Mellon Scholars Program at the Library Company of Philadelphia’s Program in African American History

The Mellon Scholars Research Fellowship Program promotes research in the Library Company’s collections to enhance the production of scholarly work in African American history of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

The stipend is $50,000 for the academic year (September 1 through May 31). Applicants may be citizens of any country, and they must hold a PhD by September 1 of the year of residency.

Applications for 2025–26 Fellowships will open later this year.

Application procedures for Fellowships

Eligible candidates may apply for both a short-term and either a dissertation or post-doctoral fellowship. To apply, go to the application page; fill out an online coversheet and upload a single PDF document containing a brief résumé and a two- to four-page description of the proposed research. Applicants for short-term fellowships should also have one letter of recommendation sent under separate cover in PDF format. Applicants for post-doctoral and dissertation fellowships should include a writing sample of no more than 25 pages and should have two letters of reference sent under separate cover in PDF format. If you wish to apply for more than one fellowship, simply check more than one box on your electronic cover sheet. For general information about the Library Company’s fellowship program, contact James Green via telephone (215) 546-3181, fax (215) 546-5167, or e-mail jgreen@librarycompany.org. For more information about the Mellon Scholars Program, contact Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens, Program Director, at paahdirector@librarycompany.org.

Application procedures for Internships and Workshop

Eligible candidates may apply for both the workshop and the internship. If you wish to apply for more than one summer program, simply check more than one box on your electronic cover sheet. To apply:

• Go to the application page; fill out an online coversheet and upload a single PDF document containing a résumé and a 2-4 page personal statement describing future goals and how the internship or workshop would further those goals.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work should be sent to fellowships@librarycompany.org.
• In addition, official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) school transcripts should be mailed to: Library Company of Philadelphia, Attn: Mellon Scholars Internship and Workshop Committee, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Following the application deadline, select internship and workshop applicants will be contacted to schedule a short Skype interview. For more information about the Mellon Scholars Program and application guidelines, contact Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens, Program Director.