Houghton Library Fellowships

Thanks to the generosity of the library's benefactors, fifteen endowed fellowships support research in the following fields of study:

• Beatrice, Benjamin, and Richard Bader Fellowship in the Visual Arts of the Theatre
• W. Jackson Bate/ Douglas W. Bryant, American Society for Eighteenth‑Century Studies Fellowship; Successful applicants must either be an ASECS member in good standing or be willing to become a member in order to receive this fellowship.
• Maryette Charlton Fellowship for the Performing Arts; This fellowship is available to assist scholarly research on gender and sexuality in the performing arts.
• William Dearborn Fellowship in American History
• Rodney G. Dennis Fellowship in the Study of Manuscripts
• The Ralph Waldo Emerson Fellowship for the Study of Emerson and his Circle
• Eleanor M. Garvey Fellowship in Printing and Graphic Arts
• Houghton Mifflin Fellowship in Publishing History
• Donald and Mary Hyde Fellowship for Research in Early Modern Black Lives, including Africa and the African Diaspora, 1500-1800
• Donald and Mary Hyde Fellowship for the Study of Dr. Samuel Johnson and his Circle
• Joan Nordell Fellowship
• The Wallace Finley Dailey Theodore Roosevelt Association Fellowship
• Howard D. Rothschild Fellowship in Dance
• Robert Gould Shaw Fellowship for the Harvard Theatre Collection
• John M. Ward Fellowship in Dance and Music for the Theatre

Funding

Fellows will receive stipends of $4,500 during the tenure of their appointment.

Eligibility & Responsibilities

• Open to candidates of all nationalities. Non-U.S. citizens awarded a fellowship are required to obtain a J-1 visa. Harvard University can sponsor the visa, but fellows are responsible for paying associated fees and will receive their stipend 2-3 weeks after arriving at Houghton Library.
• Doctoral students, post-doctoral, academics and independent scholars, as well as curators, and other library, archive and museum professionals are welcome to apply.
• Fellowships normally are not granted to scholars who live within commuting distance of the library.
• Scholars are welcome to apply each year. If awarded a fellowship, however, a period of 5 years must elapse before another fellowship may be awarded.
• Applicants must be 18 or older. 
• Fellows are required to be in residence at Houghton for four weeks within their fellowship year (July through June).
• Fellows are responsible for paying taxes related to their award stipend.
• Fellows must finalize their visit dates prior to arrival. Reading room seating is limited; therefore, applicants’ first choice for arrival cannot be guaranteed. 
• Fellows are required to produce a written summary of their experience working with the collections.
• Fellows are required to make their own travel arrangements and secure their own housing.

How to Apply

Applications are due January 15, 2027 and must include: 

• A project proposal (500 words maximum)
• A preliminary list of Houghton collection materials relevant to your research. Applications that do not list materials held by Houghton Library will not be considered.
• A curriculum vitae
• One letter of reference

Please note: Applicants need not apply for specific fellowships. The Selection Committee will determine the fellowship best suited to each awardee.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to save applications in progress; do not submit your application until it is complete.

Apply Now

For Questions, Please Contact:

Peter X. Accardo

email:accardo@fas.harvard.edu

Phone number617-496-4027