The Lola Homsher Research Grant, administered by the Wyoming Historical Society, supports original research that contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Wyoming’s rich historical legacy. The grant program is funded through the Lola Homsher Endowment Fund, established by the late Lola Homsher, a notable historian and Wyoming’s former state archivist. Homsher was instrumental in the formation of the Wyoming State Historical Society in 1953, and upon her retirement, her endowment laid the groundwork for this annual grant program. The program aligns with the Society’s mission to make the state’s history accessible to current and future generations.
Designed for both amateur and professional historians, the grant program encourages research on any topic related to Wyoming history. Projects supported in the past have included historical rephotography, exploration of diplomatic history, sports history, and the cultural symbolism of Wyoming’s landscapes. The 2025 awardees received a combined total of $7,000 for five diverse research initiatives. These included studies on geological photography, Cold War diplomacy in Grand Teton National Park, early University of Wyoming football history, and territorial border changes, among others.
Funding awards range from $100 to $1,500. Funds can be used to support travel for research, document scanning, and other research-related costs that help complete original historical projects. Proposals are reviewed competitively by a committee, which gives preference to projects that offer innovative perspectives on Wyoming history. Although priority is given to Wyoming residents, applications are welcome from all geographic locations.
To apply, applicants must submit an electronic proposal through the Wyoming Historical Society’s website. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, a detailed project description, the historical value to Wyoming, and an explanation of public benefit. The final application deadline for the 2025 cycle is February 28, 2025. Applicants are typically notified of their status in the spring, and grantees are expected to submit both interim and final reports on their research outcomes.
For the upcoming 2026 cycle, electronic proposals are due on February 28, 2026. Recurrence is annual, and the next expected application cycle will open in early January 2026. Interested applicants are advised to begin preparing their materials in advance of the submission period. For more information or to request application materials, individuals may contact the Wyoming Historical Society at 307.322.3014 or via email at vp1.whs@gmail.com.
