Historic New England, Study Center
Research Scholar, New England Archival Research
Institution Type: | Other |
Location: | Massachusetts, United States |
Position: | Research Professional |
Position: Research Scholar
Classification: Full-time, Exempt, Term-Limited 12 Months
Start Date: September 1, 2021
Location: One of our regional offices located throughout New England. Periodic remote work is possible, but employee must reside in the New England region
Description: Historic New England, the oldest and largest regional heritage organization in the nation, is seeking applicants for four full-time research scholars to locate resources in archives, libraries, private collections, and other historical repositories with the goal of identifying underrepresented stories and histories. This is a full-time position, term-limited for 12 months, at a salary of $60,000 and includes generous and comprehensive vacation, holiday, and health and wellness benefit packages.
In September of 2021, we will launch the first phase of a multi-year project to reimagine and re-center the site experience at our historic sites—grounding our work in inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. The research scholar will work both independently and with a team of research scholars to identify, assess, and document all resources available in regional archival repositories with the goal of producing a databank of underrepresented histories to support new and inclusive storytelling at Historic New England sites.
Ideal candidates are scholars who work with New England history but specialize in subjects requiring challenging archival research, such as those of oppressed, marginalized, and erased groups. The goal of the research position is to provide Historic New England with a new foundation of potential research topics and the corresponding resources to research those topics in the future. The position will require creative thinking and problem solving as well as experience with “reading between the lines” or “reading against the grain” of primary sources and narratives.
Historic New England welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee research in one of four regional areas in New England and identify all possible historical repositories within that region
- Engage with these repositories, thoroughly assess their collections, and notate the underrepresented stories along with all available resources to support researching those stories further
- Collaborate with the other researchers to build a comprehensive resource databank that lists the stories and the available resources from which Historic New England staff can continue to work with in the future
- Participate in and contribute to Historic New England’s culture through staff training, blogs and vlogs, and public programs
Qualifications:
- A completed Master’s degree or expected completion before the term of employment begins, in history or a related field specializing in New England history
- Experience working with challenging archival research, particularly in oppressed, erased, and underrepresented history
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Experience working with data management software programs. Requires fully competent computer skills including working knowledge of MS Office Suite. Experience with Microsoft Excel, Zoom or similar virtual meeting platforms, and internet research is required
- Valid driver’s license and means of transportation are required. Ability to travel to our collections and archives offices as well as any libraries, archives, and research sites throughout the region
Preferred Qualifications:
- A completed Ph. D. or expected completion before the term of employment with a specialty in New England history and archival research
- Publication(s) in scholarly, peer-reviewed academic journals, book chapters, and/or monographs
- Experience training or teaching research methods and approaches
- Experience working with new media such as YouTube, blogging, etc.
Application Requirements:
- CV with Work Experience
- 1-3 page single-spaced statement discussing your academic research interests, your archival experience, and why you are qualified for this position
Please send applications to jobs@historicnewengland.org
Applications are due by May 10, 2021
Historic New England is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to supporting equality of opportunity and respect for diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in employment to all qualified persons without regard to non-work-related factors such as race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Contact: |
Applications should be sent to jobs@historicnewengland.org |
Website: | https://www.historicnewengland.org/ |
Primary Category: | Research and Methodology |
Secondary Categories: | American History / Studies Local History |
Posting Date: | 04/06/2021 |
Closing Date | 05/10/2021 |