Barra Sabbatical Fellowship
Barra Sabbatical Fellowship supports a faculty scholar on leave with time for book-length research to advance study of North America’s histories and cultures in the Atlantic world before 1850.
Browse similar grants
Funder: McNeil Center for Early American Studies
Due Dates: December 7, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $60,000 for nine months, paid directly to the fellow’s home institution
Summary: Supports a faculty scholar on leave pursuing a book-length project on North America in the Atlantic world before 1850.
Key Information: Applicants who previously received McNeil Center funding for a closely related project are ineligible.
Description
The Barra Sabbatical Fellowship, administered by the McNeil Center for Early American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, supports a scholar on leave from a faculty position during the 2027–2028 academic year. It provides nine months for work on a book-length research project addressing the histories and cultures of North America in the Atlantic world before 1850. Proposals relying on Philadelphia-area archives, libraries, and museums are especially welcome.
The fellowship combines research time without teaching responsibilities with participation in the Center’s scholarly community. The fellow receives private office space and full University of Pennsylvania library privileges, and is expected to mentor junior scholars and participate fully in the Center’s academic programming.
