Lester J. Cappon Fellowship in Documentary Editing
Lester J. Cappon Fellowship in Documentary Editing supports postdoctoral scholars conducting historical editing research with Newberry Library collections to prepare scholarly editions.
Funder: Newberry Library
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Application) | December 14, 2026 (Recommendation letters)
Funding Amounts: $3,000 per month for one or two months
Summary: Supports postdoctoral scholars preparing scholarly editions through historical editing research using Newberry Library collections.
Key Information: Only postdoctoral scholars may apply, and fellows must remain continuously in residence at the Newberry.
Description
The Lester J. Cappon Fellowship in Documentary Editing supports historical editing projects undertaken in preparation of a scholarly edition. Administered by the Newberry Library in Chicago as part of its Short-Term Fellowship program, it enables researchers to investigate specific items in the library’s collections intensively while participating in its scholarly community.
The fellowship’s focus is documentary editing grounded in the Newberry’s holdings, which include millions of sources documenting personal stories and historical moments. Projects must demonstrate a need to consult particular Newberry collection materials. Although the broader short-term program accepts PhD holders and ABD candidates working in any field, this named award is restricted to postdoctoral scholars. Applicants are considered through the general short-term fellowship application rather than a separate Cappon application.
