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, specifically The Melon Foundation Fellowship, are designed to support innovative and ground-breaking research projects. These fellowships provide researchers with the essential resources: time, space, and a supportive community, to advance scholarship across various fields. By immersing in the Newberry's rich collections for four to nine months, scholars have the opportunity to develop new interpretations and expand our understanding of the past. The Melon Foundation Fellowship is open to scholarship in any field relevant to the Newberry's collection, especially favoring applications that promise productive use of its resources.