2015 Cole Fellow [Thomas Cole National Historic Site]

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now reviewing applications for three Fellows to join the site from June 3 – November 12, 2015. Fellows participate in the research and interpretation of the work, home, and studio of Thomas Cole (1801 – 1848). Through a combination of research, interpretation, and hands-on projects, Cole Fellows are afforded the opportunity to conduct significant research and gain professional museum experience.

Selected candidates are provided the opportunity to:

• Conduct in-depth research that leads to a major project and /or paper based on her/his work over the season.
• Lead daily tours, monitor galleries, and have full engagement in interpretive programming.
• Work closely with the Collection and Exhibition Manager on collection, exhibition, and other curatorial projects, as well as with other staff on educational programming, audience development, and special events.
• Participate in staff meetings and learn about the structural, strategic, and creative decisions involved in the day-to-day operations of a historic artists’ house museum.
• Make monthly field trips to area museums and sites, meet museum professionals, participate in presentations and assigned readings, and benefit from professional development opportunities including resume review and next step planning based on individual career goals.

Benefits: Free shared housing (small fully furnished apartment on-site includes electric, water, heat, internet, and garbage removal) is provided, plus a monthly stipend of $400.  

Qualifications: TCNHS seeks self-motivated recent graduates, graduating college seniors, and graduate students who have expressed a commitment to pursue careers in art/history, museum studies, education, exhibition and collection management, material culture, decorative arts, and/or research. Applicants should be flexible, organized, energetic, think outside of the box, have a passion for art and ideas, and an affinity for working with the public. A car is helpful, but not required. Participation for the entire season, June 3 –November 12, is required. Work week is Wednesday-Sunday.

To be considered, please send:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the Fellowship, experience, and future goals
• Current Resume
• References – include names and full contact information for 3 people (professors, teachers, and/or employers)
• Writing sample (2 to 5 pages MAX)

How: EMAIL (PDF files only) to: kmenconeri@thomascole.org

or send printed application by mail to: Kate Menconeri, Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring St. PO Box 426, Catskill, NY 12414.

Application Timeframe: Applications will be accepted now through FEBRUARY 18, 2015.

Candidates who submit their applications on or before JANUARY 30, 2015, will be given priority consideration. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) preserves and interprets the home and studios of Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, the nation’s first art movement. Cole’s profound influence on America’s cultural landscape inspires us to engage broad audiences through programs that are relevant today. In 2015 the Cole Site, in partnership with Olana, will present a major exhibition of contemporary art that will be sited within and across the historic properties where Cole and Church made their homes.

For general information about Thomas Cole National Historic Site, upcoming programming and exhibitions, and future events, please visit: www.thomascole.org. For general questions about the fellowship after reading these guidelines and visiting the website email: kmenconeri@thomascole.org.