Calling all Scholars! The Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships 2026 are Now Open!

Are you passionate about delving into the rich tapestry of Missouri’s history and culture? Do you have a groundbreaking research idea that sheds light on the Show-Me State’s past? If so, exciting news awaits! The Center for Missouri Studies Fellowships for 2026 are officially open for applications!

This prestigious opportunity, offered by the esteemed State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO), provides a fantastic platform for academic researchers, independent scholars, and even international students to immerse themselves in original, interdisciplinary research focused on Missouri’s multifaceted history.

What’s on Offer?

Imagine dedicating your time to exploring those lesser-known stories and cultural intersections that have shaped Missouri. As a fellow, you’ll receive a $5,000 USD stipend to support your research endeavors. The goal is to produce a high-quality, publishable scholarly essay, ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 words (excluding notes), grounded in primary sources and adhering to the Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition).

Your hard work could also see the light of day in the Missouri Historical Review, as submitted essays will be considered for publication. Furthermore, fellows may even have the chance to present their findings publicly!

Fellowship Benefits

Stipend: $5,000 USD
Essay Length: 8,000–10,000 words (exclusive of notes)
Output: A publishable-quality scholarly essay using primary sources and following The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
Publication Consideration: Submitted essays may be published in the Missouri Historical Review
Public Presentation: Fellows may also be invited to present their work publicly

Who Can Apply?

This is a globally open competition, welcoming applications from:

Academic researchers affiliated with institutions.
Independent scholars without institutional ties.

What Kind of Research?

While the specific research themes for the 2026 Fellowships will be announced before May 1, 2025, the Center for Missouri Studies encourages proposals that explore Missouri’s history through diverse lenses. Think about the intersections of history with science, business, sociology, or any other field that can illuminate the state’s past and its connection to broader global narratives. Keep an eye on the official SHSMO website for the 2026 topic list to tailor your proposal accordingly!

Key Dates to Remember:

Application Period Opens: May 1, 2025
Application Deadline: September 2, 2025
Notification of Selection: December 15, 2025
Fellowship Begins: January 1, 2026

APPLY HERE

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to contribute to the understanding of Missouri’s rich heritage. Head over to the SHSMO web to learn more about the application process and submit your proposal.

This is your chance to make your mark on Missouri history – apply for the Center for Missouri Studies Fellowship today!

Digging Deeper: Unearthing the Hidden Gems and Enduring Appeal of Missouri

Missouri is a state brimming with intriguing aspects, stemming from its unique geographical location to its pivotal role in American history and its distinctive culture. Here are some interesting things about the “Show-Me State”:

Historical Significance:

Gateway to the West: St. Louis is famously known as the “Gateway to the West,” symbolized by the iconic Gateway Arch. It served as a crucial starting point for westward expansion, with trails like the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails originating here.
Louisiana Purchase: Missouri was a significant part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, a massive land acquisition that doubled the size of the United States.

Missouri Compromise: The state’s entry into the Union in 1821 was part of the Missouri Compromise, a crucial agreement addressing the issue of slavery’s expansion. Missouri was admitted as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, attempting to maintain the balance of power in Congress.
Civil War Border State: During the Civil War, Missouri was a border state with divided loyalties. While the state officially remained with the Union, many of its residents supported the Confederacy, leading to significant internal conflict and guerrilla warfare.
Pony Express: St. Joseph, Missouri, was the eastern starting point of the legendary Pony Express, a mail delivery system that played a vital role in communication across the vast American West.
First Public Kindergarten: The first public kindergarten in the United States was established in St. Louis in 1873 by Susan Elizabeth Blow.

Cultural Uniqueness:

Blending of North and South: Missouri’s culture is a fascinating blend of Midwestern and Southern influences, evident in its dialects, cuisine, and social customs.
Musical Heritage: Missouri is the birthplace of several significant American music genres, including ragtime (Sedalia), Kansas City jazz, and St. Louis blues.
Barbecue Styles: The state boasts two distinct and beloved barbecue styles: the sauce-heavy, slow-smoked Kansas City style and the St. Louis style, known for its pork steaks and sweet, tomato-based sauce.
“Show-Me State” Nickname: Missouri’s famous nickname originated from a statement by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899, emphasizing the state’s practical and skeptical nature: “I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri. You have got to show me.”
Literary Legends: Missouri has been home to literary giants like Mark Twain, whose classic novels like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” are set in the state, and poet T.S. Eliot, born and raised in St. Louis.
Ozark Culture: The Ozark Mountains region in southern Missouri has a distinct cultural identity rooted in its rural traditions, music (especially ballads and folk songs), and crafts like quilting and woodworking.
St. Louis Cardinals: The state, particularly the St. Louis area, has a passionate and devoted fanbase for the St. Louis Cardinals, a Major League Baseball team with a rich history.

Geographical Wonders:

Diverse Landscapes: Missouri’s geography ranges from rolling hills and prairies in the north to the rugged Ozark Mountains in the south. It is bordered by eight other states, tied for the most in the United States.
Major Rivers: The state is defined by the confluence of two of North America’s largest rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi.
“Cave State”: With over 6,000 known caves, Missouri has earned the nickname “The Cave State,” offering numerous opportunities for exploration. One unique attraction is a cave restaurant in Richland.
“City of Fountains”: Kansas City boasts more fountains than any city in the world except Rome, giving it the moniker “City of Fountains.”
Ancient Mountains: The St. Francois Mountains in the Ozarks are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, dating back about 1.5 billion years.

Unique Inventions and Firsts:

Ice Cream Cone: The ice cream cone is believed to have been invented at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Iced Tea: Richard Blechyden is credited with formally introducing iced tea at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Sliced Bread: The first sale of commercially sliced bread occurred in Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1928.
First Drive-Thru Restaurant: Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, claims to be the world’s first drive-thru restaurant, dating back to 1947.
Tallest Monument: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, standing at 630 feet.

Missouri offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a truly interesting and multifaceted state.

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