#United States #Durham, NC #National Humanities Center #humanities research #2026 Fellow

National Humanities Center Welcomes New Class of Fellows

The National Humanities Center (NHC) has proudly announced the selection of 29 distinguished scholars who will join its ranks as Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year. Representing a range of disciplines in the humanities, these individuals come from various reputable institutions across 15 states in the U.S. as well as Ghana. The selection process was highly competitive, with the NHC receiving 453 applications, showcasing the caliber of talent in the field of humanistic scholarship.

The NHC has a rich history of fostering research excellence since its inception in 1978. This year marks the forty-ninth cohort of resident scholars, all gathered under one community that celebrates intellectual diversity and innovation. Martha Kelly, the Vice President for Scholarly Programs at the NHC, expressed her excitement about the incoming class, emphasizing the importance of their projects in enhancing our understanding of various cultural and societal dynamics.

Each Fellow will independently research significant topics within the humanities, tapping into the available resources to further their inquiries and contribute to the wider academic discourse. The topics tackled by this diverse group reflect pressing issues and enduring questions, ranging from African studies to the history of art and architecture, and even philosophy. This academic year, some highlights of their projects include:

1. Mike Amezcua (History, Georgetown University) - Dinero: A History of Latino Capitalism in America
2. Darlene L. Brooks Hedstrom (Archaeology and History, Brandeis University) - Monks as Makers: A Material History of Monasticism
3. Mónica Díaz (History, University of Kentucky) - Indigenous Spaces: Education and Religion in Colonial Mexico
4. Alexis Pauline Gumbs (Languages and Literatures, Independent Scholar) - Love is Lifeforce: June Jordan and Fannie Lou Hamer Solve the Energy Crisis
5. Vanessa Pérez-Rosario (American Studies, CUNY) - Las Girlfriends: A Cultural History of Latina Feminist Writing from 1980 to 1994

The selection of these research topics highlights not only the individual pursuits of the scholars but also the broad spectrum of inquiry that is characteristic of the NHC’s mission. By providing a platform for these researchers, the center plays a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of knowledge that is vital for a democratic society.

In support of the Fellows, the NHC will allocate over $1.6 million in fellowship grants to facilitate their research endeavors. This funding is made possible through the NHC’s endowment along with grants from organizations such as the Henry Luce Foundation and various contributions from alumni and supporters of the Center.

As the academic year unfolds, the NHC will also host seminars, lectures, and conferences that will allow the Fellows to share their findings and foster dialogue with peers and the public. This initiative not only enriches the community at the Center but also strengthens the connection between scholarly work and societal relevance.

The National Humanities Center stands as a beacon for advancing humanities research and reinforcing its importance in today’s knowledge-driven society. As these new Fellows embark on their scholarly journeys, they carry with them the potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of human experiences across historical and contemporary contexts.

For more information on the National Humanities Center and the current Fellows, please visit their official website.