Public History Fellowship

The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History (HSM) seeks a Public History Fellow for a unique opportunity supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to conduct research and develop methods of interpretation that share under told and undiscovered stories of Vermont’s
history. Using the Museum’s extensive archival materials and object collection, the Museum aims to leverage the power of narrative to create exhibitions that attest to the nuances of our human experience, spark conversations and bring people together. The Sheldon’s new exhibits
seek to embrace a range of experiences and perspectives, beyond the narrow scope of the idealized “Vermont” to tell a story that is civic minded, diverse, inclusive, and relevant. This Fellowship provides the opportunity to help transform our understanding of Vermont’s past,
while exploring meaningful and relevant ways to connect with today’s Museum visitors.

Employment type: This is a full-time salaried position with a 3-year term, beginning in early 2025. This position requires on-site time with occasional remote work, flexible scheduling.

Salary: $60,000/year with up to 3% contribution to a retirement plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.

Primary Duties:

• Co-lead archival and object research in collaboration with Archivist and Collections Manager/Curator.
• Develop meaningful and relevant programs to connect the public to a more complete story of Vermont and Addison County’s history.
• Connect with community stakeholders in Middlebury, Addison County and Vermont to ensure exhibits and programs are developed in collaboration with key members of the community.
• Serve as a key team member in the redesign of 2 permanent Museum exhibits using the Museum’s object and archival collection.
• Collaborate with Executive Director on grant applications that support the Museum’s commitment to researching and interpreting untold stories.
• Represent HSM at professional and community venues to enhance the understanding of its mission and collections.

Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess the following strengths and experience:

• Must hold a PhD in the humanities. Fields include, but are not limited to American studies, history of art, gender studies, history, and anthropology.
• Minimum of 2-5 years’ experience handling collections in a museum or historical society.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to critical museum inquiry and an interdisciplinary approach to understanding erasure and exclusion in museum practice
• Experience using Past Perfect or other collections database and digital imaging systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; flexible, reliable, and detail oriented.

Interested candidates please send a letter of interest, resume, writing sample and three references to cmoseley@henrysheldonmuseum.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and position is open until filled.  All materials will be confidential, and references will not be
contacted without advance permission. No phone calls please. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look forward to future team members who share that same value.

The Henry Sheldon Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or location.