E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellowship 2010

Applications accepted throughout 2009

In an effort to enhance the public's knowledge and understanding of the heritage of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the Nantucket Historical Association offers an annual fellowship, the E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellowship. Established in 1999, the award encourages research in the collections of the Nantucket Historical Association Research Library and is open to academics, graduate students, and independent scholars. The Nantucket Historical Association is the principal repository of Nantucket history, with extensive archives, collections of historic properties, and art and artifacts that broadly illustrate Nantucket's past. Topics of research for recent scholars have included health aboard whaleships, women at sea, scrimshaw, samplers, local artists, Nantucket's architectural heritage, Quakerism, the African-American and Cape Verdean communities, the Quaise Asylum, and abolitionism.

The E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellow resides in the Thomas Macy House, a historic property owned by the association, for up to a three-week period. Housing is available January - May and October - December 2010. NHA Visiting Research Scholars are expected to produce an article suitable for publication in the summer edition of Historic Nantucket, the NHA’s quarterly journal, and to deliver a public lecture on the subject of their research, as well as a presentation to NHA staff. Projects resulting in the publication of a book, article, conference paper, or other media, are looked upon favorably. Recipients of the award receive a stipend of $300 per week during the time in residence, for up to three weeks. Travel expenses are reimbursed for up to $600.

Send a full description of the proposed project, a curriculum vitae, the names of three references, and an estimate of anticipated time and duration of stay. Send application packet to: Ben Simons, Curator and Editor of Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, P.O. Box 1016, Nantucket, MA 02554-1016.