Center for Missouri Studies USA Fellowships 2026
The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships, an annual educational initiative that supports original research into underexplored areas of Missouri history and culture. Open to both academic and independent scholars, this competitive fellowship program offers a $5,000 stipend to support the creation of a scholarly essay ranging between 8,000–10,000 words.
As SHSMO Executive Director Gary Kremer notes, these fellowships "encourage us to take notice of the lessons that can be found when we look at our past in new ways and in new places, such as at the intersection of business and sociology or history and science."
Fellowship Goals
The Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships are designed to:
- Promote original research into Missouri’s past
- Encourage interdisciplinary scholarship
- Highlight lesser-known histories, including the intersections of politics, business, culture, science, and society in Missouri
The essays must reflect significant use of primary sources, a strong grasp of relevant secondary literature, and proper academic citation using The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition.
Degree Level
Center for Missouri Studies USA Fellowships 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at USA Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Missouri Studies
Benefits
- $5,000 stipend per fellowship
- Research support from SHSMO resources
- Opportunity to present findings publicly
- Essays considered for publication in the Missouri Historical Review (though not guaranteed)
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to both independent researchers and academic scholars
- No restriction based on age, academic rank, or nationality
- Research must be focused on Missouri’s history or culture
Application Procedure
Timeline for the 2026 Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships
- May 1, 2025 – Application period opens
- Prior to May 1, 2025 – Fellowship topics for 2026 announced
- September 2, 2025 – Application deadline
- December 15, 2025 – Fellowship recipients announced
- January–December 2026 – Research and writing period (essay completion required within this calendar year)
- Date TBD (Post-award) – Public presentation opportunity arranged with SHSMO
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- A proposal (maximum 2 pages) containing:
- Full name and institutional affiliation (if applicable)
- Title of proposed research
- 250-word description of the project
- List of key primary and secondary sources
- Proposed timeline for completion
- A 2-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) that demonstrates the applicant’s qualifications and ability to complete the proposed project.
How to Apply?
Applications can be submitted either:
- By email to: contact@shsmo.org
- (Use subject line: “The Center Fellowship”)
- Or by post to:
- The State Historical Society of Missouri
- 605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Alternatively, candidates may also complete the online form available on the SHSMO website.
Final Thoughts
The Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for scholars to delve into Missouri’s rich and often overlooked historical narratives. With financial backing, publication possibilities, and a supportive academic environment, these fellowships empower researchers to tell meaningful stories that deepen our understanding of Missouri’s role in American history.
Whether you're an independent scholar, graduate researcher, or tenured professor, this is a call to explore Missouri's past through new lenses — and share it with the world.
