Andrew W. Mellon Predoctoral Fellowships in Women’s History 2026: $20,000 Award for PhD Students at the New-York Historical Society

The New-York Historical Society has announced the 2026-2027 Mellon Foundation Predoctoral Awards in Women’s History. This prestigious fellowship is designed for advanced PhD candidates who have a strong interest in women's and public history.

Selected fellows will receive a stipend of $25,000 (an increase from previous years) for an academic year of part-time residency. Unlike typical research fellowships, this program introduces scholars to public history work outside the academy, such as exhibition development and curriculum creation. The deadline to apply is January 11, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Program Scope: What Will You Do?

This fellowship is unique because it is not just about writing your dissertation. You will function as a research associate for the Center for Women's History. Your work will directly support the museum's mission.

• Exhibition Work: Assist in developing content for women's history exhibitions.
• Public History: Help create educational curriculum and on-site experiences for students and scholars.
• Skill Building: Learn to harness academic skills like research and writing to serve a broad public audience.

Note: The work you do for the museum may not directly correspond with your dissertation topic. This is a professional development opportunity in public history.

Eligibility Criteria

The New-York Historical Society is looking for scholars ready to bridge the gap between academia and the public. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Enrollment: You must be currently enrolled in a relevant PhD program in the humanities.
• Status: You must be a student in good standing.
• Interests: You should have a demonstrated strong interest in the fields of women's history and public history.
• Residency: You must be available to be in residence (part-time) at the New-York Historical Society in New York City for the duration of the fellowship.

Application Requirements

To apply, you will need to submit a comprehensive application packet via the online portal. Ensure you have the following ready:

1. Project Statement (2-3 Pages): Outline your scholarly goals and propose a potential public history project focused on women's history. Explain how the Society's resources are critical to your work.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Transcript: An unofficial graduate school transcript.
4. Writing Sample: A short sample of no more than 3,000 words or ten pages.
5. Recommendations: Three (3) letters of recommendation.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online via Interfolio. The deadline is strictly January 11, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute to request your recommendation letters.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for NYHistory Fellowships