Visiting Scholar Program

The History of Medicine Section in the Edward G. Miner Library at the University of Rochester is pleased to announce its first annual Edward C. Atwater Visiting Scholar Grant for the study of materials in the Edward C. Atwater Collection of American Popular Medicine and Health Reform.

In the autumn of 1994, Edward C. Atwater, M.D. made the Miner Library the repository for his personal collection of books, periodicals, pamphlets, almanacs, trade cards, printed ephemera and manuscript material pertaining to American "popular medicine." Materials in the Atwater Collection represent the full range of medical self-help among Americans throughout the nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century. For a full description of the collection and how to search it, visit the History of Medicine’s website.

The Atwater Visiting Scholar Grant provides support to scholars or graduate students to cover the cost of their travel to Rochester, accommodation, and expenses during their time of stay. The award is up to $2,000 for one week of research in any given year.

We welcome applications from all interested researchers currently residing in the United States or Canada, regardless of their institutional association, race, cultural background, ability, sexual orientation, gender, or socioeconomic status. Applications from scholars utilizing traditional methods of archival and bibliographical research are encouraged as are applications from individuals who wish to pursue creative, interdisciplinary, and non-traditional approaches to conducting research using the Edward C. Atwater Collection.

A complete grant application includes:

• A research proposal (2 pages, single-spaced, maximum) that identifies materials to be used and their significance to your larger project and the value of your project to your field
• Curriculum vitae
• Two references
• Budget, including proposed dates for research trip

A successful applicant will be expected to share their findings after their visit. Format and scheduling will be discussed with the Grant Review Committee (i.e. Zoom or in-person presentation, blog post on the History of Medicine blog, etc.).

Please submit your proposals and any questions to Anna Smith, Head of History of Medicine Section, anna_smith1@urmc.rochester.edu.