George Washington Presidential Library Research Fellowships 2027–2028 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the George Washington Presidential Library Research Fellowships 2027–2028. This prestigious residential fellowship provides scholars from around the world with the opportunity to conduct advanced research using the extensive collections of the George Washington Presidential Library, located at George Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, approximately 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.

The fellowship supports researchers studying the early American period, particularly the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Fellows are given uninterrupted time to conduct research while enjoying access to one of the leading collections of manuscripts, rare books, archives, and historical resources related to early American history.

Whether you are an academic, graduate student, independent scholar, museum professional, or public historian, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to deepen your research, collaborate with fellow scholars, and contribute to new knowledge about America's founding era. In addition to generous stipends, successful applicants receive free on-campus housing and travel support, allowing them to focus entirely on their research during their residency.

About the Fellowship

The George Washington Presidential Library Research Fellowship is designed to encourage original scholarship by providing researchers with access to the Washington Library's exceptional collections. The library houses thousands of rare books, manuscripts, maps, personal papers, historical documents, photographs, and archival materials covering numerous aspects of early American political, military, social, cultural, and economic history.

Researchers are encouraged to explore the online catalogs before applying to determine how the library's collections can strengthen their proposed projects. Fellows spend between one and six months conducting independent research while benefiting from the expertise of librarians, archivists, and subject specialists.

Beyond providing access to valuable historical resources, the fellowship creates an intellectually stimulating environment where scholars can exchange ideas, attend library events, and engage with others working on related historical topics. The programme has become an important platform for advancing research on George Washington, the American Revolution, the Founding Era, and the broader history of early America.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Residential fellowship lasting one, three, or six months.
• Free housing on the Washington Library campus throughout the fellowship.
• Research stipend based on fellowship duration:
  • USD 3,000 for one-month fellowships.
  • USD 10,000 for three-month fellowships.
  • USD 20,000 for six-month fellowships.
• Round-trip airfare or mileage reimbursement of up to USD 1,000.
• Full access to the George Washington Presidential Library collections.
• Assistance from experienced librarians and archival staff.
• Opportunity to conduct focused research in a world-class historical research environment.
• Networking opportunities with historians and researchers from different disciplines.

The financial support enables fellows to dedicate their time to research without the burden of major living or travel expenses.

Research Areas

The fellowship supports projects related to the early American period, particularly topics connected to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Research may include:

• George Washington and his legacy.
• The American Revolution.
• Colonial America.
• Early United States political history.
• Military history.
• Social and cultural history.
• Economic history.
• Slavery and freedom.
• Material culture.
• Decorative arts.
• Preservation studies.
• Public history.
• Early American literature and intellectual history.
• Museum and archival research.

Interdisciplinary projects that make significant use of the library's collections are also encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to both U.S. citizens and international applicants.

Eligible applicants include:

• University faculty members.
• Academic researchers.
• Public historians.
• Independent scholars.
• Curators.
• Museum professionals.
• Material culture specialists.
• Decorative arts professionals.
• Preservationists.
• Graduate students conducting advanced research.

Applicants should propose a research project that will substantially benefit from the Washington Library's collections and resources. Prior experience with archival research is advantageous but not mandatory.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A completed online application.
• A research proposal of no more than six double-spaced pages describing:
  • The research project.
  • The objectives of the fellowship.
  • Expected research outcomes.
  • How the library's collections will support the project.
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare clear, well-organized proposals that demonstrate the scholarly importance of their project and explain why residency at the Washington Library is essential.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Scholarly quality of the proposed research.
• Originality and significance of the research project.
• Relevance of the proposal to the Washington Library's collections.
• Feasibility of completing the proposed work during the fellowship period.
• Applicant's academic or professional background.
• Strength of recommendation letters.

Preference is given to projects that make substantial use of the library's unique archival and manuscript collections.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Review the George Washington Presidential Library's online research collections and catalogs.
2. Prepare a detailed research proposal explaining your project and expected outcomes.
3. Update your Curriculum Vitae or résumé.
4. Arrange for two referees to submit letters of recommendation.
5. Complete the online fellowship application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials early, particularly the research proposal and recommendation letters.