Cumberland University’s Papers of Martin Van Buren (PMVB) project recently received a grant for $217,800 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The funds will continue to support the creation of digital and print editions of the Van Buren papers, which are making accessible approximately 13,500 documents belonging to the eighth president.

PMVB project director and Cumberland University history professor Dr. Mark Cheathem involves students with transcribing the difficult-to-decipher papers, many of which are written in 19th-century handwriting.

“Receiving funding from the NEH is a significant endorsement of the progress our project has made over the past few years,” Dr. Cheathem said.

The NEH funding will allow the hiring of a new full time editor, who will help oversee production of the multivolume print edition and its digital accessibility. 

“The Papers of Martin Van Buren Project has received phenomenal recognition for its contribution to American history,” said Cumberland University President Paul C. Stumb. “We are proud of Dr. Cheathem and his team’s accomplishments, and look forward to seeing the growth the program will experience because of this grant.”

The NEH was created in 1965 as an independent federal agency. It is now one of the largest supporters of humanities programs in the country and awards grants based on top recommendations from independent panels. 

This project was made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.