Leelanau Historical Society Executive Director Kim Kelderhouse announced this week a new Leelanau Press Research Fellowship, an opportunity and monetary support for an independent researcher to conduct original research on the cultural history of Leelanau County.

This fellowship is made possible by a Leelanau Press contribution from Leelanau County residents Barbara and Frank Siepker. The stipend is $2,500.

Kelderhouse says college students are eligible, “and independent researchers in the fields of history, American studies, ethnic and area studies, museum studies, folklore, architectural history, historic preservation, documentary studies, film studies, women’s studies, and related disciplines are all encouraged to apply.”

She says Leelanau County presents exciting possibilities for research on the peninsula’s rich cultural history. “Creativity is strongly encouraged focusing on Leelanau history.”

All fair game for research: Great Lakes maritime history and culture, agricultural history and culture, resort history and culture, Anishinaabek history and culture, family and genealogical history, historic preservation, environmental history, folklore, and oral history.

Research projects may involve fieldwork or utilize the Leelanau Historical Society or other regional historical organization’s archival collections.

At the end of the twelve-month period, the Leelanau Press Research Fellow will provide a finished product — anything from a scholarly article to book, to museum exhibit, or a documentary, podcast, YouTube or Vimeo — to be archived in the Leelanau Historical Society collection or otherwise made publicly available.

Candidates must submit an application and two letters of recommendation by June 24. The winner will be notified and announced on July 8. More info on the Leelanau Press Research Fellowship can be directed to Kim Kelderhouse via email.

Photo by Elizabeth Adams