Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships 2026 – USA | $5,000 Partial Funding

The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) invites applications for the 2026 Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships. This prestigious program supports original and scholarly research into the lesser-known aspects of Missouri’s history and culture.

Open to both independent researchers and academic scholars, each fellowship awards a $5,000 stipend to support the completion of a scholarly essay (8,000–10,000 words) based on original research.

“These fellowships encourage us to uncover the lessons hidden in Missouri’s rich history by examining it through fresh, interdisciplinary perspectives.”
— Gary Kremer, SHSMO Executive Director

Country: United States
Host Institution: U.S. Universities
Program: Fellowship in Missouri Studies
Funding: Partial – $5,000 Stipend
Eligible Applicants: International & Domestic Students
Application Deadline: September 2, 2025
Announcement Date: May 26, 2025

Objectives of the Fellowship

• Promote original research on Missouri’s historical and cultural landscape

• Encourage interdisciplinary scholarship across fields like history, politics, science, business, and sociology

• Shed light on underrepresented topics in Missouri history

Submissions must include:

• Primary source research

• Strong command of relevant secondary literature

• Proper academic referencing (Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition)

Degree Level

• Fellowship (Non-degree academic research opportunity)

Available Field of Study

• Missouri Studies

Fellowship Benefits

• $5,000 research stipend

• Access to SHSMO’s research resources

• Opportunity for public presentation of findings

• Consideration for publication in the Missouri Historical Review

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to all nationalities and welcomes applications from:

• Academic scholars

• Independent researchers

• Individuals regardless of age, academic rank, or nationality

Research must center on Missouri’s history or culture.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: May 1, 2025

• Fellowship Topics Announced: Before May 1, 2025

• Application Deadline: September 2, 2025

• Fellows Announced: December 15, 2025

• Research & Writing Period: January–December 2026

• Public Presentation: Date to be arranged post-award

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Project Proposal (Max. 2 pages) including:

   • Full name & affiliation (if any)

   • Title & description (max 250 words)

   • List of primary & secondary sources

   • Proposed timeline

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Max. 2 pages) highlighting qualifications

How to Apply

Choose one of the following methods:

Email:
Send to: contact@shsmo.org
Subject line: “The Center Fellowship”

Post:
The State Historical Society of Missouri
605 Elm Street
Columbia, MO 65201
USA

Online:
Visit the official SHSMO website and fill out the application form.

Final Thoughts

The Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships 2026 offer a unique platform to bring untold Missouri stories to life. Whether you’re an emerging scholar, a seasoned academic, or an independent historian, this opportunity empowers you to contribute meaningful research that reshapes our understanding of Missouri’s past.

Ready to uncover the hidden narratives of Missouri’s history? Apply now and make your mark.