Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund for Historical Photographic Research

Peter Palmquist was killed at age 66 by a hit-and-run driver on January 13, 2003. A professional photographer for over 50 years, including 28 at Humboldt State University, he is considered one of the most important photo-historians of the 20th century. His emphasis was the American West, California, Humboldt County before 1950, and the international history of women in photography. He published over 60 books and 340 articles. With co-author Thomas Kailbourn, he won the Caroline Bancroft Western History Prize for their book 'Pioneer Photographers of the Far West.' Martha Sandweiss, retired Princton professor, is an American historian, with particular interests in the history of the American West, visual culture, and public history. Dr. Sandweiss wrote: "He established new ways of pursuing the history of photography. With his collections and research notes now accessible at Yale, he will be speaking to and inspiring new generations forever." Established by Peter's lifetime companion, Pam Mendelsohn, this fund supports the study of under-researched women photographers internationally and under-researched Western American photographers through The Great Depression. 

Peter’s lifetime companion, Pam Mendelsohn, explained: “There have been 18 rounds of grant applications providing funds to seventy-five researchers globally. Please join us for round 19 by honoring Peter’s passion for independent photohistorical research. Visit www.palmquistgrants.com to enter the world of our past recipients (2024).