Elizabeth Laney, Mary Lucia Thaỏ Darst, and Ann Oldenburg selected for Outstanding Research in Women’s History
WASHINGTON—The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives and Records Administration, announced awards for its seventh annual Cokie Roberts Women’s History Fellowship. Elizabeth Laney of South Carolina has been selected as the 2026 Cokie Roberts Women’s History Fellow and will receive $7,500 to conduct original research using primary resources from the National Archives.
The Foundation also recognized Mary Lucia Thaỏ Darst as the 2026 Commended Scholar, awarding her $3,000 to support her research, and Ann Oldenburg as a 2026 Finalist, awarding her $2,000 to support her research.
This year’s competition attracted nearly 60 applicants whose proposals explored a diverse range of topics, including the evolving role of First Ladies, rural educators in the Jim Crow South, and more.
Established in 2019, the Cokie Roberts Research Fund for Women’s History honors the legacy of acclaimed journalist and author Cokie Roberts, whose work brought greater recognition to the remarkable contributions of women throughout American history. Roberts served on the National Archives Foundation board for nearly two decades, and the fellowship continues her commitment to uncovering and sharing stories of untold women in American history through the holdings of the National Archives.
“Each year, the Cokie Roberts Women’s History Fellowship highlights the exceptional scholarship that is expanding our understanding of women’s contributions to American history,” said Rebecca Roberts, a writer of women’s history, National Archives Foundation board member, and Cokie Roberts’ daughter. “We’re proud to support the work of this year’s recipients to carry forward Cokie’s enduring commitment to shining a light on the role of women in the American story.”
Elizabeth Laney is a professional historian, genealogist, and public speaker specializing in Reconstruction and African American history, particularly in South Carolina. She holds master’s degrees in history and museum studies. She has previously worked at historic sites like Redcliffe Plantation SHS (South Carolina) and the Frederick Douglass NHS (Washington, DC), where she cultivated her passion for history. She is published in the Journal of the SC Historical Association and curated the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit at the Colleton Museum in Walterboro, SC. Currently, Laney serves as a Research Associate at USC Beaufort’s Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era, researching the 33rd US Colored Troops and their support networks.
Mary Lucia Darst received her Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Music from University of Oxford. She holds an MA in History and Literature from Columbia University. She won the Laura Bassi Scholarship prize for her doctoral dissertation on socio-economic networks in the eighteenth century. For her film work, she has held three fellowships with the Moving Picture Institute and was Distinguished Fellow with the Richmond International Film Festival in 2023.
Ann Oldenburg is the assistant director of Georgetown University’s Journalism Program. She began her career at The Washington Post before moving on to spend two decades at USA Today covering entertainment and pop culture. In a career pivot, she earned a master’s degree from Georgetown’s Aging & Health program and has expanded her teaching topics to include courses on social justice and ageism. As a freelance journalist she has won awards for writing about issues surrounding caregiving challenges in our country. Most recently, she has become keenly interested in chickens.
About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.
