The New York State Archives announces the availability of awards for qualified applicants to conduct research using historical records in the Archives. The Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program is intended to support advanced work on New York State history, government, or public policy by defraying travel-related research expenses. It encourages public dissemination of research products. The program honors the New York State Archivist who managed the dramatic development of the State Archives between 1981 and 1995.

Applicant/Project Eligibility

Residents conduct research at the New York State Archives. Previous Residents have included academic and public historians, graduate students, independent researchers and writers, and primary and secondary school teachers. Projects involving innovative uses of the Archives, such as research for multimedia projects, exhibits, and websites, are welcomed. The topic or area of research must draw on government records in the New York State Archives. Preference will be given to projects that: (1) have application to enduring public policy issues, particularly in New York State, (2) rely on records that have been little used and are not available electronically or on microfilm, and (3) have a high probability of publication or other public dissemination.

Special Invitation-Erie Canal and World War I Anniversaries

The year 2018 continues the bicentennial of the construction of the Erie Canal, and the centennial of the United States’ participation in World War I. Researchers are invited to apply for Hackman awards supporting research at the State Archives on the history of New York’s canal system and its role in the “Great War.” For detailed guides to Archives records on the Erie Canal and World War I, go to  A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York’s Response to the Great War and The Mighty Chain: A Guide to Canal Records in the New York State Archives.

Special Invitation-New York Legal and Judicial History

With a major acquisition of court records in early 2017, the New York State Archives now holds all the records of pre-1847 trial courts exercising jurisdiction throughout the colony and state. Also in the Archives are pre-1823 probate records and post-1847 records of the Court of Appeals. The records strongly support research on civil litigation, criminal prosecution (prior to 1801), and precedent-setting cases. They also contain a wealth of information on business and personal relationships. Researchers are invited to apply for Hackman awards supporting research at the State Archives on New York’s judicial and legal history. For information about relevant records, explore the Archives’ online catalog at www.archives.nysed.gov or contact the Researcher Services unit at 518-474-8955, e-mail archref@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail).

Awards

Awards are intended to defray costs of travel, lodging, and meals,. All awardees who are U.S. citizens or legal residents will receive a $250 award plus support for eligible travel-related expenses.   Research visits range from a few days to several weeks depending upon the nature of the research and volume of records. (Eligible expenses are indicated on the application form.)

Applications Process/Deadline

The fillable Application Form is available online. Certain browsers may affect the functionality of the form, so we recommend that you download the form and fill it out using Acrobat Reader or similar software.  Certain computer operating systems may adversely affect automatic calculations in the budget form included with the application.  If you encounter problems with this function contact: sarahackres@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail) and a separate form will be provided.

If you need an application form sent to you by U.S. Mail, contact:

New York State Archives
Cultural Education Center, Room 9D46
Albany, New York 12230
Phone: 518-474-6276
Email:  sarahackres@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail)

If you have questions about the application process see the FAQs or e-mail: sarahackres@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail)

Applications must be postmarked or e-mailed by midnight (ET) January 15,  2018. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scholars and archivists familiar with the State Archives and its holdings. Applicants will be informed of the panel’s decision by  April 15,  2018.

Requirements

Pre-Application Planning. Potential applicants must contact the Archives’ Researcher Services staff well in advance of completing the application, to discuss their research topic and the records that they propose to use. Contact:

Researcher Services
New York State Archives
Phone: 518-474-8955
E-mail:  archref@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail)

Residencies must be completed by May 31,  2019. At the end of the residency, awardees must submit a final report on their research experience in order to receive final payment of the award. Residents are expected to publicize project results through: a published article, thesis or dissertation, or book; a  public presentation (copy of presentation and program should be submitted to the Archives Partnership Trust); a public exhibit or website; and/or an article submission to New York Archives magazine for possible publication. See the Editorial Guidelines.

The New York State Archives and Archives Partnership Trust should be credited in any publication or dissemination of research results. Consult with State Archives staff regarding citation of records held by the New York State Archives.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), may also answer many of your questions.

Program Funding

Endowment earnings and private contributions to the Archives Partnership Trust provide the financial basis for the Hackman Research Residency Program. Contributors have included The Susan and Elihu Rose Foundation, Inc., Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation; The Lucius N. Littaur Foundation; and Larry J. Hackman. Contributions and endowment earnings enable the Trust to maintain prior years’ award levels, as well as to continue with invitational fellowships to complete priority projects.

Gifts are welcomed. Contact Archives Partnership Trust, Cultural Education Center — Suite 9C49, Albany, New York 12230.