Leelanau Press Research Fellowship

*Applications Closed for 2024.
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023.

Located in Northwest Lower Michigan, Leelanau County presents exciting possibilities for research on the peninsula’s rich cultural history. The Leelanau Press Research Fellowship provides monetary support for an independent researcher to conduct original research on the cultural history of Leelanau County. College students may apply but Leelanau Historical Society staff, trustees, and their families are excluded.

Independent researchers in the fields of history, American studies, ethnic and area studies, museum studies, folklore, architectural history, historic preservation, documentary studies, film studies, women’s studies, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Research areas are broadly defined, and include, but are not limited to: Great Lakes maritime history and culture, agricultural history and culture, resort history and culture, Anishinaabek history and culture, family and genealogical history, historic preservation, environmental history, folklore, and oral history. Creative research projects may involve fieldwork and/or utilize the Leelanau Historical Society or other regional historical organization’s archival collections. Creativity is strongly encouraged focusing on Leelanau history.

At the end of the twelve-month period, the Leelanau Press Research Fellow will provide a finished product from a range of options of their choice: scholarly article, essay, book, research file for a museum, exhibit, presentation or audio/video recording such as a documentary, podcast, YouTube or Vimeo. This final product will be archived in the Leelanau Historical Society collection or otherwise made publicly available through publication or print. The stipend is $2,500. This Fellowship is made possible by a Leelanau Press contribution by Barbara and Frank Siepker.

Candidates must submit an application and two letters of recommendation. Applications may be submitted by mail or email. All application materials are received and reviewed on a rolling basis*


*Now Accepting Applications for 2024.
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023.

2022 Fellowship Recipient: Susan Wasserman
2023 Fellowship Recipient: Kevin Carl Brooks

Questions about the Leelanau Press Research Fellowship can be directed to Kim Kelderhouse, Executive Director at (231) 256-7475 or info@leelanauhistory.org.

*Receipt of the fellowship does not promise or guarantee publication by Leelanau Press publishing company.

*Applications Closed for 2024.
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023.