Applications are now being accepted for the first Tom and Dolores Bruce Historical Research Fellowship.
Initially established as a gift by Dr. Tom Bruce and matched by the Central Arkansas Library System, the research fellowship was renamed in 2017 to honor Dr. and Mrs. Bruce after Dr. Bruce’s death. The fellowship assists researchers, scholars, graduate students, and documentary producers who use materials from at least two of the following institutions: the Arkansas State Archives, the CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, the Historical Research Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Center for Arkansas History and Culture.
The award of $1,000 is to be used to offset the costs of research, including reproduction of materials, travel, or lodging. Any Arkansas history topic is allowed but applicants are encouraged to consider under-studied topics.
Applicants must submit a 250-word abstract of the proposal; a letter describing prospects for public accessibility of the finished work; expressions of interest from prospective publishers, media outlets, or, in the case of web-based and curriculum materials, likely users; the applicant’s resume; the names and contact information of three references who may be asked to write letters of support; a projected timeline; an estimated budget; and a preliminary list of collections to be used at the archival institutions.
Deadline for submission is May 15. The recipient will be notified by June 1 and will have until July 1 to accept or decline the award. Upon acceptance of the award, recipients will be expected to sign an award letter affirming that they will follow expense and reimbursement guidelines.
To receive reimbursements, documentation will be required. Recipients will be expected to report how funds were used within six months of visiting archival facilities.
Applications should be submitted to Brian Robertson at the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies under the Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, AR 72201. For more information, email brianr@cals.org or call 501-320-5723.
