Collections Assessment Assistant at The Preservation Society of Newport County

The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks two (2) experienced professionals to assist with an assessment of its permanent collections holdings. The successful candidates will focus on the below project objectives: 

• Object-based research to make more complete collection records, including historical information, artist/maker history, relevance to the collection and condition considerations.
• Provenance research, including object ownership as it relates to gifts to the collection and identification of next of kin in the case of deceased donor, if applicable.

Referencing the digital database and physical files, the assistants will work with a group of collection objects, identified by the Director of Museum Affairs, Registrar and Collections Manager, to create more complete records on permanent collection objects at The Preservation Society of Newport County. Results of research will be entered into collections database records, object files (existing and new), and Preservation Society advancement database systems. This research is critical to the Preservation Society’s interpretation plans, educational content, and overall mission.

This position is an on-site opportunity, working from a designated workstation with travel to various Preservation Society property locations. The assistants will report to the Collections Manager and Registrar with project oversight by the Director of Museum Affairs. This position will frequently work with project stakeholders within the Museum Affairs Department and broader Preservation Society network. 

This is a full-time, one-year term position with possibility of renewal.