Capitol Fellowship Program
U.S. Capitol Historical Society
Award: $2,500–$30,000
Deadline: Mar 15, 2026
To provide financial support to scholars researching important topics in the art and architectural history of the United States Capitol Complex. Qualifications: Applicants must be graduate students enrolled in a degree program in art or architectural history, American history, American studies, museum studies, or decorative arts, and scholars with a proven record of research and publication. Selection criteria: Applications will be judged on the qualifications of the applicant, the significance of the topic, the degree of need for the proposed research, the feasibility of the research plan, and the likelihood that the research will lead to publication; the selection committee will be composed of the Curator for the Architect of the Capitol, a representative of the United States Capitol Historical Society, and a third expert; the final selection will be approved by the President of the United States Capitol Historical Society and the Architect of the Capitol. How to apply: Applicants must submit online application form; must include: a curriculum vitae or resume; transcripts of graduate work (as appropriate); two supporting letters (one from graduate advisor where applicable); dates for which the fellowship is requested, with estimated time period for each phase of the proposed research; list of expected sources of income during the proposed period; research proposal (maximum 5 pages) justifying the importance of the topic to understanding the history of the art and architecture of the Capitol and detailing the relevant resources to be used in the records of the Architect of the Capitol, National Archives, Library of Congress, etc.; a brief report of accomplishments must be submitted to the Architect of the Capitol and to the United States Capitol Historical Society at the end of the fellowship period; copies of the final written paper and any resulting publications must also be submitted. Focus: Art history; History, American; Museum science; United States studies.