American Philosophical Society, Library & Museum

Head of the David Center for the American Revolution

The Library & Museum of the American Philosophical Society seeks to hire the inaugural Head of the David Center for the American Revolution (DCAR). This is a two-year position.

About the David Center
The David Center for the American Revolution, a collaboration between the David Library of the American Revolution (DLAR) and the APS, is dedicated to supporting scholarship on the American Revolution. The DLAR's Founder, Sol Feinstone, believed that the examination of the Founding Fathers' values and the events of the Revolutionary Period is essential to creating an informed citizenry able to comprehend and adapt those founding principles to the ever evolving circumstances of American society. The Center champions the active engagement of scholars, educators, and the general public of all ages in a continuing and dynamic encounter with this most central episode in the creation of the American nation.

About the APS
The American Philosophical Society (APS), the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purposes of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century, it serves to advance knowledge and promote scholarship in the humanities and social, mathematical, life, and physical sciences. Members of the Society are elected from among the most eminent scholars and civic and cultural leaders in North America and abroad. More than 100 living APS Members are Nobel laureates.

The APS's Library & Museum collections make it among the premier institutions for documenting and exhibiting the history of the American Revolution and founding, the history of science from Newton to NASA, Native American languages and culture, and the development of American anthropology. The Library houses over 14 million manuscripts, 300,000 volumes and bound periodicals, 250,000 images, fine art, and other objects. Museum exhibitions interpret these extensive collections for the regional, national, and international visitors who come to Philadelphia’s historic district. In so doing, the exhibitions aim to nurture the spirit of inquiry, promote critical thinking, and engender enthusiasm for object-based learning by using primary source documents and authentic objects. The Library & Museum also hosts a robust fellowship program, offering over 25 short-term and 10 long-term fellowships each year to scholars using its collections.

For Further Information on APS Library & Museum Collections visit:
http://amphilsoc.org/library  and  http://amphilsoc.pastperfectonline.com/

Primary Responsibilities

• David Center Lectures
  • Identify and invite lecturers to 2 lectures per semester with an evening lecture in Bucks County and lunch in Philadelphia
  • Manage event logistics at APS and in coordination with staff at Washington Crossing
• Host approximately 8 DCAR virtual seminars per year
  • Monthly virtual works-in-progress series during the academic year
  • Write and issue a CFP, and select approx. 8 presenters in collaboration with scholarly programs
  • Develop and execute marketing strategies and communications
• Fellowships
  • Make sure the call for applications is issued and correct
  • Circulate calls for fellowships through existing scholarly and professional networks and pursue diverse sources of fellowship applicants.
  • Review and select fellows (serving on and organizing committees as needed)
  • Become a mentor/point of contact for all fellows in early America
  • Develop and attend manuscript workshops for fellows, especially all early American ones, to help them develop their dissertations and books
  • Coordinate Manuscript Workshop for David Center Postdoc
  • Attend and participate  in weekly Tuesday brown bags of visiting researchers
• Annual David Center Conference
  • Organize the CFP and selection committee for each conference in consultation with the DCAR Steering Committee.
  • Serve as APS representative at each conference.
  • Serve as point person for all conference logistics and marketing
  • Assist with coordination of edited volumes based on conference proceedings
• David Center Leadership
  • Attend Steering Committee meetings and DLAR Board Meetings as needed.
  • Maintain connections to European-based AMERICA2026.
  • Actively build new connections
• DCAR Digital Portal
  • May be called upon to help with the in-development digital portal to the DLAR’s massive microfilm collection. 
• DCAR Branding/Communications:
  • Contribute content for quarterly newsletter advertising DCAR opportunities, events, and materials

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in early American history or related field, with particular expertise in the era of the American Revolution (1750-1800)
• Experience organizing scholarly programs and public events
• A record of publication dealing with the cause, course, and/or consequence of the American Revolution, or the promise of such scholarly production in the field
• Willingness to work in an office environment in which the appointee will report to and take direction from a supervisor, oversight committees, and a board of trustees
• Ability to relocate to Philadelphia, ideally by July 1

All staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers of the American Philosophical Society are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (initial shot(s) and boosters).

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume or CV with a cover letter (no more than 3 pages) detailing your interest in and qualifications for the position to Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/123512. References will be requested for finalists. We encourage those interested in learning more about the position to email Associate Director of Research, Engagement, and Technology, Bayard Miller (bmiller@amphilsoc.org).

For best consideration, apply by April 21, 2023.

The APS is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion or national origin. The APS values diversity in its many forms and encourages diverse applicants to apply.