Temporary Processing Project, Private Collection (Newton, MA)

Posted February 6, 2024

Job type: Temporary

Location: Newton, Mass.

Pay: $25 – $30 an hour

Contact Information:

Description:

Dr. Carlos Montezuma (1866 to 1923) was the first (or perhaps second) Native American medical doctor; and the most prominent Native American activist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The organizer’s late father gathered a sizable collection of his original materials: correspondence, manuscripts, newspapers that he published, books (medical and otherwise), pictures, etc. and has inherited these materials.

The materials are stored in boxes on the third floor of a home in West Newton. Some of the materials are well organized, while some are chaotic. The collection has been estimated at 17 cubic feet by an archivist.

To prepare these materials for appraisal and then donation to a university, the organizer needs a “series-level” finding aid for the collection. The anticipated work time is approximately 15 to 20 hours.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Knowledge of fundamental archival principles and practices and proven ability of their application.
Experience with varied formats of records including manuscripts, printed materials, photographs, electronic media, artifacts, and art works.
Master’s degree in Library science, History, or Public History (or nearing end of such a degree program), with a specialty in archival material preferred.
One year’s experience working in archives or special collections preferred, but all relevant experience considered.
Ability to work independently.
Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong communication, as well as organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to lift 40-pound boxes.