Cole Fellowship
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now reviewing applications for the Cole fellowship, a one-year, residential fellowship at the Thomas Cole National Historic site. COLE FELLOWS participate in the research and interpretation of the work, home, and studios of the artist, Thomas Cole (1801 – 1848). This includes conducting new primary research and working with staff on museum wide offerings spanning exhibitions and collections to educational programs, audience engagement, and more.
Four candidates are invited to join the site June 6, 2023 – May 28, 2024. Through a combination of research, interpretation, and hands-on projects, Cole Fellows conduct significant research and gain professional museum experience. Selected candidates are provided the opportunity to:
• Conduct in-depth primary research that leads to a major project, presentation, and paper based on their work.
• Work closely with the Curator, and other TCNHS staff on projects that may include collection care and research, exhibitions, educational programs, and other special events.
• Attend an intensive one-week seminar with leading Cole scholar and Professor, Dr. Alan Wallach.
• Receive public speaking coaching and participate in ongoing sessions with award winning Broadway Director and TCNHS Board member, Warner Shook.
• Guide and interact with visitors at the site and have full engagement with interpretive programming.
• Participate in site-wide activities and staff meetings to learn about the structural, strategic, and creative decisions involved in the day-to-day operations of a historic artists’ house and museum.
• Attend monthly field trips and site visits to museums and cultural venues; benefit from professional development opportunities including resume review and next step career planning based on individual goals.
Additional Compensation: Free shared housing on-site in a fully furnished house with a private bedroom and utilities (electric, water, heat, internet, and garbage removal) provided, access to professional development, research support, trainings, and seminars, and a monthly stipend of $650.
Qualifications: TCNHS seeks self-motivated recent graduates, graduating college seniors, and graduate students who have expressed a commitment to pursue careers in history, art, museums, material culture, decorative arts, collection and exhibition management, and/or education. Applicants should be flexible, organized, energetic, have a passion for art and ideas, and an affinity for working with the public. A car is helpful, but not required. Participation in the entire program is required. Work-week is Wednesday-Sunday. If site is closed in winter months, week shifts to Monday-Friday.
APPLICATIONS will be accepted until February 8, 2023, with priority given to applications received by JANUARY 27, 2023.
Applications must include:
• Brief letter of introduction describing your interest in the Fellowship, relevant experience, and career goals
• Resume
• References – Include the names and full contact information for 3 people (professors, teachers, employers only)
• Writing sample (2 to 4 pages MAX please)
* Please label each PDF file/s with your name and content, for example "Sally_Green_Resume"
Please SEND by email labeled application materials (PDF files only) to Kate Menconeri, Chief Curator | Director of Curatorial Affairs, Contemporary Art, and Fellowship: employment@thomascole.org
For questions, email kmenconeri@thomascole.org. For general information about Thomas Cole National Historic Site, upcoming programming and exhibitions, and future events, please visit: www.thomascole.org