BSA Partners with American Antiquarian Society on Scholars’ Workshop in Early African American Print
We’re proud to partner with AAS on this initiative! The application portal is now open, so please share widely.
American Antiquarian Society Announces Scholars’ Workshop in Early African American Print
In partnership with the Bibliographical Society of America, project provides mentoring and support for early career scholars
The American Antiquarian Society (AAS), a national research library located in Worcester, MA, has announced that its next Scholars’ Workshop in Early African American Print will be held from January 11 to 15, 2027. Offered for the second year in a row, the five-day workshop benefits graduate students and recent PhDs specializing in pre-1900 African American history, literature, and related fields. The program is organized in partnership with the Bibliographical Society of America (BSA) and funded by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) through a $25,000 Intention Foundry Learned Society Extended Engagement Microgrant. The microgrants support efforts by ACLS member societies to address the social, intellectual, and financial precarity scholars currently face.
Designed for scholars new to archival research, this workshop affords participants direct access to AAS’s extensive holdings, including early African American newspapers, pamphlets, books, and other original sources. Participants expand their understanding of early African American print culture; gain experience in archival research; refine works in progress, such as a dissertation chapter, book proposal, or scholarly article; and connect with other rising scholars and professional networks. Select workshop participants will present their work at the BSA’s Annual Meeting in 2028 and will be invited to submit to PBSA for possible publication.
Tara Bynum, associate professor of English and African American studies at the University of Iowa, will lead the workshop in collaboration with AAS staff. The Scholars’ Workshop is tuition-free and includes housing on the AAS campus and a $1,000 travel honorarium. The application deadline is October 15, 2026. To learn more and apply, interested individuals can visit americanantiquarian.org.