Cole Fellow 2024-2025 at Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Job Title: Fellow

Location: Catskill, NY

Description

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now reviewing applications for the Cole fellowship, a one-year, residential fellowship at the Thomas Cole National Historic site. Cole Fellows participate in the research and interpretation of the work, home, and studios of the artist, Thomas Cole (1801 – 1848). This includes conducting new primary research and working with staff on museum wide offerings spanning exhibitions and collections to educational programs, audience engagement, and more.

Four candidates will be invited to join the Site from June 5, 2024 – May 27, 2025. Through a combination of research, interpretation, and hands-on projects, Fellows conduct significant research and gain professional museum experience. Selected candidates are provided the opportunity to:

  • Conduct in-depth primary research that leads to a major project, presentation, and paper based on their work.
  • Work closely with the Chief Curator and TCNHS staff on projects that may include collection care and research, exhibitions, educational programs, and other special events.
  • Attend an intensive one-week seminar with leading Cole scholar and professor, Dr. Alan Wallach.
  • Receive public speaking coaching and participate in ongoing sessions with award-winning Broadway director and TCNHS
    Board Member, Warner Shook.
  • Guide and interact with visitors at the site and have full engagement with interpretive programming.
  • Participate in site-wide activities and staff meetings to learn about the structural, strategic, and creative decisions involved
    in the day-to-day operations of a historic artists’ house and museum.
  • Attend monthly field trips and site visits to museums and cultural venues.
  • Benefit from professional development including resume review and next step career planning based on individual goals.

Additional Compensation: Free on-site housing is provided in the fully furnished Fellow’s House, which includes a private bedroom, shared kitchen, living room, 2 baths, yard, and utilities (electric, water, heat, internet, and garbage removal). Additionally, Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $700.

APPLICATIONS will be accepted until February 6, 2024, with priority given to applications received by JANUARY 24, 2024. Applications must include:

  • Brief letter of introduction describing your interest in the Fellowship, relevant experience, and career goals
  • Resume
  • References – Include the names and full contact information for 3 people (professors, teachers, employers only)
  • Writing sample (2 to 4 pages MAX please)

Please label each PDF file/s with your name and content, for example “Sally_Green_Resume”

Please EMAIL your application materials (PDF files only) to Kate Menconeri, Chief Curator | Director of Curatorial Affairs, Contemporary Art, and Fellowship: kmenconeri@thomascole.org 

For questions, email kmenconeri@thomascole.org. For general information about Thomas Cole National Historic Site, upcoming programming and exhibitions, and future events, please visit: www.thomascole.org

 

Requirements

Qualifications: TCNHS seeks self-motivated recent graduates, graduating college seniors, and graduate students who have
expressed a commitment to pursue careers in art, history, museums, material culture, decorative arts, collection and exhibition
management, and/or education. Applicants should be flexible, collaborative, organized, energetic, have a passion for art and ideas,
and an affinity for working with the public. A car is helpful, but not required. Participation in the entire program is required. Work
week is Wednesday-Sunday when open to the public; Monday-Friday during winter hours.