Paid Internship: Charles Eliot Researcher, Trustees Archives & Research Center, Sharon, MA
Posted January 22, 2016
2 paid short-term positions
Position Summary
The Trustees is looking for two students to help research and annotate the 1890 scrapbook created by Charles Eliot, founder of The Trustees of Reservations. The newspaper articles and other documents in the scrapbook share the story of the conservation movement, life in 19th century Massachusetts, and the founding of the first land trust in the country – now entering its 125th year. To commemorate this anniversary, the Trustees seeks two individuals to review digital images of the scrapbook and provide summaries of each article, as well as citations when possible and points for further research. The annotations will create an accessible, searchable historical reference for Trustees staff, scholars, and the general public, allowing us to use and share our history while protecting this fragile resource.
The Eliot Researchers will work remotely, using their own personal computers. Each researcher will be responsible for approximately 50 articles and will be paid $10 per summarized article. They will report to the Archives & Research Center Manager, who will provide feedback and direction on the annotations. The project must be completed by the end of February 2016.
Essential Functions:
- Read and review digital images of historic newspaper articles.
- Using any available internet or physical resources, for each article:
- Identify its original source (name of newspaper or other publication);
- Identify the author and type of article, e.g. opinion piece, announcement, etc.;
- List any key individuals or groups named in the article;
- Provide a general overview, which includes the general purpose of the article as well as the major points covered;
- List any key locations mentioned;
- Note possible subjects for further research;
- Note other interesting or unusual aspects of the article not covered in the other sections.
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in an undergrad, certificate or graduate program.
- Interest in library science; landscape design history, landscape architecture, history or a related field.
- Research experience with primary source materials.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Ability to complete work on deadlines.
- Attention to detail and consistency.
- Possess ambition and be able to work in a self directed manner.
To apply: please email resumes and cover letters to Alison Bassett ([email protected]) by January 25th, 2016.
No phone calls please.
About The Organization:
The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.
The Archives & Research Center (ARC) is the hub of The Trustees curatorial stewardship. Located in Sharon, Massachusetts, the ARC provides outside researchers, Trustees staff, and volunteers access to thousands of historical documents, objects, and artifacts related to The Trustees’ properties. The ARC, an energy-efficient, climate-controlled building, opened in 2008 and houses 1,500 linear feet of archival materials which document The Trustees’ founding role in the land trust movement, the stories of Trustees properties across the Commonwealth, and the lives of American families from the 1600s to the present.
The Trustees’ collections represent domestic furnishings, outdoor sculptures, fine and decorative arts from pre-contact to the 20th century. They include more than 30 private collections featuring exceptional pieces from indigenous Massachusetts peoples to mid-century Modern. Archival collections include works of art on paper, photographs, maps, architectural plans, garden designs, botanical specimens, manuscripts, letters, diaries, books, business ledgers, legal documents and deeds linked to specific properties and to the organization’s history.
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.