Katherine Anne Porter Research Award
The Katherine Anne Porter Research Award supports research and creative projects that utilize the Katherine Anne Porter papers and related collections in Special Collections and University Archives at the University of Maryland Libraries.
About the Katherine Anne Porter Collections
The primary archive for American author Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980) is located in Hornbake Library at the University of Maryland. It contains correspondence, notes and drafts for her works, publications, photographs, legal documents, memorabilia, and other materials that document her private and professional life. Also included is Porter's personal library of over 37,000 volumes.
Porter is known primarily for her short stories and novel, Ship of Fools, but also published nonfiction. She won the Pulitzer Prize and received the National Book Award for The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter. Her archives shed light on her literary accomplishments and reveal her interests in writing, travel, politics, and current events.
The Katherine Anne Porter papers and related collections are part of Literature and Rare Books in Special Collections and University Archives. These holdings support literary research on the life and work of Katherine Anne Porter and her literary circle. They also encompass broader topics including Modernism, twentieth century literature and culture, women's literature, and more.
Consult the following for further information about Katherine Anne Porter resources in Special Collections and University Archives:
Award Criteria, Eligibility, and Guidelines
Up to $2000
Open to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty/staff, and scholars.
University of Maryland students/faculty/staff AND applicants not affiliated with the University of Maryland are encouraged to apply.
Submissions for literary research and creative projects are welcome.
Award recipients will be asked to complete the following:
- Write a short paper (1000-2500 words) reflecting on their project and research findings.
- Be interviewed by Special Collections staff about their research experience.
Award deliverables will be published on Special Collections and University Archives social media and in the Katherine Anne Porter Society Newsletter.
- Award deliverables must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Award recipients will also be asked to share the final product identified in their project proposal.
To apply, complete the Katherine Anne Porter Research Award Application form.
Applicants will be required to upload the following documents as part of the application form.
All documents must be in .pdf format.
- Project proposal (see guidelines below)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
Guidelines for project proposals:
- Provide a detailed description of your project, including the following information:
- How does your project connect to Katherine Anne Porter?
- What are your research strategies or creative processes?
- How do you plan to utilize the Katherine Anne Porter holdings at the University of Maryland Libraries?
- What is your timeline to complete your project?
- What is your final product or deliverables?
- Where will you complete your project? For example, remotely or onsite in Hornbake Library.
- Limit proposal to 750-1500 words
- Format as single-spaced, using 12 point font
Preference will be given to applicants who directly connect their work to Katherine Anne Porter.
Project proposals will be evaluated for the following criteria:
- Originality, creativity, and well-thought out research topic/project
- Clarity of project scope and plan
- Feasibility of final product
- Excellent written communication
Additionally, applicants who plan to make meaningful use of the Katherine Anne Porter holdings in SCUA will also be prioritized.
Applications will be reviewed in February 2025.
Award winner(s) will be announced in March 2025.
Application deadline is January 30, 2025.