Charles E. Peterson Fellowship of the Buildings of the United States and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia

Purpose
In a joint program with the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, the Society of Architectural Historians is pleased to offer an annual fellowship that will support the participation of a graduate student in the research and writing for a volume in the Buildings of the United States (BUS) series and/or SAH Archipedia, the Society’s online architectural resource. This fellowship was established in 2008 in honor of Charles E. Peterson, FAIA, founder of the Historic American Buildings Survey. The recipient will research some aspect of American architecture prior to 1860, which he/she may choose from a list of topics provided by authors of forthcoming BUS books. The prize will be presented at the Society's annual conference in April and will be announced in the SAH Newsletter following the conference.

The Award
The committee will award the fellowship by February 1, 2019, at which time the recipient will choose from the pre-defined list of available topics. The fellowship grant of $2,500 will be contingent upon the recipient's completion of the project, which is expected to require 150 hours of work. A portion of the award ($500) will be paid in early June to cover the recipient's immediate expenses. The balance of the award ($2,000) will be payable upon completion of the project. The completed project must be submitted to SAH by August 31, 2019.

Criteria for Application
The fellowship is intended for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in art or architectural history, architectural design, urban planning, historic preservation, landscape architecture, American studies, or related disciplines. Preference will be given to SAH members. The successful applicant does not need to reside in Philadelphia, although the Athenaeum will be glad to have the fellowship recipient use its collections. Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of BUS/SAH Archipedia editors and authors. You do not have to be a member of SAH to apply for this fellowship, but membership is encouraged.

Application Details
Applicants must submit the following:

  • Cover letter discussing their research interests and professional goals
  • CV or resumé
  • Brief writing sample (5–10 pages)
  • Letter of recommendation from an advisor or principal professor

 

The application deadline is January 2, 2019.