The E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellowship promotes study of the history of Nantucket and provides access to the collections of the NHA Research Library. Fellows receive a stiped of up to $900, travel reimbursement up to $600, and accommodations for a maximum of three weeks in residency at the NHA. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2025.
About the Award
In an effort to enhance the public’s knowledge and understanding of the heritage of Nantucket, Mass., the Nantucket Historical Association offers an annual fellowship, the E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellowship. Established in 1999, the award encourages research in the collections of the Nantucket Historical Association Research Library and is open to academics, graduate students, and independent scholars.
The Nantucket Historical Association is the principal repository of Nantucket history, with extensive archives, collections of historic properties, and art and artifacts that broadly illustrate Nantucket’s past. Topics of research for recent scholars have included health aboard whaleships, women at sea, scrimshaw, samplers, local artists, Nantucket’s architectural heritage, Quakerism, the African-American and Cape Verdean communities, the Quaise Asylum, and abolitionism.
Award Overview and Requirements
The E. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Thayer Verney Fellow will commit to a research residency of up to three weeks during March–May or September–December. The fellow also agrees to participate in the intellectual life of the association, including delivering a public presentation on their research topic and preparing an article suitable for publication in Historic Nantucket.
The Verney Fellow receives a stipend of $300 per week during their time in residence, for up to three weeks. Travel expenses are reimbursed up to $600. Additionally, housing is available at the Thomas Macy House, a historic property owned by the association, during the three-week period.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials:
A project proposal (up to 1,000 words), including a description of the project and its significance, a description of the anticipated research outcomes and audiences, and the specific materials in the NHA’s collection that the applicant wishes to consult and their relevance to the project.
A current curriculum vitae.
Proposed dates of travel.
Research topics should be strongly supported by the Nantucket Historical Association’s collections. We encourage prospective applicants to email the NHA Research Library reference desk to discuss their research project and the collections that might support it before submitting an application.
Applications or inquiries may be sent to:
Verney Fellowship Nantucket Historical Association PO Box 1016 Nantucket, MA 02554
