FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18^th, 2025

CONTACT: Kevin Larsen, Media Coordinator, 605-773-6000, kevin.larsen@state.sd.us

Applications open for Whitlock Research Fellowship

PIERRE, S.D.— The South Dakota State Historical Society is currently accepting applications for the Whitlock Research Fellowship. Fellows will be awarded funds to facilitate research with the museum and archival collections of the South Dakota State Historical Society. The society will distribute $3,000 among one to three individuals, and funds may be used for travel and lodging expenses and research-related fees.

Fellows will be in residence at the society for at least one week during the year following June 9, 2025. Recipients are invited to meet with staff to workshop manuscript ideas and proposals. Within two years of the award date, fellows must submit an article manuscript to the State Historical Society’s quarterly journal, South Dakota History, or a book proposal to South Dakota Historical Society Press for possible publication.

Applicants need not be academic historians; all levels of researchers are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to early career scholars and graduate students, and to those researching emerging topics and understudied aspects of South Dakota’s history.

Please note that award of the fellowship does not guarantee publication of any material by the South Dakota Historical Society Press.

To apply, please email your application to SDHS Press Director Dr. Dedra McDonald Birzer, Dedra.Birzer@state.sd.us. The application period ends March 15, 2025.

About the South Dakota State Historical Society

The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution since 2013, is headquartered in Pierre. For questions or memberships, call 605-773-3458 or visit https://history.sd.gov/ for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call 605-394-1936 for more information.