Description

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), part of the National Archives and Records Administration, offers grants to support the publication of online editions of historical records. This program aims to enhance public access and understanding of U.S. history through digital documentary editions. Eligible materials include a wide range of historical records such as documents, photographs, born-digital records, and analog audio.

Projects may focus on broad historical themes including law, politics, social reform, business, military, the arts, and other aspects of the national experience. There is a special emphasis on projects that center the voices and histories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

For Fiscal Year 2026, funding is restricted to projects that are current or have previously received NHPRC funding in the Publishing Historical Records in Collaborative Digital Editions or Mellon Planning Grants programs, particularly those related to African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American history and ethnic studies. New project proposals are not accepted due to funding constraints.

The program encourages collaborative teams with complementary skills in archival work, transcription, annotation, editing, encoding, and digital publishing. It also supports involvement of faculty, archival and technical staff, and community members from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges, and Indigenous communities.

Applicants must demonstrate adherence to editorial best practices recommended by the Association for Documentary Editing (ADE) or the Modern Language Association (MLA) Committee on Scholarly Editions. The grant does not support film or video documentary production.