A. Verville Fellowship at the National Air and Space Museum

Analyze major trends, developments, and accomplishments in the history of aviation or space studies in this prestigious fellowship at the National Air and Space Museum open to mid-career scholars and non-academic candidates.

Candidates are encouraged to pursue research, writing, and other work that is professional in tone and substance, but addressed to an audience with broad interests.

More About Our Fellowships

This is one of several fellowships offered by the National Air and Space Museum.

Fellowship opportunities are open to researchers and writers at many levels, including predoctoral, postdoctoral, non-academic researchers, and aspiring conservators.

Learn More About the Benefits of a Fellowship

Fast Facts About the Verville Fellowship

Open To

Candidates with demonstrated skills in research and writing, either a mid-level academic record of accomplishment or proven ability to reliably engage broader audiences.

Duration

9- to 12-month fellowship

Stipend

$70,000

Travel and Research Expenses

Up to $5,000

In Residence

Applications Open

Due to the government shutdown, applications for the 2026 Fellowships will be postponed. The application period will be adjusted accordingly. Please check back for updates.

Application Deadline

December 15

Start Date

Between July 1 and September 15

Qualifications

• Candidates who can provide a critical analytical approach to major trends, developments, and accomplishments in some aspect of aviation and/or space history
• Demonstrated strong writing skills
• An advanced degree is not required
• Graduate pre-doctoral students will normally not be considered

Fellowship Experience

• Create work as outlined in their proposal. This could include a book, a series of articles, a screenplay, an exhibition, other media, etc.
• Make at least one work-in-progress staff presentation on their topic
• Work closely with a Smithsonian advisor, reporting regularly to them
• Adhere to a 40 hour work week
• Maintain research expenditure records
• Prepare a summary report at the end of the fellowship

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

To submit an application: 

1. Create an account.
2. Add a new application.
3. Select “National Air and Space Museum” under Office/Museum/Research Center.
4. Fill out the application and submit.

As you work on your application, you can save your progress and resume your application as needed.

Apply Now

Your Application Should Include

A research proposal

This statement (1,500 words or less) should set forth your research plan, indicating the importance of the work both in relation to the larger discipline and to your own intellectual goals.

The proposal should contain:

• Evaluation of the contributions that Museum staff members are expected to make to your studies
• What Museum collections, special facilities, and other resources are needed
• How your research will benefit from additional resources in the Washington, DC area
• Justification for the research-related expenses included in the research budget
• An annotated historiographical introduction to the subject field of your proposal
• How your research will be shared

A summary description of your proposed research

250 words or less

Three letters of recommendation

These can be submitted after the application but before December 15.

A research budget

This covers travel costs and support for the research itself.

It does not include the fellowship stipend, relocation expenses, living expenses, local travel for research, or office supplies and equipment (such as paper, pens, computers, laptops, cameras, canners, etc.).

Bibliography

Of literature relevant to the applicant's proposed research, especially that cited in the research proposal.

Estimated schedule

For each phase of proposed research

Curriculum vitae or résumé

Including publications, fellowships, or accomplishments relevant to your proposal. (5 MB upload limit)

Smithsonian staff advisor

Applicants should indicate which National Air and Space Museum staff member you intend to work with. 

How to Pick a Smithsonian Staff Advisor

All applicants must identify a Smithsonian staff advisor. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential advisors before applying.

Explore the expertise areas of all National Air and Museum staff through our staff profiles.

Staff Profiles

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Applications will be read by Museum staff. The application and reviewer comments will then be compiled and submitted to the selection committee.

Selection will be based on: 

• The scholarly merits of the proposal
• The project’s potential contribution to the field of aviation and space history
• The project’s utilization of Museum resources and staff
• The project’s potential contribution to Museum programs
• The research and academic record of the applican