| Key dates | |
| Application portal opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Optional draft review deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Applications due | January 15, 2027 |
| Decisions announced | By April 1, 2027 |
| Fellowship dates for completion | September 1, 2027–August 31, 2028 |
Academic Programs staff are available to review draft application narratives received from applicants before December 1. Feedback will be sent in reply by mid-December. Please email Academic Programs to inquire about a review request.
When I originally applied, [library staff] gave me a few additional library items to study that helped me round out my research plan. The feedback on my proposal offered by [Program staff] also helped me to develop those plans… (T)his… pre-application consultation prepared me well for the fellowship.
Brigitte Bailey, Short-Term Fellow, 2020-21
Components
Application form and category
If you apply for a Postdoctoral or Dissertation Fellowship that is not awarded, we will also automatically consider your application for a Short-Term Fellowship, unless you opt out of that consideration.
Essay
Upload an application essay of no more than 1,500 words (PDF only) that provides a concise overview of your project. Address the following questions:
- What ideas, questions, or problems guide your project?
- What is distinctive about your project? How does it complement, expand, or challenge prior study in the field? Please be specific about prior scholarship that informs your work.
- What will you do at Winterthur, and why is a fellowship at Winterthur necessary for successful completion of your project? How do you intend to study, question, and examine the Winterthur collections in service of your project? Please outline any specific needs or requests (ex. drawing, measuring, photography).
Bibliography of Winterthur Sources (PDF; 2 pages maximum)
List the sources you plan to use at Winterthur during your fellowship. We are particularly interested in any library special collections or museum objects you might use. If you are selected, we will work with you to create a plan of work to access these collections.
- Library sources: Use WinterCat to search the collections and include the title, date, and any call number.
- Museum objects: Search the Museum Collection Digital Database and list no more than 20 museum objects as examples of what you would most likely wish to consult (if selected for a fellowship we will consult with you again to create a plan of work). You may group objects by type, e.g., English transferware jugs made between 1750-1775, rather than naming 20 individual objects. Otherwise, please list a call number/object number for each object (ex. glass pitcher, 1959.0059) or library source.
- Garden collections: see Plant Finder database.
Vita
Upload your current résumé or CV (PDF only; 5 pages max).
References
Request two recent letters of reference. Letters should address your scholarly record, your current project, and your ability to work collegially with others. Recommenders will receive a link once you have started your application and entered their email address into the application.
Dissertation applicants: one letter must come from your dissertation advisor.
Maker-Creator applicants: letters should address your ability to work productively in a cohort and your record of completed projects.
Work Samples (Maker-Creator Applicants Only)
Provide the following digital work samples:
- Portfolio of 5-10 high-res images or videos of your work (JPG, JPEG, or PDF for visual files; MP3 or MP4 for video files; YouTube or Vimeo for hosted video – please include time stamps where review should occur) OR
- For writers, a writing sample of current or previous work (ex. play and video scripts; prose and poetry; works of non-fiction, etc.), not to exceed 10 pages in length (PDF only).
- You are strongly encouraged to include any relevant reviews of your work by professional critics (PDF or web address) and web addresses for samples that can be viewed online.
- Mailed work samples will not be accepted.
- Letters of reference for artists should address the ability to work productively in a cohort environment and a track record of completed projects.
Application checklist
| Item | Required for | Format and limit | Notes |
| Application form | Everyone | Online | Choose your fellowship category; Postdoctoral and Dissertation applicants may also be considered for Short-Term. |
| Essay | Everyone | PDF, up to 1,500 words | Conservation residency applicants: include the staff sponsor here. |
| Bibliography of Winterthur Sources | Everyone | PDF, two pages; up to 20 museum objects | Group objects if you like; cite call numbers and object numbers. |
| CV / résumé | Everyone | PDF, up to five pages | |
| Two letters of reference | Everyone | Submitted by your recommenders (emailed to academicprograms@winterthur.org) | One must be from your dissertation advisor if you apply for a Dissertation Fellowship. |
| Work samples | Maker-Creator applicants only | 5–10 images or videos, or up to 10 pages of writing | Reviews of your work are welcome. Mailed samples are not accepted. |
Questions? Please email us.