The Verville Fellowship is a competitive nine- to twelve-month in-residence fellowship intended for the analysis of major trends, developments, and accomplishments in the history of aviation or space studies. The fellowship is open to interested candidates with demonstrated skills in research and writing. Publishing experience should demonstrate either a mid-level academic record of accomplishment or proven ability to reliably engage broader audiences. An advanced degree in history or a related field is preferred but not a requirement. An annual stipend of $55,000 will be awarded for a 12-month fellowship, with limited additional funds for travel and miscellaneous expenses.
Candidates are encouraged to pursue programs of research and writing professional in tone and substance, but addressed to an audience with broad interests.
Each fellow will work closely with staff members who have similar interests. Staff members of the Aeronautics Department currently conduct research into aviation history including such themes as the growth and impact of aeronautics on society; the evolution of aircraft technology; and the development of air transport and military aviation. The department emphasizes both U.S. and international aspects of aviation history. Members of the Space History Department conduct research in the history of post-war science and technology and the history of space flight, and have written major works on the history of rocketry and the origins of space science.
Excellent archival and library staff and facilities are available. The Museum's archival collection contains approximately 2,000,000 photographs, 700,000 feet of motion picture film, a major collection of technical manuals and engineering drawings, and other documentary materials. The library holds over 29,000 book volumes and 11,000 serial volumes. The archival and library collections cover the history of aviation, space science and exploration, flight technology, aerospace industry, aerospace biography, lighter-than-air technology, and rocketry. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies houses a NASA-supported Regional Planetary Image Facility that contains photographs, images and digital data of the planets and their satellites, as well as cartographic products generated from these images. Access to all other Smithsonian libraries, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives is available.
Applications due by: January 15
Notification by: April 30
Fellowships start dates: Normally between August 15 and October 1
Alfred V. Verville (1890-1970), an innovative designer, made numerous contributions to civilian and military aviation during his 47 years in the aerospace industry. Among his most significant contributions were the design and development of a cantilever monoplane with retractable landing gear, the Verville-Sperry R-3, and a series of commercial cabin airplanes. Verville began his aviation career in 1914 with Glenn Curtiss and helped design the Curtiss Jenny and Curtiss twin engine seaplane. Verville's commendations include his selection as a fellow of the Smithsonian's National Air Museum in 1962.