The Scholar in Residence (SIR) program funds research that advances the interpretation and presentation of history by Massachusetts history organizations, based on research in the organization`s collections or mission purview. The program has a dual purpose: to provide organizations with expertise not normally available to them, and to encourage scholars to use the rich resources of the state's history museums and historical societies. Priority is given to small organizations that do not generally have the benefit of professionals working in their collections. 

A Scholar in Residence grant carries a maximum award of $3,000. SIR projects are set up collaboratively: scholar and project director agree on the research topic and materials to be used, and work together on the project. SIR grants are sometimes a useful stepping stone towards a project grant for an exhibit, the creation of a brochure or walking tour, or other public history event.  To get a sense of what kind of programming we support, we suggest a stroll through the Grants Awarded section.

• Mass Humanities now accepts applications online only. There are two parts to the SIR online application process.
  • Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) at least four weeks prior to the application deadline.
  • If LOI is approved, you will be notified by email and be given access to the full online application. Submit the full application by the application deadline.
• Download and read the scholar in residence grant guidelines document before submitting an LOI. Full instructions on how to apply online can be found on page 6 of the guidelines or here.
• Eligibility: Massachusetts museums, historical societies, or other organizations with historical collections and a record of presenting interpretive history programs to the public.
• Project results must be made public: deposited in a public library or archive, made available online, or published in a readily available brochure.
• Contact Local History Coordinator (413-584-8440 x303) if you have any questions.

Scholar in Residence Grant (One Grant Round Per Year)
	Letter of Inquiry Deadline	Draft Deadline	Application Deadline	Notification
February Round (only 1)	January 2	not required	February 1	March 15

 

 



RIG deadlines for planning purposes.

The application process is all online. Most of the documents listed below are available through links in the
online application process.

SIR Guidelines
Application Contract Form
Budget Form
Description Template
DUNS Information Sheet

Grantees receiving grants after August 1, 2011, are filing their reports in the online application system.
Required reports are assigned to you. Log on to complete your reports.
Grantees receiving grants prior to August 1, 2011, must submit their reports via the mail system or email.
The necessary forms you may need can be found below.

SIR Project Director Evaluation
SIR Scholar Evaluation
SIR Final Expenditures Report