MDAH is now accepting applications for the 2026 Robert “Bob” Moses Civil Rights Research Fellowship. This inaugural fellowship awards a $5,000 stipend to one graduate student to conduct research using the wealth of archival materials concerning the Civil Rights Movement and struggle for human rights at MDAH for a minimum of two weeks during the summer. The deadline is March 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Robert “Bob” Moses Civil Rights Research Fellowship?
The $5,000 fellowship will be awarded to a graduate student for research within the department’s Civil Rights and human history. The fellowship seeks to nurture scholars at the beginning of their academic careers to increase their lifelong interest in history and promote continued academic and public appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, and the struggle for human rights.
- Who is eligible?
The fellowship recipient must be a student enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited college or university, or a faculty member within the first five years of their academic career.
- What does the fellowship include?
The fellow is expected to be in residence for a minimum of two weeks—from May to September 2026—to conduct research in the William F. Winter Archives and History Building in Jackson, MS. At the conclusion of the two-week minimum stay, the fellow will be asked to give a presentation and submit a summary report on the fellow’s research findings.
- What can the $5,000 stipend be used for?
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Other expenses during the recipient’s time researching at the archives.
- What costs are ineligible?
- Computer equipment (hardware or software)
- Childcare
- How will the stipend be disbursed?
The stipend will be paid in increments, with the final payment given upon submission of the summary report.
- How do I apply?
Complete the fellowship application form available here and submit the following documents:
- Proposal (no more than five pages, typed, double-spaced, details on the application form)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- Optional Sample work (20 pages maximum)
- What is the deadline?
Application deadline for the Bob Moses Civil Rights Research Fellowship is March 6, 2026.
- How do I search the use MDAH’s catalog to search materials related to Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi?
TBD
- When will the fellowship recipient be notified?
The fellowship recipient will be notified no later than April 30, 2026.
- Will MDAH and/or organizations use the research findings?
The MDAH will have the opportunity to utilize the product(s) if they are deemed appropriate and of benefit to the sponsoring parties.