Scholarships available for the 2024 Small Museum Association Conference in Richmond, VA

Learn about the 40th Annual Small Museum Association Conference Here 

Scholarships

The Small Museum Association offers funding for scholarships each year through the generosity of past conference organizers and attendees as well as several partner museum organizations. All scholarships cover the cost of conference registration as well as hotel and meals.

Pomeroy Foundation Grant

The Small Museum Association is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant from the Pomeroy Foundation. This grant will be utilized to support SMA scholarships, enabling the organization to offer several scholarships that will cover the full cost of attending the SMA Annual Conference in Richmond, Virginia, in 2024. Additionally, each scholarship recipient will receive a travel and hotel stipend of $500 to assist with expenses after the conference.

The Pomeroy Foundation is a private foundation based in Syracuse, New York, known for its commitment to preserving and promoting history. The foundation actively supports historical markers and institutions of interest across the country, recognizing the importance of preserving local heritage and culture. As such, the Pomeroy Foundation has recognized the vital role that small museums play in local communities. By supporting SMA’s scholarship program, the foundation will empower professionals and volunteers in the museum industry, fostering professional development and ensuring access to valuable networking and learning opportunities.

Eligibility

Anyone affiliated with a museum, library, historical society, or related graduate study program (e.g., Museum Studies, Public History, Library and Information Studies, Historic Preservation) is eligible for the SMA Scholarships. This includes full-time or part-time employees, board members, students, interns, and volunteers. Museum organization scholarships may have additional restrictions. Applicants will automatically be considered for the scholarships for which they qualify. Past conference attendees are encouraged to apply, but previous scholarship winners are not eligible. First-time attendees and/or applicants that identify as belonging to a group historically underserved by the field are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholarships are open to residents of the United States and residents of countries that do not require a sponsored visa to visit the United States.

Expectations

If selected, SMA scholarship recipients will be expected to agree to the following terms and conditions:

• Conference Attendance: As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a code, which will provide free registration to and are expected to attend all scheduled conference sessions, workshops, and events during the SMA Annual Conference. Your active participation is essential to maximize the benefits of this invaluable professional development opportunity.
• Lectures Participation: To be eligible for reimbursement, you must actively engage in lectures, panel discussions, and other SMA lead events throughout the conference. Most importantly, Scholarship recipients keep time for speakers, distribute surveys, and assist with banquet seating.
• Stipend Process: SMA scholarship recipients will receive a travel stipend after the annual conference.

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted through Friday, October 20, 2023!

Apply Here!

Direct any questions to the SMA Scholarships & Awards Coordinator at scholarships@smallmuseum.org

Incomplete applications or those received after October 20 will not be considered. The SMA Conference Committee will determine the winners of the scholarships and notify them in late December.

SMA Scholarship Types

Anyone affiliated with a museum, library, historical society, or related graduate study program (e.g. Museum Studies, Public History, Library and Information Studies, Historic Preservation) is eligible for the Lisa Mason-Chaney and Lesley van der Lee Scholarships. This includes full-time or part-time employees, board members, students, interns, and volunteers. Past conference attendees are encouraged to apply but previous scholarship winners are not eligible.

Lisa Mason-Chaney Scholarship for Museum Leaders

Lisa Mason-Chaney, a former president of the Small Museum Association, embodied the spirit of SMA by demonstrating exactly how much could be done by the smallest of us. As a museum professional, her knowledge of and dedication to professional standards and best practices was unparalleled. She showed by example that to be small meant to be dynamic, vital, engaging, and relevant to the community. The scholarship awarded in her honor supports funding for a Conference attendee who also reflects the same traits.  

Lesley van der Lee Scholarship for Emerging Museum Professionals