
APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE NOW OPEN!
Please direct questions to LegacyResearchFellows@mnhs.org.
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to once again offer financial support to researchers through the Gale Family Library Legacy Research Fellowships. Eligibility is open to any Minnesota scholar who is engaged in Minnesota-related research/scholarship that draws on Gale Family Library resources and collections, and that adds to the body of knowledge and interpretation of Minnesota’s history (pre- and post-statehood) and culture.
Independent scholars and researchers (defined as not eligible for funding through employment at academic institutions) are eligible to apply. Applicants of diverse backgrounds and voices and those focusing on lesser-known and underrepresented topics are especially encouraged. We are encouraging proposals for projects that make connections between past experiences and the times in which we currently live.
The best applications will clearly identify which Gale Family Library resources and collections will be used and discuss how they will support the project plan. Librarians are happy to help you prepare your application by answering questions regarding our collections, available resources, and services at reference@mnhs.org (please allow plenty of lead time for response). For assistance with substantive issues related to the Legacy Research Fellowship Program, such as whether or not the research proposed is responsive to the solicitation, contact LegacyResearchFellows@mnhs.org.
We will choose awardees based on these demonstrated criteria:
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding your interest in the Legacy Research Fellowship Program by emailing LegacyResearchFellows@mnhs.org
No awardees in 2021 due to circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q: Should I apply for a fellowship or a Legacy Grant? What is the difference between this fellowship and Legacy Grants?
A: Legacy Research Fellowships are for independent scholars. MNHS considers “independent scholars” to be individuals seeking support outside of traditional academic settings, who are not employed as, or seeking to be employed as, full-time academic faculty or graduate student. Appropriate applicants may include scholars, journalists, writers, filmmakers, public historians, and other humanists. Fellowships are available to graduate students and to historians and independent scholars who are not affiliated as employees of scholarly institutions or other nonprofit organizations. (The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants program is available to researchers who can apply through sponsoring organizations.) Applicants must be Minnesota residents.
Q: Are fellows considered employees of MNHS?
A: No, they are considered visiting fellows. However, in addition to the award, fellows are provided with parking at the History Center and a photocopying budget.
Q: What is the requirement for an article?
A: Recognizing that not all fellowships will immediately result in completed work, it is required that fellows write an article based on their research.. This article must be submitted and accepted before the final fellowship payment is made. If an article will be produced for MNopedia, the topic will be agreed on by the fellow and the MNopedia editorial team.
Q: What if I have additional questions?
A: Please direct questions about the Legacy Research Fellowship or application process to LegacyResearchFellows@mnhs.org.
Questions about the Gale Family Library and its collections should be directed to reference@mnhs.org