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2025 “SHOW-ME” GENEALOGY FELLOWSHIP
The Friends of the Missouri State Archives are proud to announce the inaugural “Show-Me” Genealogy Fellowship in 2025. This new annual award supports genealogical research and promotes the use of Missouri’s public records, building on the Missouri State Archives’ longstanding contributions to the genealogy community.
Eligibility
Any researcher utilizing the holdings of the Missouri State Archives and/or its St. Louis branch for genealogical purposes is eligible to apply. However, fellows may not receive third party payment for any research related to their proposal that is conducted at either Missouri State Archives location.
Award Details
The fellow will receive a $1,500 award to assist with travel expenses when visiting the Missouri State Archives and/or its St. Louis branch. The award will be distributed in two payments:
$800 upon submission of a signed acknowledgement/research publication guidelines form
$700 after completing the research and submitting a report on findings
Recipients must conduct their research within one year of award notification and submit a final report detailing their work. Additionally, the recipient must acknowledge the Missouri State Archives and the Friends of the Missouri State Archives “Show-Me” Genealogy Fellowship in any published work (e.g., articles, books, family histories, etc.) resulting from their research. A copy of any such publication must also be provided to the Missouri State Archives.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the form linked below and submit the following materials:
- A brief research proposal (1,000 words or less)
- A CV or résumé
- Contact information for three genealogy community references
These materials should be sent via email to [email protected] or by mail to:
Missouri State Archives
PO Box 1714
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Deadline & Notification
All application materials must be received by Friday, May 30, 2025. The fellowship recipient will be notified no later than Monday, June 16, 2025.
Selection Criteria
The recipient will be chosen based on:
- Strength and originality of the research proposal
- Clear use of Missouri State Archives’ holdings, with specific collection citations
- Potential impact on the genealogy community
- Applicant’s qualifications
- Role of the award in supporting the project’s success
Proposals requiring onsite research at the Missouri State Archives and/or its St. Louis branch are preferred over those using the Missouri State Archives’ online records.
About the Missouri State Archives
As the official repository for state records of historical value, the Missouri State Archives houses documents dating back to 1770. Its collections include:
- 338 million pages of documents
- 850,000 photographs
- 9,000 maps
- A vast collection of state publications
- Audiotapes, DVDs/CDs, and video recordings
One of the Missouri State Archives’ most valuable resources for genealogists is its collection of nearly 100,000 publicly accessible microfilm reels, containing records from all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. These include:
- Deeds
- Marriage records
- Military records
- Pre-1910 birth and death records
- Probate and circuit court records
- Penitentiary records
- Tax records, and more!
Explore the full extent of Missouri State Archives county records on microfilm here: www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/county/croll.
Additional Missouri State Archives finding aids are available here: www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/findingaids/default.
For more information, contact [email protected].
2025 “Show-Me” Genealogy Fellowship Application