USA : Winterthur Research Fellowship Program

Winterthur welcomes researchers. Academic, independent, and museum scholars, as well as advanced graduate students are invited to apply for short and long-term residential research fellowships. Research fellows conduct research in many areas of social and cultural history, including material culture, architecture, decorative arts, design, consumer culture, garden and landscape studies, Shaker studies, travel and tourism, the Atlantic World, and objects in literature. Winterthur's collections are rich and diverse, and we welcome applications that offer fresh approaches to our resources.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to search Wintercat, visit Winterthur, and contact staff members to discuss potential research projects. The suitability of a project to Winterthur's collections is the primary consideration of the fellowship award committee

Application form: Complete the application form.  If you are applying for a Dissertation Fellowship or a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, you may ask to have your application considered for a short-term research fellowship in the event that your primary application is not accepted.

Essay: Prepare an application essay of no more than 1,500 words. Include a concise overview of the project. Address the following questions:

• What ideas, questions, or problems guide your project?
• What is distinctive about your project? How does it complement, expand, or challenge prior study in the field? Please be specific about prior scholarship that informs your work.
• What work do you plan to undertake at Winterthur? Why is a residence fellowship at Winterthur necessary for successful completion of your project?

Bibliography: Based on your searches of Wintercat (our online library catalogue), prepare a two-page bibliography of primary sources you plan to use at Winterthur. If you plan to use objects from the museum collection in your research, please provide a brief listing.

Vita: Provide a copy of your current vita.

References: Obtain two recent letters of reference addressing your previous scholarly record, your current project, and your ability to work with a collegial group. If you are a graduate student, one of these letters must come from your dissertation advisor.

Step 2 - Submit Your Materials

Reference letters: Please instruct your reference writers to e-mail their letters to researchapplication@winterthur.org. Ask that they put your last name and the word "reference" in the subject line. We prefer PDF documents. Word documents are also acceptable.

Application: E-mail your complete application, including application form, essay, bibliography, and vita to researchapplication@winterthur.org. Please put your name in the subject line.

Although emailed copies are preferred, mailed copies are also acceptable. Mailed copies must contain six copies of the completed application package (application form, essay, bibliography, and vita). Mailed letters of recommendation (one copy only) also should be sent directly to this address:

Rosemary Krill
Academic Programs
5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur, DE 19735

Application Deadline : 31 January 2013