Landscape Historian at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Job Title: Landscape Historian

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Mount Vernon, VA

Salary: $66,000

Description

Mount Vernon, the home of Martha and George Washington, America’s first president and pre-eminent founding father, has been open to the public as a historic site since 1860, owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA). The property’s 16-acre historic core includes the Mansion; the Washingtons’ tomb; thirty outbuildings including two 18th-century garden houses and a reconstructed brick hot house; and the surrounding gardens and landscapes. Thanks to the MVLA’s ongoing preservation efforts, the site retains numerous key elements of George Washington’s landscape design, implemented primarily between 1775 and 1799; these include two walled gardens, a lawn bordered by tree-lined, serpentine pathways, and several picturesque vistas.

A Cultural Landscape Study written in 2004 provides an overall history of the 450-acre property, with recommendations for preservation, restoration, and maintenance. As part of ongoing research and preservation initiatives, the MVLA is now updating that study, incorporating site-specific evidence that has become available in the intervening 20 years, through digital searching of primary document; archaeological excavation and analysis of previously unexamined sites; and new technology such as Light Imaging and Ranging (Lidar), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The updated study will serve as the foundation for creating a long-term strategic plan for management and interpretation of the estate’s historic gardens and landscapes.

Position Overview

The Historic Preservation and Collections Department (HPC) at George Washington’s Mount Vernon seeks to hire a full-time Landscape Historian for a one-year term position, pending funding. The Landscape Historian will collaborate closely with Mount Vernon’s Horticulture and Preservation teams to organize, validate, and systematically expand on existing research on George Washington’s landscape design and its preservation to today. Focused research reports prepared by the Landscape Historian, based on both existing and new research, will support decision-making on key features of George Washington’s landscape design, including the south and north groves, bowling green, serpentine paths, ovals, wildernesses, and vistas.

This is an exempt-status position for a term of twelve months, beginning December 2023 (pending grant funding).

Essential Duties:

  • Collaborate with the Mount Vernon Horticultural, Preservation, and Library staff to document and research the design, implementation, and preservation of George Washington’s gardens and
  • Collaborate with HPC research staff (Curator of Historic Gardens and Landscapes, Architectural Research Manager, Research Archaeologist, Curators), Archivist, and Director of Horticulture and Livestock to establish research methodology, data standards, and reporting protocols comparable to those used for documenting, restoring, and interpreting the estate’s architectural structures, cultural features, archaeological sites, and interiors.
  • Create list of sources, including primary documents, publications, archaeological reports, and visual materials; establish controlled vocabulary for digital searching.
  • Work with Director of Horticulture to locate and organize existing hard-copy and digital research files; fact-check and verify quotations and
  • Review archaeological reports and Cultural Landscape Study; update historical sections that have been superseded by subsequent investigation; facilitate review and revision of recommendations.
  • Conduct digital searches of the papers of George and Martha Washington and subsequent owners of Mount Vernon; archives of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association; and other online
  • Compile chronologies, timelines, and narrative research reports for key features of George Washington’s landscape design, including the south and north groves, bowling green, serpentine paths, ovals, wildernesses, and vistas.
  • Draft short form submission to Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS).
  • Other duties as required

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in garden or landscape history, preservation, or architecture; historic preservation; material culture; library/information science; or related
  • Demonstrated research proficiency using a variety of sources; familiarity with 18th-century American or English landscape design or garden history and plant nomenclature
  • Demonstrated self-directed learner with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; positive attitude
  • High level of organization and attention to
  • Excellent verbal and written communication

Application:

Complete applications will include a CV, cover letter, sample of research, and contact information for three professional references.

Apply via AAM

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.