Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify
potential investigators for a project to be funded by the National Park Service (NPS) and coordinated
by Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (CARL). The project involves the development and
production of a special history study that uses research and critical analysis to document Carl and
Lillian Sandburg’s views on and relationships with African Americans and the struggle for civil rights.
These resources will enable CARL to develop interpretive and educational programs that expand
understanding of the Sandburgs and connect visitors with African American history and culture.
This project requires a principal investigator(s) with a deep knowledge of American history and
literature, with a focus on the African American experience and civil rights, as well as prior
experience researching, writing, and producing government reports, especially as related to NPS
interpretive histories, historic contexts, or theme studies.
ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is open to non-federal members of the CESU National Network. Information on the
CESU National Network can be accessed at htps://www.cesu.org.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of a special history study is the collection, presentation, and evaluation of historical
research pertaining to a specific event or theme that is related to the history that has occurred
within the boundaries of a national park unit and/or its surrounding area(s).
The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (CARL), established in 1968 in Flat Rock, North
Carolina, commemorates the life of Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), the writer and Pulitzer Prize winner
known as the “Poet of the People.” Sandburg’s important body of work includes writing on
American race issues, including the 1919 Chicago “Race Riots. He also advocated against segregation
of the US military and Red Cross blood donations and was involved in “Negro Day” at the 1933
World’s Fair.
The study will provide the NPS and the general public with information that will fill in crucial
research gaps and will be invaluable for park interpretation and will be used to update park home
tours, park waysides, and online exhibits.
Deadline: The deadline for responding to this letter of interest is Friday, April 12, 2024 by 5:00pm
ET.
Application and Details