Marvin & Sybil Weiner travel-study award

Be Bold, Go Further

Travel to an Archive for Your Class Project with a $1,000 Award

The Marvin & Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Travel Award provides at least $1,000 for an archival research trip in American History or its European and Atlantic roots (1500s–1800s).

 

Use Unique Archival Sources in Your Project

The award gives students the special experience of traveling to discover rare materials that are thematically connected to the Marvin & Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Collection in a complementary out-of-town archive.

"[In the Weiner Collection,] I stumbled upon a series of letters to a Massachusetts soldier.... [but] there was almost no record of this particular person and family in the world, except for in one other archive.  I found that this archive had the other side of the letters – those FROM the individual!  I was elated that I was granted the opportunity to travel to Michigan to complete the story."  - Past recipient

 

Set Yourself Apart with Hands-On Research Experience

A research trip is a formative experience for any young professional. Distinguish yourself by going above and beyond with out-of-town research.

Plus, impress your audience if you plan to present your findings in a conference paper or poster as your last step to earning your Research Certificate. (History Majors are already required to complete the requisite RI "Research Intensive" courses, and a public presentation is the final step.)

"Doing research in the collection changed who I was as a person, scholar, and citizen of society."  - Past recipient

 

What is this award for?

The award is intended for travel to an archive. Recipients commonly use the award while enrolled in Historical Methods, Senior Seminar, or an upper-level course, but they are also welcome to use the award after the semester concludes to continue the research and improve their work. 

Past recipients have researched the history of medical practice in Colonial America, the inner workings of the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts, the strategy behind George Washington crossing the Delaware River, and the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. 

These students developed their research confidence and, after graduation, took their sharpened skills to law school, a Ph.D. program, and the professional world.

 

Apply today

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. Download the application form, which includes submission instructions. We will notify applicants within three weeks of receipt of an application. 

Download Application InstrUctions & Cover Sheet