Archives Internship, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, Brookline MA

Posted May 21, 2013

Introduction
The archives intern selected for the Archives / Curatorial division will support preservation projects on the historic archival collection held at the site.

Background
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is a 7.21 acre property located in Brookline, Massachusetts.  The mission of site is to preserve and interpret the legacy and significant resources associated with Frederick Law Olmsted, founder of American landscape architecture, and the premier landscape design firm he established in 1883 at his “Fairsted” property in Brookline, Massachusetts. Olmsted retired from practice in 1895, at which point his sons and successors perpetuated his design ideals, philosophy and legacy over the course of the next century.

The Olmsted home and office were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and became part of the National Park Service in 1979. Primary resources include the historic Olmsted House, Office, residential landscape, and archival collections containing approximately 1,000,000 original design records associated with more than 6000 projects. Olmsted National Historic Site manages an active research program that provides access to archival documentation for the study and rehabilitation of Olmsted-designed landscapes nationwide.  In addition, the park offers programs and exhibits on the firm’s work and legacy; and engages young people in thinking and learning about the history and contemporary relevance of public parks through a growing menu of curriculum-based programs.

Internship Overview:
The SCA applicant selected for this internship will gain valuable experience in historic site museum operations. Specifically, the intern will have opportunities to participate in the historic preservation of archival collections. This intern will collaborate with experienced archivists to gain knowledge in the field of cultural resource management and preservation.

Internship Goals and Objectives:

• Develop knowledge of the cultural resources held at the national historic site.
• Successfully complete historic preservation projects related to our core mission.
• Gain knowledge in the field of archives and museum studies.
• Assist with digitizing the historic landscape photograph albums.
• Provide informal visitor contact while working on resources.
• Work with archives staff to re-house museum collections and edit collection finding aids.
• Learn about the history and mission of the National Park Service, and understand the role that preservation of museum collections plays in cultivating public stewardship of natural and cultural resources managed by the NPS.

Project Scope:

• Understand park and agency missions, and how preservation of cultural resources plays a vital role in the achievement of these missions.
• Understand the principles of cultural resource management and use them to participate in meaningful projects that allow visitors to forge connections with the site and its stories.
• Work with senior staff to refine collections care skills.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with NPS colleagues and park partners.
• Understand the roles/responsibilities of park staff and volunteers as they relate to preservation and safety.
• Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team to accomplish a project.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Desire to and/or background working in public service.

Special Skills Required:
The incumbent should have familiarity with basic archival practices and have experience using a computer. In addition, the applicant should have demonstrated experience working as a member of a team to accomplish projects and operational goals and objectives; a desire to and/or background in working with people of varied ages; In addition, the incumbent should be highly motivated and interested in public service.

Other Information:
Contact Person:
Michele Clark
617-566-1689 x231
[email protected]

Supervisor: (same)

Additional Training Provided by the Park:
Intern will be provided with in-house training regarding the safe handling and care of museum collections and use of the ICMS (Interior Collection Management System) used to manage museum collections. First Aid and CPR training will also be available.