Call for Applications: 2026 Summer Seminar in Military History, Lexington, Virginia
I am sharing this post although it is only for residents of a country that many of us no longer visit.
Call for Applications: 2026 Summer Seminar in Military History
Through the generous support of the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis at the Virginia Military Institute, and the Society for Military History, the 2026 Summer Seminar in Military History will be held on the VMI campus in beautiful Lexington, Virginia, June 1-12, 2026.
This two-week in-residence experience draws on the long tradition of Summer Seminars. This year, the theme will be “Foundations of Military History.” Participants will engage with visiting scholars, VMI faculty, and the program director to develop core skills and concepts in the study of military history. Seminar Fellows will also interact with public historians and archivists and participate in a battlefield staff ride.
The seminar is open to advanced doctoral students (ABD at time of application) in History or a closely related field, early career scholars no more than five years beyond the conferral of their PhD., or scholars new to the discipline of military history (including public historians or historians employed in government positions).
Due to funding constraints, the seminar is only open to US citizens or permanent residents.
Summer Seminar Fellows will receive:
- lodging for the duration of the Seminar
- select meals, including a welcome dinner, lunch each seminar day, and a closing banquet
- all reading materials
- a $1,300 stipend to help offset transportation costs to and from Lexington, Virginia, and other costs, such as evening meals, laundry, etc..
Seminar Fellows are encouraged to seek additional support from their home institutions to supplement travel and other costs.
Applications will be submitted via https://form.jotform.com/252778234204053. The application consists of a brief form, plus the following items to be uploaded:
- A two-page letter of interest, outlining the applicant’s motivation, qualifications, and goals for the seminar and their future career
- A CV/Resume
Doctoral students will include the name and contact information of their academic supervisor, who will submit a letter of reference.
Applications will be accepted through December 12, 2025. Applicants will be selected based on their potential contributions to the field of military history and on the contribution the program can make to their future teaching and research. Selected Fellows must be members in good standing of the Society for Military History. Click here for membership information.
Questions about the program can be sent to the Director, Dr. Adam Seipp (Professor of History, Texas A&M University) at aseipp@tamu.edu.
(scheduled 8 October 2025)
