In late 2021, James J. Periconi donated his collection of Italian-language American imprints to Queens College Special Collections and Archives. Lovingly curated over multiple decades, the collection consists of over 500 items that provide unique insight into what Italian immigrants to the United States were reading, writing, and thinking about at the end of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.
After a successful first year, the Queens College Library, in collaboration with the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute and generously supported by James J. Periconi, is again offering a research fellowship program that will defray costs for a scholar to conduct research with the collection over a period of two to four weeks. Read about last year’s fellows and their fascinating research in this collection.
The collection can be browsed through the CUNY OneSearch catalog or on a curated website that includes images and essays. Research fellowship applications are due by June 15, 2024. This program is generously funded by James J. Periconi. Details are posted below.
Research Fellowship details and logistics
Details and Requirements:
- Scholars receive a stipend of between $2500-$4500 to defray travel costs, depending on budget and length of stay. The stipend is provided once the scholar is in-residence.
- Scholars are expected to be in residence for two to four weeks, between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. Dates must be arranged with Special Collections and Archives well in advance.
- All research will take place at the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library Building, Queens College, City University of New York, during normal business hours.
- During the summer months only, on-campus housing may be possible just steps from the library. Detailed information upon request.
- Scholars at all stages of their careers from the U.S. or abroad may apply. Accepted applicants from outside the U.S. are required to obtain a J-1 visa.
- Fellows will have opportunities to interact with the Calandra Institute and associated scholars at The City University of New York, as well as James J. Periconi.
- Fellows are expected to share their research in-progress through a discussion hosted by the Calandra Institute.
Application details
Applications for the 2024-2025 fellowship are due by June 15, 2024.
Applications must include:
- A brief biographical statement of not more than 350 words
- An overview of the proposed project, and how access to the Periconi Collection will aid the research process (3 pages maximum)
- A current resume or CV.
- One letter of reference.
- One-page budget and proposed length of research visit (between 2-4 weeks)
Submit applications with Subject Line “Research Fellowship Application to” qc.archives@qc.cuny.edu by the end-of-day on June 15, 2024. Applications will be judged by a committee of reviewers.