The center provides six-month research fellowships to advanced-stage doctoral candidates, junior and senior faculty, independent scholars and humanities professionals. Research spans subjects such as history, the history of art and architecture, literature, religion, material culture studies, music, historic preservation and urban planning.
Fellows are given a stipend for research expenses and may receive housing. They have office space in the Nightingale-Brown House on Benefit Street, and other support services.
Since 1993, the center has offered fellowships to 46 scholars from 18 universities, colleges and museums.