[Discussion] Research Grant for the History of Freemasonry

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

*Research Grant for the History of Freemasonry*
*Location:* 	Netherlands
<http://www.h-net.org/announce/geography.cgi?geography=Netherlands>

	

	

	

The OVN, a Dutch Foundation for Academic Research into the History of
Freemasonry in the Netherlands, is offering a RESEARCH GRANT (max. EUR
3000,-) for research into the HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Students, graduates and scholars (m/f) are invited to apply before *30
April 2005*.

The Academic Study of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is an initiation society, which has proved to be of great
influence on European culture since the beginning of the 18th century.
Through the individual members of the order, masonic ideas and symbols
found their way into literature, art, science and politics during three
centuries and thus became a part of our society.
The importance of studying the history of freemasonry is recognized by
more and more academics. In 2001 special chairs for this field of study
were founded at universities in Sheffield (UK) and Leiden (the
Netherlands). Several European museums and libraries offer collections
with relevant archives, literature and objects.
However, for students and scholars who are interested in the subject,
there is little funding available to make research possible in a
practical sense. This is why a group of academics founded the OVN,
(stichting ter bevordering van wetenschappelijk Onderzoek naar de
geschiedenis van de Vrijmetselarij in Nederland). The foundation aims to
make travel and research grants for the history of freemasonry available
to students, graduates and scholars.

Procedure for Grant Applications

    * Applications for an OVN grant should include a proposal for
      research into (aspects of) the history of freemasonry in the
      Netherlands and/or its former territories. Research into
      developments in other countries that are somehow relevant for the
      Dutch situation, and research which makes relevant documents or
      collections accessible, will also be considered.
    * Applications are welcomed from all relevant academic disciplines
      (history, literature, musicology, religious studies, gender
      studies, sociology, art history, economic history, etc.).
    * Applications for the second OVN grant may be submitted by
      students, graduates, PhD students and other scholars of all
      nationalities until 30 April 2005 for a maximum grant of EUR
      3000,-. The research grant may for example cover the costs of
      travel, accommodation and research for an article, book, an
      (independent) PhD project, an exhibition or other project.
    * Applications must be submitted using the OVN Application Form and
      should meet the criteria described in the OVN Grant Regulations.
      These will be made available at your request by the secretary of
      the OVN.
    * Applications are judged by an independent panel of academic
      experts in relevant fields of study. After closing the deadline
      all candidates will be informed in writing on the status of their
      application as soon as possible.
    * The distribution of grants by the OVN is made possible by the
      support of individual donors, who contribute EUR 25,- per year.
      All applicants are kindly requested to subscribe as a donor, so
      others may benefit of a grant in the future.

Examples of Relevant Research Areas
Candidates are free in the choice of their research subject, as long as
their proposal meets the criteria mentioned above. Examples of relevant
areas of research, which might help to formulate a specific research
subject or question, are:

    * What influence did freemasonry and its individual members have on
      different historical, political, social or cultural developments?
    * What was the historical development of different masonic orders
      and lodges within the Netherlands or its former territories (in
      Belgium, Indonesia, South Africa, Antilles Islands, etc.), and
      what part did they play in (local) history?
    * How did masonic rituals and symbols develop within different
      masonic orders, and what was their function or meaning? How were
      Dutch rituals influenced by those in other countries?
    * What interaction took place between Dutch and foreign orders and
      lodges on a formal, informal, personal or ritual level, and what
      part did freemasons play in general international contacts?
    * What social or religious groups were represented within masonic
      orders, and what differences or trends can be seen in their
      participation in lodges in different time periods?
    * How did the opposition to and/or introduction of female members
      into masonic orders develop in different time periods, and how
      does this relate to the history of women's emancipation in general?
    * What relationships can be traced between freemasonry and other
      esoteric currents, such as theosophy?
    * Which prominent historical figures (members of royalty, clergy or
      government, merchants, authors, artists, etc.) were members of
      masonic orders? Did masonic ideals influence their everyday
      decisions and if so, how?
    * How did masonic ideas and symbolism find their way to the arts,
      for instance trough the work of artists, authors, actors or
      producers who were once a member of a lodge?
    * What architecture, interiors, objects and images were made by or
      for masons since the 18th century, and how are they of importance
      to art history and/or our cultural heritage?

OVN
The OVN aims to 'stimulate academic research from all disciplines into
the history of freemasonry in the Netherlands and its former territories
from the time of its foundation until the present day, as well as to
stimulate the exchange of knowledge and the results of research into
this field'.
The OVN collects individual donations to form a fund, from which
research grants are made available to students, graduates and scholars.
The first grants are of a modest size, but the frequency and size of the
grants will grow as more and more donors pledge their support.
The OVN was founded on a private initiative by several academics and is
NOT associated to any masonic organization. The foundation is
independent within the field of study. The board is advised by an
independent Committee of Recommendation, consisting of academic experts
on freemasonry and western esotericism from universities in Europe, the
USA and Canada.

Donors
The OVN grants are made possible by donors. Private persons, as well as
institutes, organizations or companies, who are interested in the
history of freemasonry can make a valuable contribution in support of
the activities of the OVN by pledging a yearly donation of EUR 25,- or
more. (In the Netherlands the OVN is recognized as a foundation for
cultural and academic benefit and donations are tax deductible under
art. 24.4. of the Dutch Succession law.)
Donors regularly receive a newsletter with information on new
publications, congresses, exhibitions and other relevant (international)
events or developments in the field. Donors also get a discount on the
price of publications and the registration fee of activities
(co)organized by the OVN.

Information
For more information about the aims and activities of the OVN, or
applications for a research grant, please contact the secretary of the
OVN, mrs. dr. M. Bax.

	OVN
PO BOX 92004
NL-1090 AA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: info@stichtingovn.nl <mailto:info@stichtingovn.nl>