Scholars in Residence Program

In Partnership with the Pennsylvania State Archives

The Scholars in Residence Program supports short-term, full-time research and study in collections maintained by the Pennsylvania State Archives in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical Association. .

The Scholars in Residence Program has a four-fold purpose:

  • to promote the interpretation of Pennsylvania history;
  • to encourage research that draws upon the Pennsylvania State Archives’ collections;
  • to promote the dissemination of research findings to both the professional community of scholars and the public; and
  • to develop collegial relationships between scholars and Archives’ staff.

Stipends are awarded for a period of up to four consecutive weeks at the rate of $800 per week. Residencies may begin June 1, 2024 and must be completed by September 30, 2024.

Proposals that address the State Archives’ interest in public policy, as well as those that focus on social history, the American Revolutionary War Era, the history of people underrepresented in the state’s historical record, including but not limited to minorities and women, are encouraged.

Applicants are encouraged to identify relevant State Archives collections, assess their availability and accessibility, and discuss their research agenda with appropriate staff prior to submitting a proposal.

Because the Commission is interested in making history meaningful and accessible to diverse audiences, applicants are encouraged to develop clear plans for sharing the results of their research with both the professional community and the public at large. Research that is likely to result in widespread dissemination through non-specialized publications, films, exhibitions, and other means is welcome, as is research with implications for the development and evaluation of public policy.

How to Become a Scholar in Residence

For a full description of the residency program and application materials, as well as information about State Archives research collections, go to the PHMC Web site. Applications are due by the extended deadline, 14-March-2024 and selections made by 1-April-2024 for this coming summer.

The Pennsylvania State Archives Scholars in Residence Program is made possible by the generous financial support of The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation and the Pennsylvania Historical Association.

Meet the Previous Scholars

The Pennsylvania Historical Association showcases the work of each cohort of Scholars in Residence. Interviews and research profiles are publicly available online. Projects are often published in Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies as well.

Eligibility

The Scholars in Residence Program is open to all who are currently engaged in or who plan to conduct research on Pennsylvania history, including academic scholars, public sector professionals in history-related disciplines, independent scholars, graduate students, writers, filmmakers, and educators. The Commission does not discriminate based on sex, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation to participate in the program should contact the Pennsylvania TDD relay service at (800) 654-5984 to discuss their needs or send an email to the Scholars in Residence Program at RA-PHMCScholars@pa.gov .