2025-2026 Archives Fellowship – The Preservation Society of Newport County, (Newport, RI)
Posted March 18, 2025
Job Summary:
The inaugural Archives Fellow will process archival materials from the collection of Alletta Morris McBean (1912-1986) and her Newport home, Chepstow. The collection includes papers and photographic media related to the life of McBean and her ancestors, among whom are members of the Morris, Lorillard, and Bailey families prominent in early American history. Parts of the collection are stored both in the archives and within the house; the Fellow will aggregate, arrange, and describe these materials for the first time.
The Fellow will write and encode a finding aid for the collection, which will be published in Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online (http://www.riamco.org). Additionally, the Fellow will catalog the collection in the Preservation Society’s collections management system, Re:Discovery Proficio. The Fellow’s findings and research in processing the collection will serve as a foundation for future reinterpretation of Chepstow. In addition to working with the Archivist, the Fellow will work closely with members of the Museum Affairs team on preserving, conserving, and understanding the collection. The Fellow may also assist the Archivist with short-term projects and will have the opportunity to develop additional archives management skills according to their areas of interest.
Successful candidates will be curious and independent researchers who demonstrate a high level of attention to detail in processing archival collections. All Fellows must present a public lecture and write a 2,500-3,000-word essay based on their area of research. Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.
Qualifications:
- MSLIS or equivalent in Library and Information Science, Archives Management, or related field. The degree should have been conferred within five years from the start of the fellowship.
- Experience processing large or complex archival collections according to Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
- Experience encoding finding aids using Encoded Archival Description (EAD), particularly without archives management software.
Hours & Compensation:
The fellowship term is September 7, 2025, to August 15, 2026, with the possibility of an additional 6-month extension. Residential Fellows receive $24,000 in annual compensation, a dedicated research and travel budget, and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center.
How to Apply:
To learn more about the position and to apply, please visit the official job posting, linked here.
Please apply online with a cover letter indicating interest and suitability and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting February 10, 2025
Zoom interviews will be conducted with preferred candidates. Successful interview candidates will be asked to provide two academic or professional references, an academic writing sample, a finding aid written by the candidate, and one personal reference.