Unlock the American West: The George A. Rentschler Fellowship 2025 at the University of Wyoming

Are you a scholar with a deep passion for the American West – its complex history, diverse cultures, and enduring legacies? Do you envision spending dedicated time immersed in rich archival collections, bringing new insights to the narratives of this iconic region? If so, the George A. Rentschler Fellowship on the Study of the American West at the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC) is an exceptional opportunity you won’t want to miss for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This prestigious fellowship offers a unique chance for scholars to conduct intensive research using the AHC’s extensive and renowned collections, all while receiving financial support.

What is the George A. Rentschler Fellowship?

The George A. Rentschler Fellowship is one of several competitive research fellowships offered by the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC). The AHC is a world-renowned archive, manuscript repository, and rare books library, housing extraordinary collections that document the history of the American West, including diverse areas like:

Ranching and Mining: Explore the evolution of industries that shaped the landscape.
Conservation and Environment: Delve into the history of environmental movements and land use.
Political and Cultural History: Uncover the lives and influences of figures who defined the West.
Entertainment and Popular Culture: Examine how the “Western image” has been portrayed.

The Rentschler Fellowship specifically supports insightful scholarship exploring the complex narratives, cultural dynamics, and historical developments of the American West.¹

Why Pursue This Fellowship?

Access to World-Class Collections: The AHC boasts over 90,000 cubic feet of materials, providing unparalleled resources for your research project. This is a rare opportunity to work with primary sources that few others have accessed.
Dedicated Research Time: The fellowship provides a stipend (typically $3,000) for a 20-day residency at the AHC in Laramie, Wyoming. This dedicated time allows you to immerse yourself fully in your research without the usual distractions.
Supportive Environment: You’ll be working within a vibrant academic institution, with access to University of Wyoming resources and the expertise of AHC staff.
Career Advancement: This fellowship is a significant credential for academics, researchers, and anyone pursuing a career in history, cultural studies, environmental studies, or related fields. It demonstrates your commitment to rigorous scholarship and your ability to conduct independent research.
Focus on the American West: If your research interests lie in this specific, fascinating region, this fellowship is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Who Should Apply? Eligibility & Ideal Candidates

The George A. Rentschler Fellowship is open to a broad range of scholars, reflecting the AHC’s commitment to supporting diverse research:

Open to Scholars at All Levels: This includes graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D. candidates), early-career scholars, and tenured faculty from all disciplines and backgrounds. This inclusive approach encourages a wide array of perspectives on the American West.
International Applicants Welcome: The University of Wyoming actively encourages international students and scholars to apply for their programs and fellowships. Ensure you meet the English proficiency requirements for the University of Wyoming if you are not a native English speaker.
Research Alignment: Your proposed research project must demonstrate how it will utilize the American Heritage Center’s collections. You’ll need to clearly articulate how the AHC’s archives are essential to your work.

Key Details for the 2025 Application Cycle (Important Dates!)

While the fellowship typically supports research for the following academic year, the application deadlines for the George A. Rentschler Fellowship for the 2025-2026 research period typically fall in March 2025.

Please Note: According to recent information, the application deadline for the George A. Rentschler Fellowship on the Study of the American West for the 2025-2026 research period (visit by August 31, 2026) was March 31, 2025.

This means for direct application for the 2025-2026 period, the deadline has likely passed.

However, don’t be discouraged!

Plan for 2026-2027: Applications for the 2026-2027 research period (with a visit deadline of August 31, 2027) will likely open around late 2025 with a deadline in March 2026. This gives you ample time to prepare a stellar application!
Explore Other AHC Fellowships: The American Heritage Center offers multiple other fellowships with varying deadlines and focuses. For example, the Alan K. Simpson Fellowship in Western Political History and the Women in Public Life Fellowship also have March 2026 deadlines for their 2026-2027 cycles. Check the AHC Grants and Fellowships page for the most up-to-date information.

How to Prepare Your Application for Future Cycles:

Familiarize Yourself with AHC Collections: This is paramount! Spend time on the AHC’s website (uwyo.edu/ahc/grants) and explore their online finding aids. Identify specific collections that are relevant to your research.
Develop a Strong Project Description: This is a crucial component (typically max. 2 pages). Clearly outline your research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and specifically how the AHC’s collections will be utilized.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and highlights your academic achievements, research experience, publications, and any relevant work experience.
Secure References (if required for future applications): While the typical requirements listed often focus on the project description and CV, some fellowships might require letters of recommendation.
Adhere to Deadlines: Mark your calendar for the March 2026 deadline for the next cycle of AHC fellowships.

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit one PDF document that includes:

Project Description (max 3 single-spaced pages):
1. Research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes
2. Clear indication of how AHC archives will be used
3. 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 mary.brown@uwyo.edu.

INVITATION CALL

The George A. Rentschler Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for scholars eager to delve into the rich history of the American West. While the 2025 intake might be past its application window, now is the perfect time to start preparing for future cycles and unlock the vast resources of the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center!

What aspect of the American West’s history or culture fascinates you the most for research? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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