Researcher, African American Heritage Trail

Description:
The Cambridge Historical Commission and the Cambridge African American Heritage Alliance seek an experienced researcher to study the lives of six to eight notable black individuals (known as Trailblazers) who have contributed to the history of the city and write brief biographies for inclusion in the Cambridge African American Heritage Trail. The biographies will appear in an expanded trail guide and on new trail markers.

The African American Heritage Alliance (formerly the Heritage Trail Committee) was founded in 1991 to illuminate the unique history and vital contributions of Cambridge African Americans for residents and visitors, through a variety of mediums. Twenty historic markers honoring influential African Americans—abolitionists, authors, educators, and public office holders in Cambridge from approximately 1840 to 1930—were installed around the city beginning in 1993, and a guide to the trail was published in 2000.

Job description

The researcher will work under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Historical Commission with input from members of the Alliance. Responsibilities will include:

  1. assist the Alliance in gathering nominations;
  2. review nominations with the Commission and the Alliance and help identify best subjects;
  3. conduct research on the new Trailblazers using all available resources, including local libraries and archives such as the Historical Commission, Harvard University, and church, school, and municipal archives;
  4. gather illustrations and secure necessary permissions, with assistance from Historical Commission staff; and
  5. write biographies (approximately 500 words each), image captions, and a bibliography. Staff of the Commission and members of the Alliance will review and edit texts.

    Work on the project will begin on or about December 15, 2015, to be completed on or before June 30, 2016.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

  1. MA in African American history, American history, or a related field preferred; BA in similar fields with extensive research experience acceptable;
  2. completion of at least three independent research projects; and
  3. excellent writing and communication skills.
How To Apply:
Cover letter, current resume, and two writing samples:

Email: krawlins@cambridgema.gov

OR mail

Kathleen Rawlins

Cambridge Historical Commission

831 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA  02139

Apply by:
November 30, 2015
Salary:
$25/hour, up to 400 hours