Special Collections & Archives Launches Research Fellowship

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.  

Thanks to library cataloger Ronnie Gomez, the Periconi collection is now fully cataloged and open for research.  What’s more, the Queens College Library, in collaboration with the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, has launched 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.  

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 May 3, 2023 (extended from April 2). This program is generously funded by James J. Periconi.  Details are posted below.

Il Martello [The Hammer], Anno III & IV. New York: Casa Ed. “Il Martello,” 19 issues: Incomplete Anno III, IV- 1918, 1919
Il Martello [The Hammer], Vol. VIII, No. 14. New York: Casa Ed. “Il Martello,” 27 Aprile [April] 1922
Enrico Malatesta. New York: Il Martello, 1922
Three World War I Patriotic (Anti-German Militarism) Italian-American Chromolithographs. New York: Italian Book Co., 1918

Research Fellowship details and logistics

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 a period of two to four weeks between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. 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, 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 virtual discussion hosted by the Calandra Institute within six months of their visit. 

Applications for the 2023-2024 fellowship are due by May 2, 2023 (extended from April 2).

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 end-of-day on May 3, 2023. Applications will be judged by a committee of reviewers.