Nominations for the Indigenous History Achievement Award (formerly called the American Indian Lifetime Achievement Award) are now open. This annual award is designed to recognize a scholar for substantial contributions to the field of American Indian and Indigenous history. Criteria for selection include:

• Scholarship in the field

• Commitment to Native nations and Indigenous communities

• Mentorship of Indigenous students

• Commitment to WHA/Indigenous Scholars Luncheon

Predoctoral Fellows, History of the Civil War Era

The Richards Civil War Era Center, in the College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State, invites applications for two 2026-27 predoctoral dissertation fellowships in the history of the Civil War Era.

The Richards Center conceives of the Civil War Era broadly. We especially welcome projects related to the history of slavery, emancipation, and their legacies and the history of struggles for freedom and democracy in the United States. This is a limited-term (one-year) fellowship for advanced graduate students who are in the writing stage of their dissertation. During their residency, the fellows will primarily perform their research; they will have no teaching or administrative responsibilities. The fellows will be expected to make progress on their dissertation and to take an active part in the Richards Center and Penn State’s community of researchers.

The fellowship includes a $40,000 stipend and $3,000 in research funds. The Richards Center will coordinate payment of the stipend through the recipient’s graduate institution. The successful applicant must receive approval from their graduate program to accept the fellowship.

Application Process and Submission Process

To be considered for this position, submit a complete application packet including a cover letter describing your dissertation project and goals for the year, a curriculum vita, and a list of three references to Barby Singer at bqs6@psu.edu.

We will request additional materials and letters of recommendation from candidates who advance in the search process. Review of materials will begin March 15, 2026 and continue until the positions have been filled. Please direct questions about the process via email to RichardsCenter@psu.edu.

The National Council on Public History (NCPH) invites poster submissions for presentation at the 2026 Joint Conference with the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).

Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026

Submit a proposal at https://ncph.org/conference/2026-annual-meeting/call-for-proposals/poster-proposal-form/

Questions? Email NCPH Program Manager Meghan Hillman (meghillm@iu.edu)

What is the NCPH Poster Session? The NCPH poster session is a two-hour block of time at the conference where presenters can share their projects with attendees in the form of a poster. It offers an alternative for presenters eager to share their work through one-on-one discussion, can be especially useful for works-in-progress, and may be a particularly appropriate format for presentations where visual or material evidence represents a central component of the project.

When is the Poster Session? The poster session will be held on Friday, September 18 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Set-up will start one hour before the poster session begins. How to Submit a Proposal Please fill out the online form at https://ncph.org/conference/2026-annual-meeting/call-for-proposals/poster-proposal-form/. Along with contact information and a brief (~300 word) explanation of your poster, we ask that you provide a one-page C/V or resume for each presenter and a simple visual mock-up of your poster (saved and uploaded as a PDF).

How Will Your Proposal Be Judged? The Program Committee will consider the persuasiveness of your abstract, the quality of your proposed visual presentation, and your project’s relation to major issues and questions in public history. Adherence to this year’s conference theme, “The Work of Revolution,” is not required, but reading this year’s Call for Proposals may give you some helpful tips for your poster proposal.

When is Your Proposal Due? Poster proposals are due Monday, March 30, 2026. You will hear back about the status of your proposal by mid-April 2026. Accepted poster presenters must register and pay for the conference by the Early Bird registration deadline unless an extension is arranged with NCPH.

Student Funding Opportunity: Graduate students who are members of NCPH are eligible to apply for a Graduate Student Travel Award. Applications are due by April 1, 2026. Poster proposal acceptances will not be announced until after the award due date, so students are encouraged to submit an application if they have submitted a poster for consideration, and a recipient will be selected amongst the proposals that are accepted.

Why is the Poster Session Important? Posters are an interactive and collegial format for displaying and discussing project-based work and for showing off visual and material approaches. In the sciences, posters are often a way to present preliminary data on a research topic and gather advice. We understand that most posters for this conference will represent work that is complete, but we encourage students and advisors to present work as part of multi-year or ongoing projects so they can solicit advice and resources at the conference.

Guidelines for Posters: The following guidelines are an attempt to standardize the posters, leveling the playing field for all presenters and hopefully reducing the cost of participation (especially the cost of shipping). We are keenly aware of the need for creative license in creating the posters and do not want to squash anyone’s creativity; however, we ask that presenters stick to the size and material guidelines for the poster. Upon request in your proposal, one-half of a six-foot table will be provided where groups can display websites, video, audio, objects, or other supporting materials. *Please note that basic wireless internet access will be available for the poster session. However, should service be interrupted for any reason, you are encouraged to save any websites or videos to your hard drive so that you are able to navigate the site without internet access.

What are the dimensions of a poster? No larger than 36” x 48”. Please note that the cardboard provided to which you’ll attach your poster will be this size, so posters smaller than these dimensions may look untidy. What materials should I use? Use laminated paper or poster paper. If you will need space to hang a poster, please be sure to request an easel in your proposal. 36” x 48” cardboard will be provided to those who request an easel, as will binder clips to attach your poster to the cardboard.

Formatting and content advice:

● A good poster should introduce your topic, research questions or goals; describe methodology and/or best practices; and give outcomes (what was accomplished/what you learned)

● Give the poster a title.

● Use images to illustrate your points.

● Caption the photos with a title, photographer, and date.

● Keep text brief. Edit carefully. The test of a good poster is if someone can read it in two minutes and understand your main points.

● Use backgrounds and graphics to enliven the look of the poster. Visual appeal is not a secondary consideration but a fundamental part of your poster’s effectiveness.

● Print out all text. Do not hand-letter.

● Consider making copies of your poster as handouts. This will mean shrinking the poster to legal-sized copies. Observers often want something to take away. Provide your contact information so folks can reach you later with additional questions, resources, and/or suggestions.

● Please provide a QR code on your poster that links to an accessible, electronic version of the content, following NCPH’s guidelines for accessibility.

Printing and Shipping: You have a few options for printing and shipping. If you are staying in Providence, you may print the poster at home, roll it in a poster tube, and ship it to your hotel. (More details will be provided closer to the annual meeting.) You may also print your poster at home and carry it on the plane. If you do not wish to ship or transport the poster, you may email your poster file to a print shop in Providence and pick it up there.

Resources to Consult: If you’ve never designed or presented a poster before, here are some collected tips and tricks!

● 2014 NCPH attendee Stephanie Krom wrote a blog post about the NCPH poster session that includes great tips for poster presenters.

● The University of North Carolina Grad School has general tips and resources for poster presentations.

● Tullio Rossi offers excellent advice for poster concept, design, and logistics at the blog for the London School of Economics. While written with scientific posters in mind, most of this advice is great for humanities posters as well!

● The American Historical Association has assembled a page on effective poster presentations.

● The American Public Health Association has some guidelines for putting together an accessible poster presentation.

● The Association of University Centers on Disabilities also has guidelines for designing accessible printed posters.

The American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming offers annual travel grants and research fellowships. The travel grant awards recipients up to $750 each to provide support in carrying out research using AHC collections. Research fellowships for focused groups are available for several different subject areas. More information is available on our website.

Application due date for the spring cycle is March 31, 2026. Funds must be spent by August 31, 2027.

Subject areas in the Center’s collections include Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West and a select number of national topics: environment and conservation, mining and petroleum industries, air and rail transportation, popular entertainment (particularly radio, television, film, and popular music), journalism, and U.S. military history.

The AHC’s Toppan Rare Book Library consists of more than 30,000 items, majority of which are printed books, although there are newspapers, magazines, broadsides, illuminated manuscripts, and other materials. The Library includes materials related to the American West, exploration and travel, religion, hunting and fishing, historic children's books, and examples of the book arts.

Persons interested in AHC travel grants should complete an application at http://www.uwyo.edu/ahc/grants/index.html and email it to Toppan Rare Book Curator Dr. Mary Beth Brown at mary.brown@uwyo.edu. Applications are due no later than March 31, 2026.

Information about the AHC

The AHC is a public research institution located on the campus of the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The Center houses collections of local, regional, and national significance. Its holdings emphasize the American West from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries. It has extensive collections in western political history, mining and petroleum, popular entertainment (including Hollywood and comics), environment and natural resources, journalism, and military history. The AHC also serves as the University of Wyoming's rare books library and university archives. With more than 90,000 cubic feet of materials and 3,500 collections, the AHC stands among the largest non-governmental repositories in the nation.

Join Our Campus Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming.  Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we’re committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:   

Reading Room Coordinator/Reference Services

JOB PURPOSE:

The American Heritage Center is seeking a dynamic, creative and team-oriented individual to serve as the primary manager of the American Heritage Center’s Reading Room including supervising daily operations and employees supporting Reading Room activities.  Act as the public-facing archivist of the Reference Services Unit, providing direct public service to both on-site and remote patrons, coordinating on-site patron visits, and remote research sessions. Responsibilities include supervising reference desk shifts, scheduling, overseeing departmental communications, and supporting the work of the Reference Services Unit. This position reports to the Manager of Reference Services.

The American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming houses manuscripts, rare books, and university archives. With over 95,000 cubic feet of documents and artifacts across 5,000 collections, the AHC is one of the nation’s largest non-governmental archives. The AHC has a vast array of collections, from Wyoming and Western history; Hollywood and the history of the entertainment industry; the transcontinental railroad and America’s transportation industries; mineral, coal, and oil extraction; journalism; women’s suffrage; and diversity in the West. The AHC is dedicated to making history and cultural heritage accessible to the University of Wyoming community and the public. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the AHC's Reading Room by acting as the primary supervisory authority for its operations, procedures, and workflow.  Manage services for on-site, off-site, and online users. Prepare and distribute weekly schedules for Reading Room desk coverage and support;  maintain department related documentation and statistics. 
• Oversee the development, implementation and updating of the documentation for operational procedures, training, and workflows; Provide instruction and day-to-day supervision for part-time staff. 
• Manage the unit's reference inquiries from all sources. Assist with the completion of remote general reference requests, including in-depth research, patron communication, digitization orders, and invoicing.
• Collaborate with other AHC units to fulfill reference requests.
• Supervise and manage full-time and part-time employees (plus interns and volunteers, as scheduled), for successful reading room operations. Includes hiring, training, daily oversight and project management, and employee reviews.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTION:

• Oversee Reading Room financial and support functions as assigned, including supply needs, equipment oversight, and cash box handling.
•  Additional duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Consistency 
• Initiative
• Leadership
• Quality Orientation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  A Bachelor's degree in related field (such as library, archives, public services, humanities, etc.); or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:  1 year of related experience in an archives/library or academic setting is required. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• MLIS (Library and Information Studies) or equivalent related Master’s degree.
• Three years of related work experience is preferred, including public/customer service skills.
• Experience managing part-time or full-time staff.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.

**The final candidates must provide 4 work references upon request**

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 3/12/2026 will receive full consideration. 

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie, by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

Dear WHA Members,

I regretfully write to inform you that Dr. Richard N. “Dick” Ellis died on December 16, 2025. 

Dr. Ellis first presented at the Western History Association conference in 1968. Since then, he published multiple articles in the Western Historical Quarterly, served on numerous committees including Council, and contributed to many panels at the annual conference. 

A true powerhouse in the profession, Dr. Ellis trained and produced dozens of historians throughout his career. He taught at the University of New Mexico from 1968 to 1987 before accepting a role at Fort Lewis College, where he stayed until his retirement in 2005. 

His death is a tremendous loss for our organization, and for the field of western history. We invite you to read Dr. Ellis's obituary to learn more about his life and storied career. 

Sincerely,

Elaine Nelson, WHA Executive Director

The National Archives Foundation recently opened the application window for the sixth annual Cokie Roberts Fellowship for Women's History. Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2026. The Cokie Roberts Research Fund for Women’s History will award up to $12,500 to support annual fellowships for applicants who will perform new research using materials from the National Archives to elevate women’s history. Fellows will conduct original research at National Archives facilities with the goal of publishing their work in the form of a book, article, essay, film, podcast, or art piece for the general public. Emerging or established historians, journalists, graduate students, public historians, and other practitioners are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants must submit the following information through the online form: Project proposal responses – Applications require written responses to project proposal questions. These questions include: An abstract or executive summary of your project proposal; any prior experience conducting research at the National Archives; specific Record Groups or collections you plan to use; an overview of your proposed research topic and why the topic is important to you; and when and where you hope to publish your final work. Resume/CV (no more than three pages). One (1) letter of recommendation (this may be sent separately to info@archivesfoundation.org). Three (3) samples of your work. Contact info@archivesfoundation.org with questions.

The California Supreme Court Historical Society (CSCHS) encourages all students working on California legal history (NOT just the history of California courts) to apply for this prize. Papers may include elements of digital humanities and may also be co-authored. This is a GREAT WAY to get attention for your hard work!

$5,000 first-place, $2,500 second-place, and $1,000 third-place prizes will be awarded to the best papers on California state or colonial history, broadly considered. Recent winners include a study of the death penalty in California, the evolution of California land law, the desegregation of Stanford Law School, and disability law and the campaign for independent living. As well as a jointly authored paper on Chinese adoption practices and their role in immigration decisions after the Chinese Exclusion Act.

We accept papers of at least 7,500 and not more than 15,000 words, including notes and other explanatory matter. The competition is open to students and recent graduates in history and/or law, provided that they did not have full-time academic employment at the time the paper was written. The paper should also be unpublished; prize winners will likely receive an offer to publish in California Legal History, CSCHS’s journal.

Papers may be self-nominated or sent in by a professor or supervisor. To ensure anonymity, the author’s name should appear only on a separate cover page, along with the author’s mailing address, telephone number, email address, and the name of their school.

Submissions are due by July 1, 2026 and should be sent to director@cschs.org with the subject line “Smith Prize.” The winners will be announced in August 2026, and an award ceremony (likely over Zoom) will be held in August or September.

For the Prize Committee: Sarah Barringer Gordon, Laura Kalman, Stuart Banner

A small, dynamic, and award-winning publisher, the South Dakota Historical Society Press seeks a forward-looking individual to be a part of its editorial team in the position of associate editor. Primary duties for this position include preparing manuscripts for publication by editing, verifying statements, checking facts and footnotes, and coordinating with authors, illustrators, map makers, graphic designers, printers, and indexers. The associate editor also solicits, reviews, and tracks manuscripts to determine whether submissions meet the standards of the South Dakota Historical Society Press. The associate editor reports to the Director of the Press and serves on the team that sets press policies and publishing directions.

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in history, American Studies, English, or a related field. Two or more years of experience in editing is preferred. The ideal candidate will also possess knowledge of American history and the history and culture of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains region; editing methods and standards; English grammar; the Chicago Manual of Style; Microsoft Word; Adobe Photoshop; copyright law, rules, and regulations; and research techniques and resources.

The ideal candidate’s skills should also include the ability to analyze research data and internal structures of written material; read and extract information from various reference materials and other resources; recognize historical error and solve problems of fact and conjecture through research; manage people and establish and maintain effective relationships; and organize, schedule, direct, correct, and prioritize simultaneous editing projects. The ideal candidate should also be comfortable with assisting the inventory manager with shipping-related tasks as needed.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), administered and funded by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the South Dakota State Historical Society. It is not a State of South Dakota position. Compensation and benefits are provided by the Foundation and include vacation leave, sick leave, a retirement contribution match, and a health insurance stipend. Salary range is $21 to $24 per hour, commensurate with previous editing experience. This position is located on-site at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre; remote work is NOT an option for this position.

Please include a cover letter; curriculum vitae or resume; brief writing sample; and contact information for three references with your application. Send application materials to Dr. Dedra Birzer, SDHS Press Director, at Dedra.Birzer@state.sd.us. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2026.