Historian in Residence 2026
Calgary Public Library | Heritage Calgary
Application Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026
Program Dates: June 1 – August 31, 2026
Overview
The Historian in Residence is a three-month paid residency that supports individual historians and researchers working in any genre related to the social, cultural and built history of Calgary (Moh’kinstsis’), Treaty 7 and Métis Region 5 & 6. They deliver free programs and act as a mentor to historians, writers, and researchers through individual consultations, and curate an exhibit at Central Library. Presented in partnership with Heritage Calgary.
Description
The Historian in Residence is a historian or historical researcher who studies, interprets and communicates knowledge about the past. As our understanding of history expands, so too does our understanding of what a Historian is and does. Applicants must demonstrate training, expertise or a track record of credible historical research and interpretation.
The residency is based out of a fourth floor residency office at Central Library, next to the Calgary Story collection. The resident will engage regularly with the public through in-person and virtual consultations, workshops, school group tours and lectures and will use the resources available through the library and Heritage Calgary to further Calgarians understanding of our collective history in Southern Alberta.
Historians whose work and research focuses on underrepresented communities such as Indigenous, LGBTQ2+ and feminist histories are encouraged; the work must be consistent with the principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people. Because of the public nature of the studio space and the diversity of patrons of all ages and cultures at the library, the work must be respectful and suitable for family audiences.
The Historian in Residence is selected in partnership between Heritage Calgary and the Calgary Public Library.
Participants will receive:
- A resident office on the 4th floor at Central Library for the duration of the residency, available during operating hours of the Central Library.
- Access to Library and Heritage Calgary collections, resources and support.
- The opportunity to engage with Calgarians, library and Heritage Calgary experts interested in our shared history.
- $50/hr up to a total of 160 hours over the three months for a total of $8000 — this amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations and time to work on their stated project.
Requirements:
- State a historian/historical research project, new or ongoing, that will be explored during the residency.
- Host regularly scheduled open office hours, approximately 10 hours per week on site at the library during which the resident will have scheduled or drop-in consultations with the public.
- Develop and deliver a minimum of one public program at the library, such as a lecture or workshop.
- Create a minimum of two blog posts for the Heritage Calgary Blog.
- Develop a presentation and present during Historic Calgary Week, July 24 – August 3, 2026.
- Curate a display/screening/exhibit to coincide with the end of the residency.
For more information see the attached file and visit the Historian in Residence page at calgarylibrary.ca.
