The African American Episcopal Historical Collection (AAEHC) is pleased to announce that applications for its 2024-2025 research travel grants are now open.

Faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, independent researchers, and Episcopal clergy and laypersons who would like to use the AAEHC for research are encouraged to apply for one of the grants. Funds may be used for transportation, meals, lodging, photocopying, and other costs associated with research.

Award amounts vary, and applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount necessary to complete their projects. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024. Travel must occur between August 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Applicants can complete the application online here or email a PDF of their completed and signed application and other documentation to askaaehc@vts.edu.

The 2023-2024 research travel grants totaled just under $12,000 and were distributed among five grantees: The Rev. Dr. Lynn A. Collins, Canon Charles Egleston, The Rev. Charles L. Fischer III, The Rev. Canon Betsy Ivey, and Mr. Edward Smith II.

The AAEHC is a joint project of the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church and Virginia Theological Seminary. The Collection documents the experiences of African American Episcopalians through documents, institutional records, oral histories, personal papers, and photographs.

The Collection is particularly strong in the following areas:

• The histories of Black Episcopal parishes
• The race histories of white Episcopal parishes
• Networking and mentorship among black clergy
• The history of the Union of Black Episcopalians
• The history of the Conference of Church Workers among Colored People
• The history of the Bishop Payne Divinity School that educated African Americans for the Priesthood during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• The work of artist Allan Rohan Crite
• The contributions to The Episcopal Church made by individuals, such as The Rt. Rev. John Thomas Walker, The Rt. Rev. Walter Decoster Dennis, Ms. Verna Dozier, The Rev. Canon Harold T. Lewis, The Rev. Canon Thomas W.S. Logan, Sr., The Rev. Phillip Jackson, The Rev. Preston Hannibal, and The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows.

The Rev. Canon Betsy Smith Ivey, Diocese of Pennsylvania (retired), said: “As a researcher and writer of the history of Black Episcopalians, it is an extraordinary blessing to have access to the AAEHC’s historic research and memorabilia of noted Black clergy and scholars. These collections add fullness to the rich and true history of our Church.”

For more information about the AAEHC visit vts.edu/AAEHC.