2023 Buchanan Burnham Summer Scholars in Public History Program at the Newport Historical Society

Application Deadline: Complete applications must be received by March 15, 2023

Description: Join a team of students, scholars, and museum professionals studying and promoting the diverse and dynamic history of Newport, RI.  Fellows have access to NHS’ 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 NHS. Training is provided. 2023 Fellows will be contributing to the Know Your History project, a hub for resources that connects audiences with historical information that is relevant to the history we are making now (including archival research and data entry for BIPOC Biographies from the Archives of the Newport Historical Society); and work on ongoing collections cataloging and inventory initiatives to improve the accessibility of NHS collections.

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors, graduate students, or recent graduates [last 12 months] who are interested in pursuing a career in, or with a background in, museum collections, archives, American History. Students preparing to apply to a graduate program are also eligible.

NHS has the right of first refusal on any publication resulting from research produced during the fellowship. Fellows accepted into the program must provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19. NHS 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, ipeters@NewportHistory.org.

Schedule: May 30 – August 11.  The weekly schedule will be finalized after a candidate is selected; expect to work approximately 30 hrs./week.

Benefits: $6000 stipend, paid in equal installments every other week, applicable federal and state taxes will be withheld.

Housing: Is available to all successful applicants, fixed fees to be deducted from stipend. Details available upon request.

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 ipeters@NewportHistory.org

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 late March; the NHS will notify successful candidates by early April.