Learn about the Charlton Oral History Research Grant, offering up to $3,000 for innovative oral history research. Open to global scholars. Applications due January 30, 2026.
Introduction: Expanding the Boundaries of Oral History
Each year, the Baylor University Institute for Oral History opens its doors to scholars who are advancing the field through fresh ideas, innovative research methods, and culturally significant storytelling. Through the Charlton Oral History Research Grant, the Institute seeks to support one exceptional researcher whose work demonstrates both scholarly rigor and imaginative inquiry.
This prestigious grant—offering up to $3,000 for a full year of research (June–May)—was created to honor the legacy of Dr. Thomas L. Charlton, founder of the Institute. His vision continues to influence the field, encouraging scholars to push boundaries, uncover untold narratives, and enrich public understanding through oral history.
Applications for the upcoming grant cycle are officially open, with proposals due January 30, 2026.
A Look at the 2024–2025 Grant Recipient
The most recent awardee, Le’Evelyn Hammet, exemplifies the spirit of the Charlton Grant. A historian trained in African American Studies, Hammet is recognized for her contributions to various national projects and institutions, including the Library of Congress, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Frederick County Preservation and Planning Department.
Her proposal, titled “Blerd Culture: African American Nerd Culture,” captures a groundbreaking exploration into underrepresented cultural spaces. Hammet’s project documents the lived experiences of African American individuals engaged in fandoms such as gaming, cosplay, crafting, literature, and sci-fi communities. Through in-depth interviews and archival work, she aims to highlight how “Blerds” build community, express identity, and reshape cultural narratives.
Her project will produce:
- A digital archive of oral histories
- Educational resources for teachers and cultural organizations
- Conference presentations and scholarly publications
- A platform to elevate voices often missing in mainstream fandom research
Grant Purpose: Bringing Oral History to New Frontiers
The Charlton Oral History Research Grant is designed to:
- Encourage oral history research in new or underexplored subject areas
- Partner with skilled oral historians conducting noteworthy fieldwork
- Build a strong research collection for the Baylor University Libraries
- Support the creation of high-quality oral history interviews, aligned with professional best practices
The Institute aims to amplify voices and subjects that have not been historically represented in academic narratives.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants are required to submit a thorough and carefully structured proposal. The Institute encourages clarity, originality, and strong methodological grounding.
✓ 1. Prepare a 4–6 Page Project Description
This narrative must include:
- The purpose of the research
- Prior work or research conducted on the topic
- A list of interviewees you plan to engage
- Arrangements for how and where interviews will be conducted
- Expected scholarly outcomes such as publications, presentations, or digital resources
✓ 2. Complete the Charlton Grant Cover Sheet
The form is available on the Baylor Institute for Oral History website.
✓ 3. Request Two Letters of Reference
These should be submitted directly to Stephen Sloan by the deadline.
✓ 4. Submit the Full Application
Send your:
- Completed cover sheet
- Project narrative
to [email protected] before January 30, 2026.
CALL TO ACTION
📩 Email Your Proposal to [email protected] Before January 30, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
The grant is open to a broad pool of researchers:
- Non-US citizens are eligible (with visa considerations)
- Applicants must have training and experience in oral history
- Projects conducted in languages other than English are not eligible
- Scholars must commit to following the principles of the Oral History Association
- Grantees must deposit their recordings and transcripts into the Baylor University Libraries
- Submission of a post-grant report and conference presentation proposal is required
Use of Funds: Supporting High-Quality Research
Grant funds may be used for:
- Research travel
- Lodging and transportation
- Interviewer compensation
- Incidental research expenses
- Approved audio recording equipment
The Institute processes all interviews in-house, covering the cost of transcription, preservation, and archival preparation.
Funds are distributed in three installments over the grant year and can total up to $3,000.
Evaluation Criteria: What Makes an Application Stand Out?
The review committee evaluates proposals based on:
- Scholarly significance and contribution to new areas of inquiry
- Originality and clarity of the project description
- The applicant’s experience and prior work in oral history
- Feasibility of completing the project within the grant term
- Potential for the project to generate publications, presentations, or public engagement
Honoring Dr. Thomas L. Charlton
The grant pays tribute to Dr. Thomas L. Charlton, a visionary who dedicated his career to expanding the reach and quality of oral history. His leadership laid the foundation for the Institute’s global impact, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and encouraging scholars to “stretch further, dig deeper, and think bigger.”
About the Institute for Oral History
Founded in 1970, the Baylor University Institute for Oral History is a leader in:
- Oral history preservation
- Archival development
- Methodological training
- Academic and community partnerships
Researchers may explore the Institute’s extensive oral history collections at Baylor University’s digital library.
Final Thoughts: Encouraging New Voices Through Oral History
The Charlton Oral History Research Grant represents an invaluable opportunity for scholars seeking support for innovative, meaningful, and culturally impactful projects. Whether your research investigates community memory, cultural identity, or emerging narratives, this grant can serve as a powerful catalyst for scholarly exploration.
CALL TO ACTION
🚀 Apply Today and Advance Your Oral History Research
Deadline: January 30, 2026
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