The Newberry, founded in 1887, is a historic cultural institution in Chicago dedicated to facilitating learning and research. It aims to be a portal to human history, from the 15th century to the present, welcoming people from all walks of life to explore topics of interest, discover family history, take classes, and learn something new. The mission emphasizes inclusivity and the support of a wide range of disciplines, including history, genealogy, arts, design, and education.
The Newberry's Long-Term Fellowships, including the Richard H. Brown/William Lloyd Barber Fellowships, aim to provide researchers with the necessary time, space, and community to pursue innovative and ground-breaking projects. These fellowships support advanced scholarship in various fields by encouraging fellows to develop new interpretations and expand understanding of the past. Specifically, these fellowships are open to research in any area of American history relevant to the Newberry’s collection, with a strong preference for projects that make productive use of the Newberry's collections. Fellows are expected to immerse themselves in the Newberry’s resources and community for four to nine months, making significant scholarly discoveries and contributions.