Building Woodworking Capacity in New Hampshire's Craft Fairs

Priority Outcomes for New Hampshire Fellowship for Archival Research on US History

The New Hampshire Fellowship for Archival Research on US History aims to support research on underrepresented and non-dominant craft histories in the US. The priority outcomes for this fellowship are closely tied to the state's unique cultural and historical landscape. New Hampshire's rich history, from its colonial past to its role in the Industrial Revolution, provides a fertile ground for archival research. The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, a state agency, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the state's historical heritage, making it an important partner in achieving the fellowship's goals.

One of the primary outcomes of this fellowship is to shed new light on the craft histories of New Hampshire and the surrounding region. The state's frontier counties, with their unique cultural and historical characteristics, offer a distinct perspective on the development of crafts in the US. By supporting research in these areas, the fellowship aims to promote a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of American craft history. Applicants from New Hampshire and the surrounding states, including Maine and Vermont, are well-positioned to contribute to this goal, given their proximity to the region's rich archival resources.

Another key outcome of the fellowship is the publication of research findings. Fellows will be expected to publish their research in a peer-reviewed journal or book, making their work accessible to a wider audience. This outcome is particularly significant in New Hampshire, where the state's cultural institutions, such as the Currier Museum of Art, are committed to promoting the arts and cultural heritage. By supporting the publication of research on craft histories, the fellowship is helping to foster a more nuanced understanding of the state's cultural identity.

The fellowship also aims to support the development of new research skills and knowledge among applicants. By providing a stipend of $5,000, the fellowship enables researchers to undertake archival research that might otherwise be beyond their means. This is particularly important in New Hampshire, where small businesses and non-profits often face significant challenges in securing funding for research and cultural projects. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, a major funder of non-profit organizations in the state, has a history of supporting projects that promote cultural heritage and arts education.

In terms of specific outcomes, the fellowship is looking for applicants who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the research topic and a well-defined plan for their archival research. Applicants should also be able to show how their research will contribute to a deeper understanding of underrepresented and non-dominant craft histories in the US. Given the state's strong tradition of supporting small businesses and non-profits, applicants from these sectors may be particularly well-positioned to succeed. New Hampshire offers a range of grant programs to support small businesses, including the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, which provides financing options for businesses looking to grow and expand.

Evaluating Success in New Hampshire

The success of the fellowship will be evaluated based on the quality of the research produced by the fellows, as well as the impact of the research on the wider cultural community. In New Hampshire, this will involve working closely with state agencies, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations to promote the research and ensure that it reaches a broad audience. The New Hampshire State Library, for example, plays a critical role in promoting literacy and cultural heritage in the state, and may be a key partner in disseminating the research findings.

To achieve the priority outcomes of the fellowship, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a strong understanding of the cultural and historical context of New Hampshire and the surrounding region. They should also be able to show how their research will contribute to a deeper understanding of underrepresented and non-dominant craft histories in the US. By supporting research in these areas, the fellowship aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of American craft history and to foster a more vibrant cultural community in New Hampshire.

Future Impact in New Hampshire

The impact of the fellowship is expected to be felt beyond the duration of the research project. By supporting the publication of research on craft histories, the fellowship is helping to create a more robust and nuanced understanding of American cultural heritage. In New Hampshire, this will involve working with state agencies, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations to promote the research and ensure that it reaches a broad audience. The state's grant programs for non-profits and small businesses will also be crucial in supporting the long-term impact of the fellowship. For example, the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority provides grants for community development projects, which could potentially be used to support cultural heritage initiatives.

Q: What kind of research topics are likely to be supported by the New Hampshire Fellowship for Archival Research on US History? A: The fellowship is likely to support research topics that shed new light on underrepresented and non-dominant craft histories in the US, particularly those related to New Hampshire and the surrounding region. Applicants may want to explore topics related to the state's colonial past, its role in the Industrial Revolution, or the cultural heritage of its frontier counties. New Hampshire's small business grants and non-profit funding opportunities may also be relevant for applicants looking to support their research.

Q: How will the fellowship support the development of new research skills and knowledge among applicants? A: The fellowship will provide a stipend of $5,000 to support archival research, as well as a virtual program to help fellows develop their research skills and knowledge. Applicants from New Hampshire and the surrounding states may be able to draw on the state's rich cultural institutions and archival resources to support their research. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation's grants for non-profits may also be relevant for applicants looking to support their research.

Q: What are the expected outcomes of the fellowship in terms of publication and dissemination of research findings? A: The fellowship expects fellows to publish their research in a peer-reviewed journal or book, making their work accessible to a wider audience. In New Hampshire, this will involve working closely with state agencies, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations to promote the research and ensure that it reaches a broad audience. The state's business grants and financing options, such as those provided by the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, may also be relevant for applicants looking to support the publication and dissemination of their research.