Princeton Histories Fund

The Princeton Histories Fund is designed to support the exploration of “aspects of Princeton’s history that have been forgotten, overlooked, subordinated, or suppressed.” The goal of this initiative is to encourage a deeper and more nuanced engagement with our institutional history and to explore the legacies of that history at Princeton and beyond. We hope that new knowledge and heightened awareness will inform our curriculum, programming, research interests, and campus climate. The University previously funded proposals from 2016 through 2019. Some previously funded projects are described in a January 2017 homepage story.

We invite proposals that explore any aspect of Princeton’s history, with an emphasis on projects that examine individuals or groups that have been historically underrepresented or that existed on the margins of intellectual and social life at Princeton. Proposals may also examine formal or informal policies and practices that contributed to exclusion.

Funds will be available to graduate students, faculty, and staff (a) to undertake and disseminate original research or (b) to generate community conversation through public programming. Project timeframes may extend from one semester to two years.

Research Proposals

Research may use primary or secondary sources and a wide variety of methodologies that include—but are not limited to—archival work, archaeological research, and oral history. Intellectual projects may involve comparative or interdisciplinary work across fields or academic units.

We especially encourage research that takes advantage of campus resources such as the Princeton University Archives and the Papers of Princeton. Individuals interested in learning more about these and other University resources should contact Daniel Linke, University Archivist and Curator of Public Policy Papers ([email protected]).

All research proposals should include a plan to disseminate the findings to the campus community and beyond in appropriate public formats.

Public Programming Proposals

Public projects designed to explore Princeton’s history and legacy can take many forms including, but not limited to, exhibits, artwork, performances, lectures, symposia, films, websites, publications, social media, and walking tours. These activities are not required to include original research but may focus on involving the campus community in dialogue, reflection, or commemoration. Some proposals may be redirected to the Campus Conversations on Identities public programming series.

Curricular Proposals

The Princeton Histories Fund does not generally support course design. Faculty members interested in creating new courses or enhancing/redesigning existing ones to address Princeton’s historical legacy should apply to the 250th Anniversary Fund for Innovation in Undergraduate Education.

Applications

In general, faculty, academic professionals and staff may apply for up to $20,000 in funding by submitting a proposal including a detailed budget to Shawn Maxam, Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]). These proposals may involve collaboration with students.

Graduate students may apply for up to $10,000 through the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE).

Funding Cycle

  • Please submit full proposals by April 1, 2024
  • Funding decisions made by May 10, 2024