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:
Project Proposal (Max. 2 pages) including:
Full name & affiliation (if any)
Title & description (max 250 words)
List of primary & secondary sources
Proposed timeline
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.





