The Program in Early American Economy & Society (PEAES) at the Library Company of Philadelphia awards numerous fellowships that support scholarship in early American economy and society, broadly defined, from its colonial beginnings to the 1850s.

The fellowships provide scholars the opportunity to investigate such topics as Atlantic and global connections of the American economy; its commerce, finance, business, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, internal development, or political economy; the history of race and the economy, capitalism, households, or gendered economies.

Applicants may submit proposals to conduct research based not only on the Library Company’s extensive collections but also on the printed and manuscript holdings of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

The following opportunities are available:

• Postdoctoral fellowships support one or two semesters of on-site research. Scholars at any stage of their career are welcome to apply.
• Dissertation fellowships support one or two semesters of on-site research for graduate students working on a doctoral dissertation.
• Short-term fellowships Several short-term fellowships are awarded each academic year to support four weeks of collections research. Applicants may be graduate students, PhD holders, or independent researchers.
• Cathy Matson Book Workshop Prize one recipient each year will be awarded the opportunity for a one-day virtual book workshop to help turn their dissertation into a book.  Candidates must have defended their dissertation before they apply.  Full application details forthcoming; deadline will be October 1, 2025.