Business History Travel Research Grants

Business History Travel Grants are available for scholars who are working on  business related projects. DeGolyer Library has numerous notable collections in this field including the archives of Texas Instruments, J. Erick Jonsson, J.C. Penny, Stanley Marcus, Belo Corporation (archives of the Dallas Morning News and other media outlets), and the Baldwin Locomotive works, as well as extensive collections of trade catalogs and photographs. The papers of E.L. DeGolyer, Jr., document his role in oil exploration, 1910-1956, and the library has significant print and archival collections related to the oil industry and geology.

These awards ensure that the library’s holdings – which are among the very best in the Southwest – are brought to the attention of scholars and their readers, nationally and worldwide. Moreover, these grants bring leading researchers to SMU, which assists in raising the profile of the university as well as the wider Dallas community. In publications resulting from research conducted in its collections, grant recipients will be expected to acknowledge the support of the DeGolyer Library and the Clements Center for Southwest Studies at SMU.

Grants are $700 per week that can be awarded for periods of one to two weeks to help to defray costs of travel, lodging, and research materials.  The Clements Center-DeGolyer Library Research Travel Grants are ongoing and have a "rolling deadline" in that people can apply for them throughout the year.

It is highly recommended that applicants who have questions about the appropriateness of the DeGolyer collections to their research project should consult in advance Russell Martin, director of the DeGolyer Libraryor call (214) 768-3234.

To apply:  

Applicants should provide a project outline and explain how work in the DeGolyer Library's collections will enhance their research. Applicants specify the length of research time needed at the library.
Applicants should also include a curriculum vitae and two letters of reference from persons who can assess the significance of their project and their scholarship record. 

All grant funds must be used in their entirety during the award period. Email applications to Russell Martin, director of the DeGolyer Library, or mail to: 

Russell Martin, Director
DeGolyer Library
P.O. Box 750396
Dallas, TX 75275-0396

 Image: Jack Kilby and the integrated circuit. Squire Haskins photo, ca. 1960.  Courtesy of the DeGolyer Library, SMU.