Walter E. BezansonThe Melville Society, under the auspices of the Melville Society Cultural Project in New Bedford, offers an annual Walter E. Bezanson Fellowship to help a scholar undertake research on Herman Melville at the Society’s Archive in the Research Library of the Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  International scholars at dissertation stage are especially encouraged to apply.  The fellowship, which carries a stipend of up to $500, may be used to cover travel, meals, or other living expenses.  Coincident with the award, lodging in the vicinity of the Research Library may be available, free of charge, for up to two weeks during most seasons of the year.

The Melville Society Archive contains over 3,000 volumes of scholarship and criticism related to the study of Melville, thanks to major contributions from Walter Bezanson, Harrison Hayford, and Merton M. Sealts, Jr.; many first, rare, and illustrated editions of Melville’s writings donated by the late Thomas Wendel; and Robert Madison’s collection of editions of the poets Melville read.  Fellows also have access to the Research Library’s general holdings and the nearby New Bedford Free Public Library.  Additional scholarly resources are available in the Boston area, particularly at Harvard’s Houghton Library, about 75 minutes away by car.

Interested applicants should send a letter of inquiry, describing the project and explaining how the Melville Society Archive will be used; an updated c.v.; and a letter of support from a department chair, mentor, or dissertation director, to Professor Robert K. Wallace, Department of English, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The deadline for receipt of applications for any calendar year is November 30 of the previous year.a

Melville Society Archive – Walter E. Bezanson Fellows
click here for a list of Fellowship Reports available for download

2018 Elizabeth Swails (USA)

2017 Meaghan Fritz (USA)

2016 Meredith Farmer (USA)

2015 Bradley J. King (USA)

2014 Jaime Campomar (Argentina)

2013 Joseph Matthew Meyer (USA)

2013 Munia Bhaumik (USA)

2012 Pilar Martínez Benedí (Italy; originally from Spain)

2012 Ellie Stedall (England)

2011 Laura López Peña (Spain)

2010 Peter Riley (England)

2008 Mykhaylo Kalinichenko (Ukraine)

2007 Rute Beirante (Portugal): awarded 2007; she came in 2008

2004 Aleksandra Batricevic (Montenegro)

New York Public Library — Short-term Research Fellowships

Graduate students or other affiliated academics whose work would benefit from visiting the Manuscripts and Archives Division to view collections such as the Gansevoort-Lansing collection, and Duyckinck family papers are encouraged to apply.

Applications are to be submitted electronically. See directions and guidelines at: http://www.nypl.org/short-term

Applications for scholars interested in collections held in the Manuscripts and Archives Division should be submitted at the URL: https://fellowship-nypl.icims.com/jobs/6571/job