The J. Franklin Jameson Fellowship in American History was offered annually by the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress and the American Historical Association to support significant scholarly research in the collections of the Library of Congress by scholars at an early stage in their careers in history. The fellowship was named in honor of J. Franklin Jameson, a founder of the Association, longtime managing editor of the American Historical Review, formerly chief of the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress, and the first incumbent of the library’s chair of American history. It was designed to assist scholars early in their careers.
Eligibility
At the time of application, applicants must have held the PhD or equivalent and must have received this degree within the past seven years. The fellowship was not awarded to complete a doctoral dissertation.
Research Project
The applicant’s project in American history had to be one for which the general and special collections of the Library of Congress offer unique research support. Applicants needed to include a statement substantiating this relationship.
Duration
The fellowship was awarded for two to three months to spend in full-time residence at the Library of Congress. Winners were notified in June and could take residency at their discretion any time until August of the following year. Working space was provided at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.
Other Requirements
Before the conclusion of the fellowship, the Jameson Fellow summarized the results of his or her research at a professional gathering arranged by the American Historical Association and the Library of Congress. Jameson Fellows were not required to complete their projects during the tenure of the fellowship, nor need they necessarily publish their results as a discrete work.
Stipend
The stipend of $5,000 was supported by the American Historical Association and the Library of Congress. It included travel expenses, and was paid by the AHA during your period of residence. The fellowship income was classified as stipendiary; there were no provisions for paying fringe benefits or withholding taxes.
Selection
Selection was by a committee of the American Historical Association, in consultation with designated officers of the Library of Congress, who advised the committee on the strength of library holdings to sustain the research project. The AHA encouraged nontenured faculty, public historians, independent scholars, and two-year faculty to apply.