Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program

Applicant/Project Eligibility

Residents conduct research at the New York State Archives' research facility in downtown Albany. Previous Residents have included academic and public historians, graduate students, independent researchers and writers, and primary and secondary school teachers. Projects involving innovative uses of the Archives, such as research for multimedia projects, exhibits, and websites, are welcomed. The topic or area of research must be supported by government records in the State Archives. Preference will be given to projects that:

1. have application to enduring public policy issues, particularly in New York State
2. rely on records that have been little used and are not available electronically or on microfilm
3. have a high probability of publication or other public dissemination

Special Invitations

Erie Canal Anniversary

The year 2024 continues the bicentennial of the construction of the Erie Canal. Researchers are invited to apply for Hackman awards supporting research at the State Archives on the history of New York’s canal system.

The Mighty Chain: A Guide to Canal Records in the New York State Archives is a detailed guide to Archives records on the Erie Canal.

New York Legal and Judicial History

With a major acquisition of court records in early 2017, the New York State Archives now holds all the records of pre-1847 trial courts exercising jurisdiction throughout the colony and state. Also in the Archives are pre-1823 probate records and post-1847 records of the Court of Appeals. The records strongly support research on civil litigation, criminal prosecution (prior to 1801), and precedent-setting cases. They also contain a wealth of information on business and personal relationships. Researchers are invited to apply for Hackman awards supporting research at the State Archives on New York’s judicial and legal history.

For information about relevant records, explore the Archives’ online finding aids or contact the Researcher Services unit at (518) 474-8955, e-mail archref@nysed.gov.

We extend a special thank you to the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation for their support in the digitization and conservation of these records.

New York in the Revolutionary Era, 1760-1790

The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. What is now the State of New York played an immense and vital role in the Revolutionary Era and the subsequent 250 years of American history. Much of the documentary record from the wartime period was damaged or destroyed in the State Capitol Fire of 1911. However many records from the late-colonial and early statehood periods have survived and are in the New York State Archives. We encourage applications to explore themes such as governance and public order in the colony and state of New York, military personnel during the war for independence, and post-war settlement of central, western, and northern New York and its impacts on indigenous peoples in this pivotal period.

Marginalized Communities

Applicants are invited to apply for Hackman awards supporting research at the New York State Archives highlights populations that have been historically marginalized (e.g., African Americans, Indigenous nations, the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities). Government records documenting the activities of these communities can be found in various series of census, military, court, Dutch, real property, probate, education records. Materials may exist through several other channels that have not yet been explored. We encourage and welcome that exploration through this residency program. Please note that some records one might wish to examine may be legally restricted in part or in whole. Prospective researchers should inquire about possible restrictions when contacting the State Archives.

Awards

Awards are intended to defray costs of travel, lodging, and meals,. All awardees who are U.S. citizens or legal residents will receive a $250 award plus support for eligible travel-related expenses.   Research visits range from a few days to several weeks depending upon the nature of the research and volume of records. (Eligible expenses are indicated on the application form.)

Applications Process/Deadline

The Application Guidelines provide detailed information on completing a Residency application.

The fillable Application Form is appropriate for all types of researchers. Certain browsers may affect the functionality of the form, so we recommend that you download the form and fill it out using Acrobat Reader or similar software.  Certain computer operating systems may adversely affect automatic calculations in the budget form included with the application.  If you encounter problems with this function contact: sarahackres@nysed.gov and a separate form will be provided.     

If you need an application form sent to you by U.S. Mail, contact:

New York State Archives
Cultural Education Center, Room 9D46
Albany, New York 12230
Phone: (518) 474-6276
Email:  sarahackres@nysed.gov

If you have questions about the application process see the FAQs or e-mail: sarahackres@nysed.gov

Applications must be postmarked or e-mailed by midnight (ET) January 15, 2024. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scholars and archivists familiar with the State Archives and its holdings. Applicants will be informed of the panel's decision by  April 15,  2024.

Requirements

Pre-Application Planning

Potential applicants must e-mail the Archives' Researcher Services staff several weeks before completing the application, to discuss their research topics and the records that they propose to use. Early consultation with Archives staff generally results in a stronger application.

Contact:
Researcher Services
New York State Archives
E-mail:  archref@nysed.gov

Residencies must be completed by May 31, 2025. At the end of the residency, awardees must submit a final report on their research experience in order to receive final payment of the award. Residents are expected to publicize project results through: a published article, thesis or dissertation, or book; a  public presentation (copy of presentation and program should be submitted to the Archives Partnership Trust); a public exhibit or website; and/or an article submission to New York Archives magazine for possible publication. See the Editorial Guidelines.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), may also answer many of your questions.

Program Funding

Endowment earnings and private contributions to the Archives Partnership Trust provide the financial basis for the Hackman Research Residency Program. Contributors have included The Susan and Elihu Rose Foundation, Inc., Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation; The Lucius N. Littaur Foundation; William Randolph Hearst Foundation; and Larry J. Hackman.

Contributions and endowment earnings enable the Trust to maintain prior years' award levels, as well as to continue with invitational fellowships to complete priority projects.

Gifts are welcomed. Contact Archives Partnership Trust, Cultural Education Center — Suite 9C49, Albany, New York 12230.