Research Fellowship Program
The society invites applications for research fellowships.
The PHS Research Fellowship program is designed to encourage faculty, independent researchers, and students to use and publish from the society's rich holdings. The program awards research and travel grants of $2,500. PHS is currently accepting applications for 2025 Research Fellowships. The deadline is Feb 3, 2025.
Narrative application. Download the application questions and formatting instructions above. (This is a PDF. Download Adobe Reader (free) at https://get.adobe.com/reader/.) You will be asked to upload this document on the application webform.
Brief curriculum vitae. We request that the vitae not exceed two pages and must list all earned degrees, date received (or expected), institution, and field of study as well as any major publications. You will be asked to upload your CV on the application webform.
Letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are required. If you are a graduate student, one of the letters should be from your dissertation/thesis supervisor. Letters should be tailored to your specific project and written by individuals who are familiar with your research topic and/or your ability to produce a complete and high-quality research product. Please ask your references to send their letters directly to Natalie Shilstut, Director of Programs and Services, nshilstut@history.pcusa.org. You will be asked to provide the full name and email address for each reference on the application webform.
Open to faculty, students, and independent scholars and researchers.
Open to all fields of study, including history, American studies, mission history, architecture, and ecumenism.
Place of residence must be farther than seventy-five (75) miles from Philadelphia.
Applicants of underrepresented backgrounds and voices and those focusing on lesser-known and underrepresented topics are especially encouraged to apply.
Adherence to application instructions and requirements (see Application instructions tab).
Strong correlation between the proposed topic and the Presbyterian Historical Society’s collections.
Demonstrated need to work with the society’s collections for a minimum of one week and maximum of one month.
Clearly defined topic with evidence of sound research intentions and practices (scope, methodology, and argument).
Demonstrated knowledge of the subject’s historiography.
Applications will be reviewed by independent scholars and PHS staff.
$2,500 cover travel, lodging, and other research expenses.
Timeline for 2025:
Applications due by Feb. 3, 2025. Awards announced by March 17, 2025.
Application instructions and requirements:
To apply, fill out the webform and upload the two required attachments (narrative and CV).
2024 Research Fellow Luca Azuma: Origins and Development of LGBTQ+ Christianity
Luca Azuma, Ph.D. student at University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, N.C.), was awarded a PHS research grant in 2024 to work on his project "Upon a Rainbow Cross: a History of LGBTQ+ Christianity in North America."
List of Past PHS Research Fellows
LOCATION AND HOURS
425 Lombard St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri: 9 am to 4 pm
CONTACT US
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Email: refdesk@history.pcusa.org