. For questions, email #339966;">#339966;" href="mailto:fellowships@gilderlehrman.org">fellowships@gilderlehrman.org or call 646-366-9666.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://www.gilderlehrman.org/scholarly-fellowships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers valuable, focused support for historians conducting archival research at one of the country’s premier American history collections. Its openness to independent scholars and international applicants makes it especially accessible compared to many institutionally restricted awards. Given the priority given to colonial, slavery, and Cold War topics this cycle, applicants working in these fields should highlight that alignment clearly before the October 26 deadline.

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