USA Scholarships
Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship 2027 - $100K NASM
The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History is the National Air and Space Museum''s senior fellowship for finishing a book or comparable scholarly project in aviation or space history. Candidates need a distinguished publication record, whether in academia or as a nonacademic author, and must work in residence in the Washington, D.C. area for twelve months with a named NASM staff advisor. The museum lists a $100,000 stipend plus up to $5,000 for travel and research expenses tied to your proposal budget. Apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) with a detailed research plan, summary abstract, CV, bibliography, estimated schedule, and three recommendation letters. NASM notes that fellows selected in one cycle usually begin about a year later, so applicants targeting a 2027 SOLAA deadline should plan a later residency start. Applications are due January 16, 2027 unless Smithsonian pages post an updated date.
What is the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship?
The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History is the headline appointment on the National Air and Space Museum fellowship roster. NASM designed it for writers who already proved they can publish, not for students still hunting a dissertation topic. You arrive in Washington, D.C. with a book project underway and spend twelve months turning archives, curators, and collections into chapters someone will actually read.
Money matches the stature. The museum advertises a $100,000 stipend for the year, with up to $5,000 more for travel and research that you justify in a separate budget. That does not cover rent in the capital region, so plan housing like any other senior sabbatical.
SOLAA is the front door. Your file needs a tight 1,500-word proposal, a bibliography that shows you know the field, three letters from people who vouch for your track record, and a NASM staff advisor who agreed to take your calls before you hit submit. Deadlines land on January 16, and NASM warns the residency often starts a year after you apply, which catches planners who expect to move immediately. If your project truly needs the Smithsonian's aviation and space holdings, the Lindbergh Chair sits beside the Verville and Guggenheim lines on the same museum fellowship page, but only this one carries the six-figure stipend.
Eligibility
-
✓Distinguished publication recordYou must show a strong record of publication as a senior scholar or accomplished nonacademic author, with work relevant to aerospace history.
-
✓Book or major research project in progressThe fellowship supports candidates actively working on a book or other significant scholarly research project in aviation or space history during the twelve-month term.
-
✓Named Smithsonian staff advisorEvery application must identify a National Air and Space Museum staff member who will advise your project. NASM encourages you to contact potential advisors before applying.
-
✓In-residence commitmentFellows interact with museum staff, attend seminars and colloquia, and deliver at least one work-in-progress presentation while based in the Washington, D.C. area.
-
✓Utilization of NASM resourcesYour proposal should explain which museum collections, facilities, and staff expertise you need, plus how Washington-area resources advance the project.
-
✓Not a predoctoral student awardThe Lindbergh Chair targets established researchers rather than students still completing dissertations. Mid-career and senior applicants with published books or equivalent work fit the listing.
Benefits
- Annual stipend $100,000 (12-month appointment)
- Travel and research Up to $5,000
- Tenure length 12 months in residence
- Museum access Collections, staff seminars, colloquia
- Work-in-progress talk At least one staff presentation required
- Relocation and housing Not covered by stipend terms listed
- Office equipment purchases Excluded from research budget guidance
Document checklist
-
✓SOLAA online applicationCreate a SOLAA account, start a new application, and select National Air and Space Museum as the office or museum. Save progress and submit before January 16, 2027.
-
✓Research proposal (1,500 words or less)Set forth your research plan with historiographical context, museum resource needs, staff contributions, D.C.-area assets, budget justification, and how you will share results.
-
✓250-word research summaryProvide a concise abstract of the proposed project for reviewers and selection committee members.
-
✓Curriculum vitae or résuméUpload a CV highlighting publications, fellowships, and accomplishments relevant to aerospace history (5 MB upload limit on SOLAA).
-
✓Three letters of recommendationReferees may submit after you start the application but must finish before the January 16, 2027 deadline.
-
✓Research budget and bibliographyInclude travel and research support costs separate from the stipend, plus a bibliography of literature cited in your proposal.
-
✓Estimated research scheduleOutline phases of your project across the twelve-month fellowship term.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship?
It is the senior Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. One competitive fellow works in residence for twelve months on a book or major publication in aviation or space history.
How much is the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship stipend?
NASM lists a $100,000 stipend for the twelve-month appointment plus up to $5,000 for travel and research expenses tied to your approved budget. Housing and relocation are not included.
When is the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship application deadline?
The National Air and Space Museum fellowship page lists a January 16 application deadline through SOLAA. For the next cycle after September 2026, plan to submit by January 16, 2027 unless Smithsonian posts a new date.
Who can apply for the Lindbergh Chair fellowship?
Senior scholars and nonacademic authors with a distinguished record of publication who are working on a book or significant aerospace history project may apply. The chair is not designed for predoctoral students still finishing dissertations.
Do I need a Smithsonian staff advisor for the Lindbergh Fellowship?
Yes. Every applicant must name a National Air and Space Museum staff advisor. NASM encourages you to contact potential advisors before applying so they understand your topic and collections needs.
How do I apply for the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellowship?
Apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). Create an account, select National Air and Space Museum, upload your proposal, CV, budget, bibliography, schedule, and arrange three recommendation letters.
When does the Lindbergh Chair fellowship start?
NASM explains that the Lindbergh Chair usually starts about a year after selection. Applicants who apply in a winter cycle and are chosen the following spring often begin residency the next fall.
What must Lindbergh Fellows do during the year?
Fellows work on their book or major publication, interact with museum staff, attend professional seminars and colloquia, and deliver at least one work-in-progress presentation on their topic.
Scholarship Union
More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.
Related guides
Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.
Visit official website