The Department of History administers several funds to finance students doing major research projects.
History Department Funds
The History Department Undergraduate Research Fund awards grants to students who require funds to travel to archives or for research materials for extensive projects, usually as part of a History seminar or independent study. All students are encouraged to apply. The Department also has additional funds to support undergraduate research for students in the History Honors Thesis program. All students who need money to travel to archives or for research materials for extensive projects should submit an application as explained below.
The application process is overseen by the Undergraduate Chair. The size of the award will depend upon research needs, distance of travel, and the quality of the proposal, to a maximum of $1500. Grants may be used to fund, for example: transportation to a library or archive, reasonable lodging expenses associated with such travel; user fees if required; microfilming, or photocopying costs associated with doing research.
Special Funding for History Majors: The Marvin and Sybil Weiner Travel Award
The Marvin and Sybil Weiner Travel Award is for outstanding history majors engaged in significant research focused on democracy, citizenship and related American values from 1750-1865. Eligible projects might include: intellectual, social, or political histories of the Age of Revolutions anywhere in the Americas or Europe; Westward Expansion in North America; or the American Civil War.
The award can be used for all travel and research expenses, and the amount of the award will be determined by the History Department Chair. Any History major, whether working on honors theses, seminar papers, or guided independent research, are welcome to submit applications.
Application Instructions--please read carefully
2025 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: The main deadline for summer grants is May 2; students may apply for remaining funds on a rolling basis anytime throughout the year. All applications may be e-mailed directly to Dr. Fabella at fabella@sas.upenn.edu. Faculty members overseeing students' research should e-mail Dr. Fabella with a message indicating their support of the application.
Applications should not exceed 5 double-spaced pages (excluding the cover sheet) and should include all of the following 3 parts:
1. A cover page indicating all of the following:
- student name
- Penn ID number
- e-mail address
- phone number
- title of project
- total amount of funding requested
- name of faculty sponsor (who will also send an email indicating their support)
- the course for which research is being conducted
- date of submission
2. A clear description of your proposed project and its significance, and a brief summary of any completed preliminary work. If your application involves travel, identify the archive or library at which you plan to work. Explain why this travel is essential to your project, and present a schedule that explains how much time you need at the site.
3. A detailed budget listing all anticipated expenses and travel itinerary.
Other University Funding
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) offers a number of research opportunities, including funding, internships, scholarships, and fellowships.