Study in USA | Harvard University Houghton Library Fellowship 2026
Harvard University’s Houghton Library, known for its comprehensive rare book and manuscript collections, has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Visiting Fellowship Program. This initiative targets scholars, doctoral candidates, curators, and independent researchers eager to conduct in-depth research on a variety of subjects.
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for international applicants to delve into Houghton’s extensive archives, which include significant works that cover a range of topics such as Indigenous music from the colonial era, 18th-century theatre, and early Black histories. Researchers interested in these areas are encouraged to apply, as the program aims to foster innovative studies and discoveries that can contribute to the understanding of these crucial subjects.
This fellowship not only supports individual research projects but also positions scholars within a vibrant academic community at Harvard, allowing for collaboration and exchange of ideas among peers. If you have a project that aligns with Houghton’s specialties, this could be an excellent chance to access rare materials and enhance your research.
About the Visiting Houghton Library Fellowship
This prestigious fellowship provides researchers with the chance to:
- Perform detailed research on the collections of Houghton Library.
- Work alongside Harvard’s knowledgeable team.
- Engage deeply in the academic and intellectual atmosphere of Harvard University.
- Fellows receive exclusive access to Harvard’s library system and can participate in the university’s academic discussions through exhibitions, lectures, and publications.
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Stipend: $4,500 for each fellowship (residency lasting four weeks)
- Visa Assistance: J-1 visa sponsorship for global fellows
- Research Access: Utilization of Harvard’s libraries and archives
- Networking: Connect with an international group of researchers and engage in community events.
Eligibility Requirement
The fellowship is available to:
- PhD and post-PhD researchers
- Scholars, curators, and professionals in libraries, archives, and museums.
- Autonomous researchers across all fields
- Candidates of all nationalities (J-1 visa needed for non-U.S. residents)
Particular support is offered to:
- Females
- Black, Indigenous, and additional People of Color (BIPOC)
- First-generation students
- Researchers who have disabilities
Note: Researchers residing within a commuting distance from Harvard are typically not eligible.
Areas of Study
With 15 funded fellowships available, potential research areas could encompass:
- Performing Arts and Dance
- Publishing and the History of Books
- Black Diaspora Research (1500–1800)
- U.S. History & Theatre
- Graphic Arts, Music, and Written Works
- Sex and Gender in the Arts
Theodore Roosevelt and Samuel Johnson Research \Every fellow will be paired with the most suitable fellowship according to their proposal.
Requirements for Chosen Fellows
- On-location Residency: 4 weeks from July 2026 to June 2027
- Deliverables: A written report that encapsulates research conducted at Houghton.
- Travel and lodging: Independently planned and financed.
- Visa: The applicant is responsible for the J-1 visa and associated expenses.
- Fellowship Gap Policy: A 5-year interval between awards for returning fellows.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
- The application portal for the Houghton Library Visiting Fellowships for 2026–2027 is now available.
- The final date to submit applications is January 16, 2026.
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