Oral Historian, StoryQuest Oral History Program
Institution Type: | College / University |
Location: | Maryland, United States |
Position: | Instructor, Research Professional |
The C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience invites oral historians with teaching and project development experience to apply for a one year grant-funded position with the StoryQuest World War II Oral History Program. The person in this position will work closely with the Starr Center’s Director and Deputy Director to lay the groundwork for a nationwide network of partners to launch local oral history projects on the civilian experience during WWII. The successful candidate will build this infrastructure through direct outreach to potential partners as well as the development of innovative remote training materials and technical support systems.
Significant experience in the field of oral history is required, including the development of oral history projects; collection and archiving of interviews; teaching/instruction of oral history practitioners; and creation of audio and digital interfaces. 2+ years’ experience in oral history, public history, history education, nonprofit management, or a similar field is also required. Expertise in World War II history will be advantageous, but it is not a requirement. Master’s degree or higher strongly preferred.
The C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience is dedicated to fostering innovative approaches to American history and culture (http://www.washcoll.edu/centers/starr/). The Center is interdisciplinary and seeks to bridge the divide between the academic world and the public at large. From its base in the circa-1746 waterfront Custom House, the Center also serves as a portal onto a world of opportunities for Washington College students, sponsoring a variety of hands-on learning projects that take undergraduates outside the traditional classroom.
Working closely with undergraduate students, the StoryQuest program has collected and digitally archived 160 oral histories that integrate the experiences of wartime civilians into the larger story of America in World War II (http://storyquestproject.com/). Capturing the memories of men, women, and children who did not serve in uniform, the program has worked to preserve and make accessible the stories of Americans on the home front. Most recently, StoryQuest students have worked with staff and faculty to develop a webpage, featured by Smithsonian Magazine, dedicated to the memory of Pearl Harbor (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/new-oral-history-project-seeks-stories-world-war-ii-its-too-late-180961326/).
Washington College, with 1,450 undergraduates, is a liberal-arts institution that emphasizes close student/faculty collaboration and integrative learning. Established in 1782, it is the nation’s 10th-oldest college and the first one chartered in the newly independent United States, as well as America’s first fully secular college. George Washington was among the institution’s original trustees and major donors.
Chestertown is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a region rich in American history. It is 60 miles from the Washington, D.C., Beltway and 80 miles from Philadelphia.
Washington College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse cultural environment and encourages applications from women, minorities, disabled persons, and veterans.
Contact: |
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume through our online portal Consensus, at https://highereddecisions.com/wcm/current_vacancies.asp. The selection committee will also consider a small oral history portfolio (containing, for example, teaching materials, syllabi, audio/video productions, or web designs) highlighting one’s achievements in the field. These additional materials should be sent to Dr. Patrick Nugent at applications_starrcenter@washcoll.edu. Individual questions can also be sent to applications_starrcenter@washcoll.edu. |
Website: | http://www.washcoll.edu/centers/starr/ |
Primary Category: | None |
Secondary Categories: | None |
Posting Date: | 02/28/2017 |
Closing Date | 04/15/2017 |