Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Call for Proposals: 2016 – 2017 Resident Fellowships

Overview:

Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Center) in Cody, Wyoming, invites proposals for its 2016 – 2017 Resident Fellowship Program. Fellowships are intended to fund research advancing knowledge, understanding, and passion about the cultural and natural heritage of the American West and its global relevance. Fellows will be granted a stipend of $5,000. Note: While Fellowships generally are intended for individuals, the Center will consider group proposals from two or more individuals. If applying as a group, each member must submit the required application materials. If a Fellowship is awarded to a group, the amount awarded will remain $5,000.

Research Topics:

Fellows may conduct archival  collections-based, and/or field-based research  associated with one or more of the Center’s five museums (Buffalo Bill, Cody Firearms, Draper Natural History, Plains Indian and Whitney Western Art) and McCracken Research Library.  Research and collection strengths at the Center include but are not limited to: western art and art history; Plains Indian art and cultures; Greater Yellowstone ecology, conservation and wildlife management; firearms history and technology; western history, and the life and times of William F. Cody. Please visit the Center’s website (http://centerofthewest.org) for more information on these areas. Note: Special consideration will be given to research proposals that incorporate an interdisciplinary approach and/or innovative methodologies in the study of the American West.

Fellowship Requirements:

• Projects must be relevant to the Center’s mission and tied to its resources and/or expertise. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Center staff in their area(s) of interest to determine the availability of resources and discuss their proposed research project.

Name	Discipline	Phone	E-mail
Gretchen Henrich	Interpretive Education; Electronic Learning	307-578-4061	gretchenh@centerofthewest.org
Ashley Hleblinsky	Firearms	307-578-4048	ashleyh@centerofthewest.org
Jeremy Johnston	Western History, Papers of William F. Cody	307-578-4032	jeremyj@centerofthewest.org
Karen McWhorter	Western Art	307-578-4053	karenm@center of thewest.org
Dr. Charles Preston	Natural History; Yellowstone Ecosystem	307-578-4078	cpreston@centerofthewest .org
Mary Robinson	Library Collection, Historic Photographs	307-578-4063	maryr@centerofthewest.org
Rebecca West	Plains Indian Culture	307-578-4049	rebeccaw@centerofthewest.org

• Generally, it is expected that fellows will complete a residency of about two weeks or more, depending on the parameters of the Fellow’s research needs. The period of residency must be completed between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017. There are two weeks which are not available for residency during this time: June 13 to June 19, 2016 and September 19 to September 25, 2016.

• Fellows must arrange their own transportation, lodging, and meals during residency. (Note: Cody housing/lodging rates are high during the summer tourist season; off-season rates are much cheaper.)

• Fellows are required to make a public presentation about their research. Suitable formats include, but are not limited to, a lecture, apeer-reviewed journal article, and book or book chapter. Any such public presentation must credit the support of the Center.

• Fellows must submit a project summary at the end of their residency.

Application Requirements:

• Please submit the following application materials electronically to Christine Searles, Human Resources Manager at the following address: chriss@centerofthewest.org.

  • A narrative statement (not to exceed three pages), summarizing the proposed project’s purpose, parameters and methodologies, and addressing how the Center’s staff expertise, archival, photographic, physical collections, or other resources will significantly contribute to the project’s ultimate success.

  • A timeline outlining the plan of research and dates for anticipated products.

  • A résumé, C.V. or similar evidence of qualifications.

  • Two letters of reference.

  • Any other material deemed relevant for consideration.

Selection Criteria:

Fellowships will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• The extent to which the proposed project draws upon the Center’s collections, resources, and/or expertise.

• The research project’s potential contribution to understanding of the cultural and natural heritage of the American West and its timeless and global relevance.

• The potential for professional presentation and/or publication upon completion of the Fellow’s research.

• The likelihood of the project to succeed based on the proposed approach, timeframe, and candidate’s qualifications.

Deadline:

April 15, 2016. Fellowships will be awarded by May 1, 2016. All applicants will be notified by email of the outcome of their proposal. Should add curators/library director, their areas of expertise, and contact information.

Questions:

Please contact Christine Searles at chriss@centerofthewest.org.