Baird Society Resident Scholar Program

The Baird Society Resident Scholar Program, funded by the many annual donors to the Smithsonian Libraries, was established to support the study of some of the Smithsonian Libraries' most unique and valuable holdings: rare books and Special Collections. Stipends of $3,500 per month for up to six months are available for individuals working on a topic relating to these collections. These collections are located in Washington, DC and New York City, and include rare books and special collections covering 19th- and early 20th-century World's Fair printed materials, manufacturers' commercial trade catalogs, natural history rare books, air and space history, James Smithson's library, European and American decorative arts, architecture, design, and history of art and artists. Doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars are welcome to apply. Scholars are expected to be in residence at the Smithsonian full-time during their award tenures, to devote full-time effort to the research proposed, and to be regular users of Smithsonian Libraries special collections. The selection of scholars is based on the need to consult specific eligible holdings in Special Collections, evidence of the applicant's ability to carry out the proposed research, and the quality of the proposal.