Historical Accountability Student Research Program
Summer Student Archival Research Program
Aimed towards students with little to no experience with archival research, this program will teach students basic research skills and allow them to practice their skills at both Rauner Library and Brown University’s Hay Library.
During the interim between spring and summer terms, a cohort of up to four Dartmouth undergraduate students will participate in educational activities at Dartmouth's Rauner Library and Brown University's Hay Library. Participants will come away with more confidence in their archival research ability, a greater understanding of how to conduct research on historical topics, and an appreciation of the similarities and differences between the archives of different institutions.
Description
Collaboration with Hay Library
The John Hay Library at Brown University hosts a cohort of 6-7 undergraduate fellows for eight weeks each summer, where they learn to use the archives and special collections to research a topic of their interest. The Hay Library has invited a small group of Dartmouth students to visit and take part in joint activities on June 11 and 12, 2026.
Below is a tentative summary of activities over the four days of the program.
Day 1 (June 9)
- Introduction to archives and workshops with Rauner staff
- Lunch with Rauner staff
- Tour of Rauner spaces
- Orientation exercise in the reading room
Day 2 (June 10)
- Individual research on topics of interest
- Lunch with Rauner staff
- Students present their research findings to each other and discuss their experiences
Days 3 and 4 (June 11-12)
The third day will begin with travel to Providence in a Dartmouth rental vehicle. Activities for the two days may include:
- Introductions between Dartmouth and Brown students
- Lunch with all students and Hay Library staff
- Workshop led by Hay staff on historical accountability-related considerations in archival research
- Dartmouth students “shadow” Brown students as they do their research
- Tour of the Hay Library
The Dartmouth cohort will travel back to Hanover the evening of June 12.
Cost
There is no cost to participate in the program. Transportation and accommodations in Hanover, NH for the first night and Providence, RI for the second night will be provided. Each participant will be compensated for meals, up to $200.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until May 22, 2026. Students will be notified of whether they have been accepted to the program by May 27.
To be eligible for the program, the applicant must be a current Dartmouth undergraduate student. Applicants should submit a 1-2 page personal statement describing their topics of interest, prior experience with archival research, and what they hope to gain from the program.
Students will be selected for the program based on how well they meet these criteria:
- Expresses curiosity towards a topic of interest that can be researched, at least at a surface level, at both Rauner and Hay libraries.
- Envisions how the skills learned during the program will enable future scholarly and/or professional opportunities.
Submit your statement along with a resume or CV to HASRP@dartmouth.edu.
