The Travel to Collections Awards Program supports
research on the history of invention and innovation based
on the holdings of the Museum’s Archives Center and
curatorial divisions. The Archives Center holds
more than 14,000 feet of archival materials. The collections
are particularly strong in personal papers and business
records documenting the history of American enterprise and
technology.
Since 1995 the Lemelson Center has supported oral and
video documentation of contemporary inventors and inventions
such as the SmartLevel, a high-tech electronic level, the
Gerber Cutter, a computer controlled fabric cutter invented
by H. Joseph Gerber, the Sendzimir “Z” Mill
for cold rolling steel invented by Tadeusz Sendzimir, and
the windsurfer invented by S. Newman Darby.
To encourage use of its invention-related collections, the Lemelson Center offers five short-term travel awards per year. Awards are $150 per day for 10 business days maximum. No additional funds will be granted for travel. The travel award may be used to cover
transportation and living expenses, and copying pertinent
archival resources. Scholars, graduate students, and independent
researchers not residing or attending school within commuting
distance of the National Museum of American History may
apply for this program. Awards may not be used to extend
other Smithsonian appointments. Only one award can be offered
to a visitor within a twelve-month period.
Recipients must commence their research at the National Museum of American History within one year of being notified of the award. Recipients are requested to submit a short report on their research at the National Museum of American History. Edited versions of or excerpts from these reports may be used in the Lemelson Center's publications. Recipients also are asked to provide the Center with a copy of any publication resulting from research conducted as a result of the award. Decisions are made on the basis of recommendation and review by the Smithsonian staff.
The Application Process
Applications for fiscal year 2010 are now closed. We have obligated our funds. The next application window is October 1, 2010 to November 30, 2010.
Applicants must apply using the Smithsonian online application system.
Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:
- application form;
- current curriculum vitae or resume;
- bibliography of relevant secondary sources;
- statement of purpose summarizing their project and detailing
why the Archives Center’s collections are essential
to their research;
- list of specific collections or resources to be consulted
(visit the main archives
page to search online finding aids for invention-related
collections at the Archives Center).
Applicants must consult with the Travel Award Coordinator
prior to submitting a proposal. Awards will be
announced within two weeks of receiving the application
materials.
To request information about the Archives Center’s
invention-related holdings contact Alison L. Oswald at:
202.633.3726. More information about Smithsonian collections
and staff can be found on the following web sites:
Printed brochures about the Smithsonian and its collections
are also available upon request.
To request an application, contact:
Travel to Collections Awards Program
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
National Museum of American History, Room 334, MRC 604
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
Tel: (202) 633-3450
Fax: (202) 357-4517
E-mail: oswalda@si.edu
Meet past Travel
to Collections award recipients »
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