Dave Walter Research Fellowship

We are now accepting applications for the Montana Historical Society’s Dave Walter Research Fellowship!

The Dave Walter Research Fellowship will be awarded to up to two Montana residents involved in public history projects focused on exploring local history.* The award is intended to help Montanans conduct research on their towns, counties, and regions using resources at the Montana Historical Society. Research can be for any project related to local history, including exhibit development, walking tours, oral history projects, building history or preservation, county or town histories, archaeological research, and class projects. Each fellowship includes a stipend of $1,250. 

Recipients will be expected to:

• travel to MTHS to conduct research
• spend a minimum of one week in residence conducting research
• provide a copy of their final product or a report on their completed project to the MTHS Library & Archives

Applications are evaluated on:

• suitability of the research to the Society's collections
• potential of the project to make a contribution to local history
• experience in conducting local history research

The application must include the following:

• project proposal, not to exceed 3 pages, describing the research including the specific MTHS Library & Archives collections you intend to use
• cover letter
• 1-2 page resume
• letter of recommendation

Applications must be sent electronically as one PDF document to mthslibrary@mt.gov.  Deadline for applications is April 1, 2026. Announcement of the awards will be made in spring. Questions about the fellowship should be directed to mthslibrary@mt.gov.  

* Montana Historical Society employees and previous Dave Walter Fellows are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be a Montana resident.