Generations and Dynasties: Rhode Island Families and their Legacies

CALL FOR FELLOWS

The Preservation Society of Newport County is now welcoming applications for one-year research fellowships, which will begin on September 1, 2017. Applications for six-month fellowships and sabbaticals will also be considered.

Interested scholars are invited to submit proposals that will utilize Newport’s historic and cultural resources to examine the topic of “Generations and Dynasties: Rhode Island Families and their Legacies”, as it relates to history, culture, design, and/or the arts.

While Rhode Island was founded in the 17 th century as a refuge for outsiders, the cosmopolitan trade culture and wealth of Newport soon gave rise to families of immense political, economic, intellectual, artistic, philanthropic and social influence. By the mid-19th century, the network of Newport’s influential families extended across the world and the city was transformed by aspiring dynasts and newcomers to the established social network. How did these enduring families/family networks develop? How did they maintain or expand their influence? How did different social, economic and cultural communities within Newport define their leading families? What kinds of political, industrial and aesthetic marks did they leave? How did their contributions shape the larger American cultural landscape? What institutions supported them? What kinds of built environments and material culture did they create? How did these historic prominent families interact with and impact each other? What are their legacies today?

Topics may include (but are not limited to): history and material culture; architectural history; conservation; decorative arts history; horticultural and landscape history and design; social history; art and literature; preservation policy and theory. Broad interpretations and interdisciplinary approaches to this theme are highly encouraged.

Fellowship requirements:

An M.A. or Ph.D. in a relevant academic field such as the history of art, architecture or the decorative arts, landscape design history, historic preservation, material culture, literature, cultural geography, history, and public policy as it relates to cultural heritage. Doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research will also be considered. 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.

Fellows receive a stipend of $24,000, plus $1,000 travel and research allowance and free housing in our newly renovated Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center. Residence at the Preservation Society is required. All fellows should be prepared to deliver a public presentation of their project at the conclusion of their fellowship.

Previous Fellowships:

Previous fellowships have explored such diverse subjects as post-civil war development in domestic service spaces, 18 th century woodwork and paneling, public policy, colonial era coastal archaeology, and costume history, to name just a few.

To Apply:

Step 1: Prepare Materials

– Application form: Complete the attached application form (also available at www.NewportMansions.org).
– Project proposal: Please provide an abstract (250-500 words) describing your project, the work you plan to undertake in Newport and the surrounding area, and identifying specific resources in local institutions and/or repositories that will inform your work.
– Vita: Please provide a copy of your current curriculum vitae.
– References: Please provide two letters of reference from scholars or advisors who are familiar with your work.

Step 2: Submit Materials

– Reference letters: Please instruct your reference writers to submit their letters via email to fellowships@NewportMansions.org. The email subject should include your last name and the word “reference”
– Application: E-mail your complete application, including application form, essay, and vita to fellowships@NewportMansions.org. Please put your name in the subject line.

The deadline for submission of materials is March 4, 2017. After reviewing all applications, fellowship finalists will be selected for in-person or telephone interviews.