Are you a scholar passionate about the landscapes, lives, and legacies of the American West? The University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC) has just opened applications for the 2026 George A. Rentschler Fellowship on the Study of the American West — a unique research opportunity that welcomes graduate students, early-career scholars, and tenured faculty from all disciplines and backgrounds.
Fellowship Overview
The George A. Rentschler Fellowship supports a 20-day research residency at the American Heritage Center in Laramie, Wyoming. The AHC is renowned for its exceptional archival collections on the American West, particularly focusing on:
- Political and settlement history of Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region
- Western trails and frontiers
- Cultural narratives and representations by artists, writers, and historians
The 2026 fellowship includes a $3,000 stipend, designed to support the Fellow’s visit, which may be completed in full or in shorter visits by August 31, 2027. All research should engage directly with the AHC’s primary source archives.
Who Should Apply?
Scholars of all levels—graduate students, independent researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty—are encouraged to apply. The AHC is especially committed to diverse perspectives, welcoming applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups.
This fellowship celebrates George A. Rentschler’s legacy, a mid-20th-century industrialist with a deep love for the American West. The opportunity is made possible by his family and honors his passion for history and exploration.
What’s Included?
- $3,000 Stipend for a 20-business-day residency
- Access to the AHC’s collections and expert support from its research staff
- Integration into the academic community of the University of Wyoming
- Requirement to submit a short research précis and acknowledge AHC in future publications.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit one PDF document that includes:
- Project Description (max 3 single-spaced pages):
- Research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Clear indication of how AHC archives will be used
- Relevance to your research experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Timeline of research and anticipated outputs
- Three (03) references (names and contact information only)
- Email your application to: Dr. Mary Beth Brown at [email protected].
Invitation Call: https://www.uwyo.edu/ahc/grants/grants-for-2025/rentschler-2025.pdf
The last date to apply for the George A. Rentschler Fellowship on the Study of the American West offered by the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming is March 31, 2026.