Applicants are encouraged to contact Catharine Dann Roeber and Jackie Killian to discuss potential applications and review drafts prior to the January 15 deadline. They will connect you to other relevant staff who may assist in strengthening your application.

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

Application materials should be submitted through the online application portal linked at the bottom of this page.

Components

Application form

If you are applying for a Postdoctoral fellowship or a Dissertation fellowship, your application may be considered for other eligible fellowship categories if your proposal is not accepted in your preferred category. For example,

  • Postdoctoral applications are eligible for the Short-Term fellowship category.
  • Dissertation applications are eligible for the Short-Term fellowship category.

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 work do you plan to undertake at Winterthur? 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

Provide a two-page bibliography of primary sources you plan to use or consult at Winterthur (PDF only). Please group objects by collection and include a call number/object number for each object (ex. glass pitcher, 1959.0059). For library sources, see WinterCat. For museum objects see Museum Collection Digital Database. For garden objects see Plant Finder

Vita

Provide a copy of your current vita (PDF only; 5 pages max).

References

Request two recent letters of reference addressing your scholarly record, your current project, and your ability to work with a collegial group. If you are applying for a Dissertation Fellowship, one of these letters must come from your dissertation advisor.

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.

If you have questions, please email AcademicPrograms@winterthur.org.

The deadline for all research fellowship applications is January 15, 2024.

Notice of acceptance is sent by April 1.

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL