For consideration, applications must be postmarked by January 31st.
William Gilmore Simms,
from an etching in Harper's
Weekly, July 2, 1870.
William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) was a native South Carolinian who gained far-ranging literary acclaim as the most prolific Southern writer of the antebellum period. Hailed as the man of the letters of the Old South, Simms garnered the respect of readers in the North and South, including such contemporaries as Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, and Edgar Allan Poe. Simms' versatility and talent led him to write 72 book-length works, including novels, short story collections, poetry, drama, literary criticism, essays, histories, and biographies. Following the Civil War and after his death Simms' works fell out of favor. Fortunately, recent research has revived interest in and appreciation for his writings.
Through the William Gilmore Simms Visiting Research Professor Endowment scholars are able to explore and study the extensive collection of Simms' published and manuscript works held by the Library, as well as the published and manuscript works of writers from South Carolina and elsewhere whose works are represented in the rich holdings of the South Caroliniana Library.
Mary C. Simms Oliphant, of Greenville, S.C., originated the fund to honor Simms, her grandfather. Contributions from her daughter, Mrs. Alester G. Furman III, and other family and friends made possible the establishment of theSimms Visiting Research Professor Award.
Mary C. Simms Oliphant,
from a photo courtesy of
Mrs. Alester G. Furman III.
Awarded annually since 1995, the Simms Endowment provides researchers who are citizens of the United States with the opportunity to conduct research at the South Caroliniana Library for a period of up to 10 weeks during the summer months.
The Endowment also funds the William Gilmore Simms Research Scholar Award which is presented to an individual pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research on William Gilmore Simms or other writers from South Carolinia or the South. The research must be supported by collections in the South Caroliniana Library. Both awards fund stipends for research and, if justified, will include allowance for housing.
For further information, please contact John Heiting atheitingj@mailbox.sc.edu or call 803-777-3131. The award recipient(s) will be announced on or before April 1st. For consideration, applications must be postmarked by January 31st. PLEASE NOTE: Both positions filled for summer of 2013.
Applicants should submit the following:
- Applicant's full name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address.
- An essay (of not more than 500 words) discussing the topic of research to be conducted at the Library.
- Current vita.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Send materials to:
South Caroliniana Library
Attention: John Heiting
University of South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. 29208
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