Fellowships
Important information for 2026-2027 Fellowship Cycle
The Fellowship Programs
The Massachusetts Historical Society now offers multiple awards to scholars who need to use its library and archival collections. The research projects that the MHS supports through its fellowship programs produce cutting-edge historical scholarship. In addition, the MHS facilitates the visits of scholars in residence at the MHS through the support of other funding agencies. Awards are open to all applicants, including but not limited to graduate students, senior scholars, adjunct faculty, and independent researchers.
Each year, in addition to more than 20 short-term fellowships, the Society helps to provide around 24 New England Regional Fellowship Consortium grants for projects that draw on the resources of 30 participating research and cultural institutions.
During their residence, MHS Research Fellows become part of a scholarly community that includes other current fellows, MHS staff, Boston-area scholars, and former fellows. They have the opportunity to present their own research, attend seminars, and join MHS staff and other fellows for weekly coffees.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Assistant Director of Research, Cassie Cloutier (ccloutier@masshist.org), with any questions or concerns. Please also refer to our FAQ.
MHS Short-term Fellowships
The MHS awards over 20 short-term fellowships annually, each of which provides a stipend for four weeks of research at the Society. Several of these fellowships are for research in specific topics or collections. Most stipends are $3,000. Awards are open to advanced graduate students as well as scholars who have completed their professional training.
Suzanne and Caleb Loring Fellowship
Each year, the MHS and the Boston Athenaeum offer one Suzanne and Caleb Loring Fellowship on the Civil War, Its Origins, and Consequences, which carries a stipend of $6,000. The recipient will conduct research for at least four weeks at each institution. Learn more.
New England Regional Fellowship Consortium
This collaboration of 30 major research institutions, will offer at least two dozen awards in the June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027 application cycle. Each grant will provide a stipend of $5,000 for a minimum of six weeks of research at participating institutions. Learn more.
MHS-NEH Long-term Fellowships
The MHS-NEH fellowship will not be offered during the 2026-2027 fellowship cycle. Learn more about past recipients here.
Publications: Our Legacy of Scholarship
Since 1985, the MHS has awarded more than 1,000 fellowships. These research projects have resulted in more than 470 publications, including more than 160 books!
Researchers Funded by Other Agencies
The MHS has been pleased to welcome researchers whose tenure has been underwritten by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), Fulbright Fellowship Program, and Germany's Deutscher Akademischer Austasch Dienst (DAAD).
Fellows Alumni
The MHS continues to maintain professional relationships with, and extend benefits to, former fellows. Many alumni choose to support the mission of the Society by returning to the MHS to deliver programs or serve on committees.
