Fellowship Program

2018 Buchanan Burnham Summer Scholars in Public History


Established: 2004
NEWPORT

Application Deadline: Complete applications must be received by March 1, 2018

Description: Join a team of students, scholars, and museum professionals studying and promoting the diverse and dynamic history of Newport, Rhode Island. Since 1854 the Newport Historical Society has collected and preserved five centuries of American history and continues to document Newport’s unique contribution to our national narrative. It acts as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County, so that knowledge of the past may contribute to a fuller understanding of the present.

Fellows have access to the Newport Historical Society’s internationally important manuscript and artifact collections; engage with the public through leading tours and programs; and put theory into practice by participating in the daily operations of the Society. Training is provided.

 

THE BUCHANAN BURNHAM SUMMER SCHOLARS IN PUBLIC HISTORY  program is open to students enrolled in a graduate program. Students preparing to apply to a graduate program may also apply. Ideal candidates should have public history experience and familiarity with the history and material culture of New England. Fellows lead public tours; assist with NHS programs, exhibits and ongoing initiatives; attend training sessions and workshops; and participate in the daily operations of the Newport Historical Society. A significant portion of the fellowship also involves a public history project that supports NHS initiatives. Fellows are responsible for offering a public program or writing a paper related to their project or research. NHS has the right of first refusal on any publication resulting from research produced during the fellowship.

35 hrs/wk/11wks, 5/29/18 – 8/10/18; $5,000 stipend; 3 positions available.

Eligibility: current graduate students with a background in museum collections, archives, or American History. Students preparing to apply to a graduate program may also apply. The Newport Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. The facilities of the NHS are not universally handicapped accessible; applicants with accessibility questions should contact the NHS for more information. 401-846-0813. ipeters@NewportHistory.org.

To Apply: Send a resume, copies of transcript(s) (including both undergraduate & graduate transcripts), two letters of recommendation, and a letter stating your reasons for applying, your career goals, your area of interest or a proposed topic for an individual project to:

Buchanan Burnham Fellowship
Newport Historical Society
82 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840
ipeters@NewportHistory.org

 

Benefits: $5000 stipend, paid in equal installments every other week, applicable federal and state taxes will be withheld. Furnished rooms are available through a local university apartment at a rate of $150 per week. Students who wish to sign up for this housing must commit to the 11 week duration of the Fellowship. Cost of housing deducted from the stipend.

Fellowship Selection Process: Admission to the fellowship program is competitive; candidates are selected by a committee of local scholars and NHS staff. Enthusiasm for history, historic artifacts, and public history is required. Experience studying early America, giving tours, conducting historical research, or teaching is preferred. The NHS will invite leading candidates for telephone interviews in mid March; the NHS will notify successful candidates in late March, early April.

Internship Schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, five days per week (Monday – Friday). The first 1.5 weeks are devoted to training, with ongoing training and enrichment throughout the summer. Fellows are encourage to attend NHS lectures, programs and events.

For More Information: See www.newporthistorical.org/fellowship.htm, call (401) 846-0813, or send email to ipeters@NewportHistory.org

 

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