Community Collections and Collaborations Research Fellow
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) seeks a research fellow to join “Community Collections and Collaborations,” our short-term grant project funded by the Society of American Archivists Foundation. The project focuses on research and the sharing of practices of institutional collaborations with community archives in Maryland as well as more broadly throughout the United States.
Working closely with MCHC’s project research team, the fellow will:
- Identify and interview 5–10 representatives from collaborations between community archives and institutions in the United States;
- Create a list of community archiving resources, scholarly articles, and other publications pertaining to community archiving;
- Produce a white paper synthesizing the results of the research and recommendations for future successful collaborations between community archives and institutions;
- Work with the project research team to identify opportunities for public programming and professional conferences to promote the visibility of the project.
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who want to contribute their research and writing skills to the evolving field of community archiving, particularly the transformation around the concepts of shared stewardship and flexible agreements that provide community groups ongoing ownership, voice, and active participation in the archiving of their communities’ words, stories, and images. Candidates with background in museum studies, library sciences/archiving, history, and related fields are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills: primary and secondary research; interviewing; questionnaires; distilling complex data and information into clear text understandable for the general reader;
- Demonstrated writing skills: white papers, policy papers, or research reports;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Experience working with communities that face socioeconomic, cultural, political, and other barriers;
- Excellent organization skills and an aptitude for detailed work;
- Bachelor’s degree;
- Excels at working independently and being a team player;
- Passion for history, archiving, arts and/or culture organizations.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Start of fellowship: October 1–15, 2023
End of fellowship: February 29–March 15, 2024
Total hourly requirement: 240 hours
Schedule: hybrid, about 10 hours a week with regular availability during MCHC’s working hours. The exact schedule will be finalized with the successful candidate.
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation: $4,200 in total
Publication of research findings
1-year MCHC membership: unlimited free access to our Library and Museum, a subscription to our publications (Maryland Historical Magazine; Maryland History and Culture News), and discounts to events and in the Museum Store.
10 MCHC Press books of fellow’s selection
A close-knit, collaborative, and supportive research team environment
This position does not offer benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “Community Collections and Collaborations Research Fellow”:
- Cover letter, with answers to the following questions:
- Have you ever participated in a research project? Please provide details.
- Have you ever written a research report or similar text? Please provide details.
- What connections to or qualifications for community archiving do you possess?
- CV/resume with contacts of two professional references;
- 2 writing samples demonstrating your research and writing skills.
For best consideration, please apply by September 10, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please.
ABOUT MCHC
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.
