Dooley Distinguished Research Fellowships 2026: Funded On-Site Research Opportunity at the Georgia Historical Society for PhD Scholars & Independent Researchers

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has opened applications for the 2026 Dooley Distinguished Research Fellowships. This program is designed to support scholars from outside the Savannah area who need to conduct on-site research in the vast collections of the Georgia Historical Society.

Selected fellows will receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to offset travel and living expenses while conducting their research. If you are a doctoral candidate or an independent researcher working in the field of American history, this is a prime opportunity to access one of the oldest history collections in the nation. The deadline to apply is January 3, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Research Scope: What Can You Access?

Research Fellows gain privileged access to the GHS Research Center. The collection includes: Manuscripts & Photographs: Rare primary source documents. Architectural Drawings & Maps: Thousands of historical maps and blueprints. Rare Books: Both rare and non-rare historical texts. Artifacts & Portraits: Unique physical items from Georgia’s history.

Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is intended for serious scholars residing outside the immediate area. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must live outside the Savannah area.
• Academic Status: Open to Doctoral Candidates (ABD), Recent Ph.D.s, College/University Professors, and Independent Researchers. (Preference is given to doctoral students and recent Ph.D.s).
• Field of Study: Your research must be in the field of American History.
• Ineligible Projects: Genealogy projects, church history projects, and researchers-for-hire are not eligible. Undergraduates and Master's students are also ineligible.

Application Requirements

To apply, you must submit a complete package online. Ensure you have the following ready:

1. Project Proposal: A detailed description (max 4 pages) including:
   • Project Title.
   • Specific GHS materials you intend to consult.
   • Expected outcome (dissertation, book, article, etc.).
   • Explanation of why GHS collections are essential to your work.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Two Letters of Recommendation: Confidential letters from faculty or scholars familiar with your research.

Fellowship Obligations

If selected, you are expected to: Conduct Research: Spend a maximum of two weeks on-site (dates determined by GHS, typically in May). Outreach: Write a ~500-word blog post about your project for the GHS website. Acknowledgment: Cite the Georgia Historical Society and the fellowship in your final publication and deposit a copy of the work with the GHS Research Center.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the GHS online portal by January 3, 2026. Letters of recommendation should also be submitted by this date.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for Dooley Research Fellowship