Apply for National Archives Foundation Cokie Roberts Fellowship for Women’s History

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

About the Fellowship

The Cokie Roberts Research Fund for Women’s History supports one to three annual fellowships for emerging and established historians, journalists, authors, or graduate students who perform and publish new research to elevate women’s history using the records held by the National Archives. This fellowship was established to honor the legacy of Cokie Roberts, the legendary journalist and author who was a passionate advocate for women’s history and a longtime supporter of the National Archives. Roberts believed that understanding women’s roles in American history was essential to understanding the full story of the nation. Through this fellowship, her commitment to uncovering and sharing women’s stories continues. The fellowship is intended to support the cost of travel and time to conduct research and publish works related to original research conducted at the National Archives.

About Cokie Roberts

Cokie Roberts (1943–2019) was a pioneering journalist and bestselling author who covered politics for ABC News and NPR for more than 40 years. She was also a passionate advocate for women’s history, authoring several books including Founding Mothers and Capital Dames, which brought to light the often-overlooked contributions of women to American history. The Cokie Roberts Research Fund was established to continue her legacy of elevating women’s stories and ensuring that future generations of researchers can access and share these important histories.

About the National Archives Foundation

The National Archives Foundation is the independent nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to support educational programs, public engagement, and research initiatives. Through fellowships like the Cokie Roberts Research Fund, the Foundation helps scholars, writers, and researchers access the rich historical records held by the National Archives and share their discoveries with the public.

Fellowship Benefits

Award Amount: Up to $12,500 per fellowship

Supported Activities:

• In-person archival research at a National Archives facility (locations include Washington, D.C.; College Park, MD; and Presidential Libraries and regional archives across the United States)
• Original research projects focused on women’s history using primary source materials held by the National Archives
• Publication-oriented work, including books, articles, long-form journalism, documentaries, podcasts, and other scholarly or public-facing outputs
• Travel and research-related expenses such as transportation, accommodation, research materials, and stipend for time dedicated to the project

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an emerging or established historian, journalist, author, or graduate student with proven writing skills
• Demonstrate a demonstrated passion for women’s history and commitment to elevating women’s stories
• Possess the ability to perform in-person research at a National Archives facility (applicants can be based anywhere in the U.S. but must be able to travel to a National Archives location)
• Have a clear research project that will utilize National Archives holdings
• Intend to produce a publication-ready work based on the research conducted

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Graduate students (Master’s or PhD level) working on dissertations or theses
• Early-career researchers seeking to establish their work in women’s history
• Established scholars looking to expand their research using National Archives collections
• Journalists and writers developing articles, books, or long-form pieces
• Independent researchers and authors

Research Focus

The fellowship supports projects that utilize the vast holdings of the National Archives to explore women’s history. The National Archives holds billions of records documenting American history, including:

• Government records (State Department, military, census, legislative, judicial)
• Presidential papers and White House records
• Immigration and naturalization records
• Federal agency records (Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, etc.)
• Photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and artifacts
• Manuscript collections and personal papers

Potential Research Topics Include:

• Women in politics and government
• Women’s suffrage and civil rights movements
• Women in the military and wartime service
• Women in labor, business, and the economy
• Women in science, medicine, and education
• Women in arts, literature, and culture
• Immigrant women and their experiences
• Women’s health and reproductive rights
• Intersectional histories of women of different races, classes, and backgrounds

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research project
• Significance of the project to women’s history and public understanding
• Demonstrated writing skills and ability to produce a publishable work
• Appropriate use of National Archives holdings
• Potential impact of the research on scholarship or public discourse
• Applicant’s qualifications and passion for women’s history

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the National Archives Foundation’s online portal.

Required Application Materials:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal describing the project, its significance, and how it will utilize National Archives holdings
• Proposed budget outlining how fellowship funds will be used
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills
• Timeline for research and publication
• Contact information for references (may be required)

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the National Archives Foundation Cokie Roberts Fellowship for Women’s History