The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) and the Library of American Landscape History (LALH) are partnering to establish a new joint grant program beginning in 2026. The LALH Research Grant Program will support and promote research and scholarship related to the history of landscape design and planning in North America.

“SAH is thrilled to collaborate with LALH to expand our capacity to support research opportunities that explore the intersections between landscape and architectural history,” said Ben Thomas, Executive Director of SAH. “We’re excited to see the important discoveries made by awardees through the program.”

The program, open to scholars worldwide, will support a broad range of projects including journal articles, book manuscripts, films, exhibitions, public lectures, and cultural landscape reports that provide new insight into the history of landscape design and planning in North America. Four $5,000 grants will be awarded annually to support research, writing, and travel costs associated with the awarded projects. Three grants will be awarded to scholars whose careers reflect a strong commitment to research and publication in the field of American landscape history, and one grant will be awarded to a current graduate student.

“Through our decades-long publishing program,” notes LALH Executive Director Robin Karson, “LALH has supported research on the history of North American landscape design. We are delighted to extend this support to our colleagues in SAH who are eager to explore the subject of landscape—we are great believers in cross-disciplinary study.” The new LALH Research Grant Program is made possible by the Nancy R. Turner and Ann D. Wilhite Nature and Design Funds.

The first application cycle for the LALH Grant Program will open in October 2026. 

About the Society of Architectural Historians
Founded in 1940, the Society of Architectural Historians is an international nonprofit membership organization promoting the study, interpretation, and conservation of architecture, design, landscapes, and urbanism worldwide. SAH serves a network of local, national, and international institutions and individuals who, by vocation or avocation, focus on the built environment and its role in shaping contemporary life. SAH promotes meaningful public engagement with the history of the built environment through advocacy efforts, print and online publications, and local, national, and international programs. Learn more at sah.org.

Media Contact: Emma Rogers, SAH Communications Manager

About the Library of American Landscape History
Founded in 1992, LALH is the leading publisher of books that advance the study and practice of American landscape architecture—from gardens and parks to city plans. LALH books and documentary films educate the public, motivating stewardship of significant places and the environment, and they inspire new designs to connect people with nature. Learn more at lalh.org.