University of Wyoming George A. Rentschler Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
If you're a scholar passionate about the history, culture, and narratives of the American West, the George A. Rentschler Fellowship at the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC) offers a unique opportunity. Applications are now open for the 2026 cycle, with a deadline of March 31, 2026. This fellowship supports a 20-day research residency at the AHC, allowing scholars to delve into its extensive archival collections.
📌 Fellowship Summary
Location: Laramie, Wyoming, USA
Host Institution: American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
Study Level: Open to scholars at all academic levels (graduate students to tenured faculty)
Target Group: Researchers focusing on the American West
Fields of Study: History, culture, politics, settlement, western trails, and the "Western image"
Funding: $3,000 stipend
Duration: 20 business days (one month); stipend prorated for shorter stays
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Start Date: Research visit must be completed by August 31, 2027
Eligibility: Open to scholars at all academic levels
📝 Fellowship Overview
Established to honor George A. Rentschler (1892–1972), an industrialist with a deep appreciation for the American West, this fellowship supports scholarly research utilizing the AHC's rich archival collections. Rentschler's legacy includes significant contributions to U.S. naval manufacturing during World War II and a profound interest in Western landscapes and legends. The fellowship is made possible by his late wife, Rita Rentschler Cushman, and his late son, Frederick B. Rentschler.
The AHC's archives encompass a vast array of materials related to the American West, including documents on politics, settlement, western trails, and representations by writers, artists, and historians. Notably, the George A. Rentschler Room houses significant Western paintings, including thirteen by Henry Farny and one by Frederic Remington, reflecting Rentschler's passion for Western art.
🎓 Fellowship Benefits
Stipend: $3,000 for a 20-day residency; prorated for shorter stays
Research Access: Full access to AHC's extensive archival collections
Publication Support: Assistance in integrating research findings into publications
Professional Development: Opportunity to contribute to scholarly discourse on the American West
⚠️ Note: Fellows are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and meals.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Open to academic scholars at any level, from graduate students to tenured faculty
Research must utilize AHC's collections related to the American West
Projects should aim to contribute to the understanding of Western history and culture
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the research project in a timely manner
📄 Application Procedure
📂 Required Documents:
Research Proposal (3 pages): Detailing specific AHC collections to be used, the project's place within the applicant's broader research agenda, plans for publication or dissemination, and a timeline for research and anticipated outcomes.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic and research experience.
References: Names and contact information for three referees.
📬 Submission: All application materials should be submitted electronically by March 31, 2026, to AHC Archivist Leslie Waggener at lwaggen2@uwyo.edu.
🕵🏻 Selection Criteria:
Extent to which the project utilizes AHC's collections
Potential contribution to the understanding of the American West
Feasibility and clarity of the research plan
Applicant's qualifications and ability to complete the project
📍 About the American Heritage Center
The American Heritage Center, located on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, is a premier public research institution housing over 90,000 cubic feet of material and 3,500 collections. Its holdings emphasize the American West from the 19th to the 21st century, including extensive collections in military history, popular entertainment, mining and petroleum, and environmental and natural resources.
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