The Steve Wimmer Southwest History Research Fund for the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library (FACHL) at the New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) honors the memory of the longtime chef concierge at La Fonda Hotel, and his infectious enthusiasm for New Mexico history & cultural tourism.

The fund now annually gives one grant of $1,000, plus four complimentary weeknight stays at La Fonda to assist researchers to travel to Santa Fe and use the History Library collections. Priority will be given to candidates wishing to study an aspect, person, organization or industry from New Mexico History between 1879- 1949. All scholars, either affiliated with an institution or independent, are welcome to apply. All projects will be considered.

The grant includes:

• Stipend of $1,000 to be used to support any aspect of the project. Payments will be made in 2 installments: the first $750 upon the award of the grant, the last $250 upon the completion of the project
• Up to 1 week (5 weekdays) of onsite research at the FACHL
• Up to 4 weeknight’s lodging at the La Fonda Hotel or the Old Santa Fe Inn located near the historic Santa Fe Plaza (subject to availability)
• Research hosted and assisted by qualified archivists
• Digitization of research documents for publication/ presentation and waiving of reproduction fees
• Research assistance at the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives

Optional Activities Include:

• Admission to the 4 state-run museums (NM Museum of Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, International Folk Art Museum, NM History Museum)
• Individualized docent-led tour of NM History Museum and La Fonda Hotel

The grantee will be expected to:

• Spend up a minimum of two weekdays conducting onsite research at the FACHL prior to October 26, 2023
• Deliver a research-based talk at 2023 Fred Harvey History Weekend in Santa Fe (October 27-29, 2023). FACHL Librarians will facilitate planning.
• Write an article on the research, an academic or non-academic for El Palacio, NM Magazine, or similar publication. Article to be submitted by March 31, 2024, and should mention the fund’s support
• Provide a copy of final article to the library

The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, local landmark, and destination for anyone who wants to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico. The Fray Angélico Chávez History Library is a constituent member of the Museum and the state’s oldest library with collections spanning 700 years.

Applications should include a CV or resume, along with a letter of interest explaining the project. Each should be no more than two pages. Please include research questions and specify at least one collection you are interested in using. Projects can include any library collection and archival collections can be browsed at NM Archives Online. If an undergraduate or graduate student, include name of academic reference. For best consideration, submit applications to Kathleen Dull at: historylibrary@dca.nm.gov by Saturday, July 15, 2023.