David Center for the American Revolution Postdoctoral Fellowship (Long-Term)

Apply Online by January 17, 2025

The David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society Library & Museum in Philadelphia invites applications for a two-year, residential fellowship for postdoctoral scholars at any stage of their careers working on topics related to the American Revolution and Founding Era (1750-1800). The 24-month fellowship is intended for a recent Ph.D., professor at any level seeking sabbatical support for a research project, or an independent scholar working on a project. The caliber of the project, and evidence that the project will be completed in a timely manner, are the two most important criteria for selection. The selection committee will also take into consideration the need to be at the APS's Library & Museum and other research institutions in the Philadelphia area.

The David Center for the American Revolution integrates the rich manuscript, microfilm, and print collections of the David Library with the Early American history collections of the APS to create a one-stop-shop for the study of the American Revolution. The David Library collections consist of approximately 8,000 volumes, 9,000 reels of microfilm, and the large Sol Feinstone manuscript collection. The Sol Feinstone Collection, a rich collection of letters and documents, was assembled by DLAR Founder Sol Feinstone (1888-1980) over a period of fifty years. It includes material on almost all notable Americans from before the Revolution to the 1850s, as well as prominent Europeans and documents related to military affairs. This adds to the APS Library's Early American History Collections, which are particularly strong for the period from 1750 to 1840. In addition to the Benjamin Franklin Papers and the Thomas Paine Collection, the APS has a wide assortment of documents from the revolutionary era. Among these are official government documents and correspondence, military records that range from the Continental Army to Pennsylvania county records, and personal correspondence from various historical actors. Comprehensive, searchable guides and finding aids to these collections are available online at www.amphilsoc.org/library and http://amphilsoc.pastperfectonline.com/. 

Eligibility:

This fellowship is open to those who are not U.S. citizens or residents, but it does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must have a terminal graduate degree by the beginning of the fellowship term.

Stipend:

$50,000 per year for two years will be awarded to all successful applicants

Application Instructions: 

All application materials will be submitted online via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/154151). All Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum vitae;
• A sample chapter from their project or proposal if in the early stages not to exceed 25 double-space pages;
• An introductory cover letter that discusses their past work and proposed work to be completed on the fellowship;
• Three letters of recommendation that offer support of the proposed project and speak to the credentials of the applicant.

Deadline: January 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.