Research Grants

The WVRHC is not currently accepting applications for research grants.

Check back Fall 2024 for more information!

To further the West Virginia and Regional History Center’s mission of illuminating the history and culture of West Virginia and the Appalachian region, the WVRHC provides awards to scholars who wish to utilize the Center’s collections. 

Research Grants are offered to help defray expenses of scholars who must travel to use the Center’s resources in the course of their research. Grants are awarded up to $1500. Funds are paid in the form of reimbursement for travel, per diem expenses, and copy services up to the amount of the award. 

While applications to conduct research in all fields will be considered, current topics of special interest include: 

  ·West Virginia authors including Pearl S. Buck 

  ·Congressional and Political Papers 

  ·Civil War and West Virginia statehood movement 

  ·Underrepresented West Virginia communities  

  ·West Virginia economic and labor history 

  ·Women and gender studies 

  ·Folklore and folk music 

Successful applicants will be individuals with a demonstrated interest in undertaking research in important primary and secondary collections in order to produce high-quality work for both the scholarly community and the general public. 

Proposals will be evaluated on the relevance of WVRHC materials to the research question and the contribution of the research to the body of scholarship on the topic. 

Grant recipients are required to submit a brief (1-3 pages) final report summarizing their experience and anticipated outcomes within three months following their visit to the WVRHC. WVRHC Research Grant assistance must be acknowledged in all outcomes (e.g., presentations, papers and publications) to which the grant contributed, and the WVRHC requests a copy of the final product.

Grantees are limited to one award per calendar year.

To Apply: 

Fill out the application form. 

A complete application must include: 

  ·Research statement (500 words or less) that briefly summarizes your educational and professional background and describes the research you have done so far on the project, including readings in primary and secondary sources. You must also indicate how you plan to use the West Virginia and Regional History Center’s collections during your research. 

  ·Preliminary list of collection materials to be used. Please be specific–include collection number, box, and/or folders required. Consult with WVRHC reference staff as needed.

  ·Current resume or CV 

  ·Amount of request and budget detailing expenses to be covered by the grant. (Please review collection size to help determine amount of time needed on site.) 

  ·Names and contact information for two professional references that are familiar with your accomplishments and goals.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Notification of award is approximately two weeks from receipt of the application. 

If you have questions, please contact Lori Hostuttler at lohostuttler@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-1116.