Researchers seeking financial support to access unique historical collections can benefit from the various grants and fellowships offered by the Hagley Museum and Library. Through the Center for the History of Business, Technology and Society, Hagley provides funding opportunities designed to support scholars conducting research in business history, technology, innovation, politics, and related fields.

These grants and fellowships help researchers offset the costs associated with extended research visits while also providing access to a vibrant scholarly community. Whether you are exploring Hagley’s collections for the first time or conducting intensive dissertation research, there are funding opportunities available to support your academic goals.

About the Hagley Museum and Library Grants and Fellowships

The Hagley Museum and Library is renowned for preserving and providing access to extensive historical collections that document the history of business, technology, industry, innovation, and society. To encourage the use of these valuable resources, Hagley offers several grants and fellowships that provide researchers with financial assistance during their stay.

Recipients gain more than just funding. They become part of a scholarly environment that encourages collaboration, discussion, and engagement with fellow researchers and experts.

Types of Grants Available

1. Exploratory Grants

Exploratory Grants are intended for researchers who want to determine whether Hagley’s collections are suitable for a larger research project.

Key features include:

Funding for a research visit of up to one week.
Opportunity to assess the relevance of Hagley’s collections.
Ideal for scholars considering a longer-term research project.
Can serve as a stepping stone toward a larger research grant application.

Researchers who initially receive an Exploratory Grant may later apply for a more extensive research grant if their preliminary visit demonstrates that the collections are highly relevant to their work.

2. Henry Belin du Pont Research Grants

The Henry Belin du Pont Research Grant is designed for researchers requiring more intensive use of Hagley’s collections.

Key features include:

Funding support for research visits lasting up to eight weeks.
Intended for substantial and in-depth research projects.
Supports scholars conducting extensive archival investigations.
Enables deeper engagement with Hagley’s historical resources.

This grant is particularly beneficial for academics whose projects require prolonged access to primary source materials.

Dissertation Fellowships for Advanced Graduate Students

Advanced graduate students pursuing dissertation research may apply for specialized fellowship opportunities.

1. Brandywine Dissertation Fellowship

The Brandywine Dissertation Fellowship provides support for doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research.

Benefits include:

Four-month fellowship period.
Dedicated time to conduct focused research.
Access to Hagley’s collections and scholarly community.
Opportunities for professional development and academic engagement.

2. Louis Galambos National Fellowship in Business and Politics

The Louis Galambos National Fellowship in Business and Politics supports advanced dissertation research in areas related to business and politics.

Benefits include:

Nine-month fellowship duration.
Extended support for comprehensive dissertation research.
Access to valuable archival materials.
Opportunities to interact with scholars working on related topics.

Benefits of Conducting Research at Hagley

Grant and fellowship recipients become active members of the Hagley Center’s intellectual community.

Participants may benefit from:

Scholarly Feedback Opportunities

Researchers can present works-in-progress during the Center’s brown bag lunch series, where Hagley staff and fellow scholars provide constructive feedback and discussion.

Podcast Participation

Recipients may share insights about their projects through the Hagley History Hangout podcast, helping to increase the visibility of their research.

Publication Opportunities

Researchers may contribute articles and research reflections to Hagley’s Collections and Research News platform.

Scholar Housing Community

Recipients have opportunities to interact with fellow scholars residing in Hagley’s on-site housing, fostering collaboration and networking.

Academic Events

Researchers are encouraged to participate in:

Author talks
Research seminars
Scholarly workshops
Special library events

These activities enrich the overall research experience and create opportunities for meaningful professional connections.

Application Requirements

All applicants must clearly address the following areas in their applications:

1. Contribution to Scholarship

Applicants should explain:

The significance of their research.
How their work contributes new knowledge to existing scholarship.
The academic impact of their proposed project.

2. Relevance of Hagley Collections

Applicants must demonstrate:

How Hagley’s collections support their research objectives.
Why access to Hagley materials is necessary for their project.
The specific resources they intend to use.

Important Application Advice

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Hagley Library staff before submitting an application.

Doing so can help researchers:

Identify relevant collections.
Determine whether Hagley materials support their research.
Strengthen their applications.
Better prepare for their proposed visit.

Applicants are also encouraged to review previous researcher contributions in Collections and Research News and listen to episodes of the Hagley History Hangout podcast to learn how other scholars have successfully used Hagley’s resources.

Application Deadlines

Exploratory Grants and Henry Belin du Pont Research Grants

Applications are reviewed three times each year.

Deadlines:

March 31
June 30
October 31

Applicants can expect a decision within approximately 45 days after each deadline.

Fellowship Deadlines

Louis Galambos National Fellowship in Business and Politics

Deadline: February 1

Brandywine Dissertation Fellowship

Deadline: March 31

Applicants should review the specific fellowship requirements before submitting their applications.

Why These Opportunities Matter

The Hagley Museum and Library Grants and Fellowships provide researchers with more than financial assistance. They offer access to world-class historical collections, opportunities for scholarly engagement, professional networking, and a supportive research environment.

For scholars studying business history, technology, politics, innovation, industry, and related fields, these funding opportunities can significantly enhance the quality and impact of their research.

Researchers interested in utilizing Hagley’s collections are encouraged to prepare their applications early and ensure they clearly demonstrate the relevance and scholarly value of their proposed projects.

APPLY HERE

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

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