Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Assignments: Exhibit Selections from Maine Historical Society

The MHS Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. Drawing from the extensive collections of the Maine Historical Society, original exhibits feature art, artifacts, and documents that vividly bring Maine history to life.

Below you will find information about our current exhibits, but many of our past exhibits live on in our Past Exhibits section. We hope you can visit our museum first hand. Members receive free admission.

Current Exhibits

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In:
Adornment & Identity in Maine, 1750-1950
(June 24, 2011 through May 27, 2012)

Dressing Up explores the choices we make to look our best. Every hat or shoe, buckle or brooch tells a tale of who we are, who we want to be, and how we want others to see us. And every social occasion makes its own demands, whether we're fitting in for ceremonies or standing out for a special portrait. Read More.

Sheriff's Association pickets, Portland, 1981

Take to the Streets!
(through March 31, 2012)

Taking to the streets to protest and make one's point known has a long tradition in Maine, America, and elsewhere. This captivating photography show explores the moments as well as the people in Maine who took to the street to speak out on issues as varied as civil rights and labor disputes, nuclear power and crank telephones.

Collections

The Museum's diverse collection of over 15,000 artifacts includes paintings, prints, and other original works of art, clothing and textiles, decorative arts, Native American artifacts and archaeological material, toys, tools, glass and ceramics, political memorabilia, militaria, and industrial and domestic artifacts that illustrate life in Maine.

Search the collections database to see our museum objects, photographs, autograph letters, some architectural drawings, and newspapers. This is a work in progress; please contact MHS collections staff atcollections@mainehistory.org for the most complete and accurate research.

Research

Research access to the museum collections is available by appointment.

Contact the Curator at (207) 774–1822 x224 for more information.

Assignments: Exhibition Selections from Peabody Essex Museum

Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art

Through April 29, 2012

Unbound: Highlights from the Phillips Library at PEM: Through December 31, 2012

FreePort [No. 004]: Peter Hutton: Through June 30, 2012

Ripple Effect, The Art of H2O: Through July 08, 2012

FreePort [No. 002]: Marianne Mueller: Through March 04, 2012

Written on the Waves: Shipboard Journals and Logbooks: Through December 31, 2012

Faces of Devotion, Indian Sculpture from the Figiel Collection: Through June 30, 2012

Painting the Modern in India: Through June 01, 2012

Fish, Silk, Tea, Bamboo: Cultivating an Image of China: Through January 31, 2013

Perfect Imbalance, Exploring Chinese Aesthetics: Through January 31, 2013

Auspicious Wishes and Natural Beauty in Korean Art: Through January 31, 2013

Of Gods and Mortals, Traditional Art from India: Through January 31, 2013

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Course Syllabus: HIST 772/872

Dr. Kimberly Alexander

Spring 2012

W 5:10–7:00, HORT 445

772/872 STUDIES IN REGIONAL MATERIAL CULTURE

The course features intensive examination of specialized topics in American History and introduces the theory and methodology of material culture: the study of history through the analysis of buildings, human-created landscapes and artifacts made and used in the United States. Emphasis will be on readings that reflect fresh trends in research strategies or interpretive directions. In addition to methodology, practical experience will be discussed. Exploration of current methodologies and "best practices" employed by those involved in the study, interpretation, and display of material culture objects both within and outside a contextual setting. In addition to lectures, focus will be on specialized readings from contemporary periodicals and guest lecturers in archaeology, building preservation, costume history, maritime trades, print culture and more.

For further information on course design, see www.matcultmuse.blogspot.com

Three lecture hours per week. This course may be repeated for additional credits.

Prerequisites: A minimum of nine hours of previous course work in History and permission of the Department Chairperson.

REQUIRED TEXTS (Available in the college bookstore and online)

Jaffee, David. Material Culture of Early America. Bethlehem, PA: Elibron Classics, 2005. ISBN 978-0-81224257-7

Nylander, Jane. Our Own Snug Fireside, Images of the New England Home, 1760-1860. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1993. ISBN 0-394549884-8

Sloane, Eric.A Museum of Early American Tools. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1964.

BLACKBOARD

Additional materials will be posted on Blackboard

COURSE POLICIES

Office Hours:

Before class and by appointment

Attendance and Assignments

• Students are expected to attend all classes and to take extensive notes on all lectures, videos, discussions, etc.

• To get the maximum benefit out of lectures and class discussions, complete readings before a new topic.

• Grades will be based on your demonstration of what you have learned in the course. You will want to be sure to incorporate into your assignments and examinations the knowledge and skills you have learned in readings, lectures, and discussions.

• An excessive number of absences will reduce your grade.

• Grades will be reduced for late assignments.

STUDIES IN REGIONAL MATERIAL CULTURE

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week of:

1. Jan 25 Introduction

Discussion Overview of readings and assignments

In Class Exercise: application of various methodologies to the study of material culture

Lecture: Alexander, Balance & Beauty: Georgian Design in Early America

Readings: Jaffee, Introduction, Ch. 1

Recommended: Additional readings will be provided as handouts or downloaded to blackboard

2. Feb 1 Guerilla Research: Writing Material Culture Today

Discussion How do we write about material culture and why?

Current trends and applications

Lecture Alexander: Case Study: The 1793 Montgomery Store Daybook Blog

Readings: Jaffee, Ch. 2

Nylander, Preface & Chapter 1

3. Feb 8 The Social History of Books

Lecture Professor Dane Morrison, Salem State University

Discussion In class exercise: books, prints + almanacs

Readings: Jaffee, Ch. 3

Nylander, 1-2

4. Feb 15 Bits of Old China: Archaeology and Ceramics

Lecture: Sheila Charles, Staff Archaeologist, Strawbery Banke Museum

Tara Vose, Curator and Collections Manager, Strawbery Banke Museum

Readings: Jaffee, Ch. 4

Nylander, 3

5. Feb 22 Using Objects in a Museum Setting

Readings: Jaffe, Ch. 5

Nylander, 4

NO CLASS MUSEUM VISIT ON YOUR OWN

6. Feb 29 The Cooper, His Work and His Tools

Lecture & Demo Ron Raiselis, Raiselis Cooperage

Readings: Jaffee, Ch. 6

Nylander, 5-6

Sloane

7. Mar 7 What Buildings Tell Us

Lecture James Garvin, Ph.D. NH State Architectural Historian (ret.)

Readings: Jaffee,7

Sloane

Chapter assignments from Garvin, A Building History….

DUE EXHIBTION CRITIQUE I

8. Mar 14 NO CLASS SPRING BREAK

9. Mar 22 NO CLASS MUSEUM VISIT ON YOUR OWN

10. Mar 29 Brocade & Paste Buckles: The Shoe Trilogy

Lecture: Alexander on current research

Nylander, 7-8

11. Apr 4 Visit to UNH Museum: Behind the Scenes Tour

Roundtable : with Embellishments exhibit team.

Nylander, 9-10 + backmatter

12. Apr 11

Roundtable : Discussion, student projects

DUE EXHIBTION CRITIQUE II

13. Apr 18 Beyond the Gallery: Using Public and Local History in Exhibits and Education

Lecture Alexander “Fitz John Porter: Hero or Coward”

Social Media and extending your reach

In class exercise Writing for all audiences: the label

14. Apr .25 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

15. May 2 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

16. May 9 PAPERS/PROJECTS DUE

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

New England Museum Association - Intern Postings

http://www.nemanet.org/nemajobsonline.htm

Fellowships, Internships, Volunteers and Docents

Curatorial Internship

American Textile History Museum, Lowell, MA

The American Textile History Museum is seeking a graduate intern to assist the curator with preliminary research and object selection for a wedding dress exhibit in the spring of 2013. Specific duties include researching period magazines, drafting object labels, creating a bibliography, and researching garments. Applicants must have excellent computer skills, artifact handling skills, be detail-oriented, precise, and careful in executing responsibilities. A background in social and clothing history or experience with clothing preferred. Please send a cover letter and resume to Karen Herbaugh at kherbaugh@athm.org. Internship for the spring and/or summer 2012 semester.

Posted 1/20/12

Graduate Student Museum / Preservation Internship

Newport Restoration Foundation, Newport, RI

The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) Education Department has a summer internship opening for graduate students. NRF operates three museum sites and maintains 72 restored houses from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as rental properties. The intern will work with the Director of Education and Public Programs and other staff to develop and implement this season’s programs. The intern will also complete an individual project, tailored to the student’s interest and NRF’s goals, in the areas of research, educational program development, or interpretive planning. This year’s project might be on an aspect of food history, creating online educational videos, research and writing preservation briefs, or school group curriculum development. The internship will expand the intern’s knowledge of professional museum functions while building on the intern’s skills and experience. Compensation is $13.25/hour for up to 10 weeks. Start & end dates are flexible; some weekend and evening hours required. Housing is available in one of NRF’s restored houses at $125 or $250/month, possibly shared with one other intern. Intern must provide own transportation. Send a resume, three letters of reference and letter of interest to Lisa Dady, Director of Education and Public Programs, 51 Touro Street, Newport, RI, 02840. Phone or e-mail inquiries accepted: 401/324-6090; lisa@newportrestoration.org. Closing date 24 February 2012. www.newportrestoration.org.

Posted 1/13/12

Marketing Intern

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, NH

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center seeks a college student as a Marketing Intern. The Marketing Intern will gain experience working in a nationally-accredited nature center. The Marketing Intern will work with the Marketing Manager to help strategically manage the promotion and marketing efforts of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, its environmental education programs, and mission to the general public, membership, and school groups. Duties may include: reviewing and editing web copy; editing and proofreading materials, including print and electronic newsletters; writing press releases; designing event flyers; updating calendar listings; creating video content; conducting visitor surveys; managing press list; analyzing online advertising strategy; assisting with special events, mailings, general office support, and business sponsor solicitations. This position requires strong written and oral communications skills, project management and organizational skills. The Marketing Intern must possess strong initiative and the ability to work independently. Familiarity with Windows and MS Office is required; Dreamweaver, In Design and Adobe Premier are a plus. Internships are unpaid but may be completed for course credits. Interns work under the supervision of professional staff and are expected to be available 20 to 40 hours a week. A flexible schedule, over the course of a semester is possible. Schedule may include occasional evening and weekend event assignments. Housing may be available during the summer. Send letter of interest and resume to: Amanda Gillen, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, PO Box 173, Holderness, NH 03245 or amanda.gillen@nhnature.org.

Posted 1/13/12

Museum Curatorial and Collections Intern

Danforth Museum and School of Art, Framingham, Ma

The Danforth Museum of Art is accepting applications for the position of Curatorial Intern for the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 sessions (8-12 weeks). Curatorial Interns will assist in all aspects of exhibition planning, including art handling and collections management, research, cataloging and documentation. Interns will assist in various research projects to provide curatorial content for newsletters, marketing material, and gallery books. Curatorial interns will also assist staff in preparation and installation of the Museum’s exhibits. This is an unpaid internship, although valuable experience will be gained. Qualifications: Open to qualified college or graduate students, or recent graduates. The Curatorial Intern position is a hands-on position which requires attention to detail, organization, sound judgment, and collaborative teamwork. Comfort and familiarity with museum standards for handling artwork is expected, including ability to lift and climb. Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point are preferred; graphic design skill is a plus. Please send cover letter and resume by email to bvogt@danforthmuseum.org. Materials should be addressed to Brendan Vogt, Assistant to the Executive Director.

Posted 1/13/12

Administration and Finance Intern

Danforth Museum and School of Art, Framingham, MA

Interns are being accepted on an ongoing basis. The Intern will work with the Finance Director on the weekly and monthly financial reporting, analyzing data contained in the general ledger. The Intern will collect, organize, and analyze benchmarking data for inclusion into the Danforth Museum of Art's strategic plan. The intern will assist with updating the accounting manual, policies, procedures and forms, and participate in other projects as time permits. This is a flexible 8-12 week internship during Winter/Spring/Summer 2012. Qualifications: The Internship is open to current college and graduate students, or recent graduates. A Finance background with good analytical skills, and familiarity with Excel and accounting terminology and systems is preferred. QuickBooks experience is a plus. Interested applicants should send cover letter and resume to Brendan Vogt, Assistant to the Executive Director, Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702, (508) 620-0050 X. 10, bvogt@danforthmuseum.org.

Posted 1/13/12

Intern

Stonington Historical Society, Stonington, CT

The Stonington Historical Society, Stonington, CT seeks interns for 2012 season at the Old Lighthouse Museum, Captain Palmer House, and Woolworth Library. Interns must be available 10 to 20 hours per wk. from May/June to at least mid-August. Other time-frame with more limited time commitment is also possible. Small stipend may be available depending on need. Interns spend most of their time on individual projects in exhibit design, collections management, or historical research, with the rest of their time working in member and visitor services. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all facets of museum management while pursuing individual research interests. Requirements include being a current or recent student in museum studies, historic preservation, or other related graduate program and strong recommendations from instructors and/or museum personnel. Those interested in maritime history, lighthouses, local history, and a career in the museum field are encouraged to apply. Please indicate your interests, requirements, and qualifications in a cover letter and short résumé. Post or email to: Mary Beth Baker, Director, Stonington Historical Society, P.O. Box 103, Stonington, CT 06378, director@stoningtonhistory.org. Visit SHS website: http://www.stoningtonhistory.org.

Posted 1/6/12

Internship

Rufus Porter Museum, Bridgton, ME

The Rufus Porter Museum offers two 10 week paid internships for the summer of 2012. Housing is provided and auto is necessary. Interns will conduct tours, support offered programs, and complete a project designed to enhance student's study program as well as benefit the museum. Full description available on www.rufusportermuseum.org. Stipend of $1800. Priority given to students pursuing career in museum or folk art fields. Send resume and covering letter via email to j.k.lindberg@att.net. This is a young museum focusing on folk art in western Maine, set in vacation area of lakes and mountains. Rufus Porter was a 19th C artist and inventor who grew up in Bridgton, Maine, and painted wall murals in homes in New England.

Posted 1/6/12

Buchanan / Burnham Internships Newport Historical Society, Newport, RI Paid, full-time summer internships at the Newport (RI) Historical Society. Join a team of students, scholars, and museum professionals studying and promoting the diverse and dynamic history of Newport. MUSEUM STUDIES INTERNS devote half of their time to individual projects in exhibits, public programs, tour development, and/or collections management; the remainder is devoted to tour guiding, ongoing training, and career development. 40 hrs/wk, 5/29/12 – 8/11/12; 3 positions available; $3,000 stipend. THE POST-GRADUATE FELLOW IN HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION is an advanced graduate student or a recent MA or PhD with tour-guiding experience and familiarity with the early history of Newport, RI. He or she devotes half of his or her time to supervising and coordinating public tours and intern projects; the remainder is devoted to an individual project or dissertation work. 40 hrs/wk, 5/22/12 – 8/17/12 (1 wk. vacation); 1 position available; $4,800 stipend. Current college seniors & graduate students and 2011/2012 college grads may apply. For more information and application instructions, call 401-846-0813, or see www.newporthistorical.org/internship.htm. Complete applications must be received by March 2, 2012; and should include a resume, college transcript, two letters of recommendation and letter stating your reasons for applying. Posted 1/6/12  Curatorial Internship  Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge , MA Responsibilities: Old Sturbridge Village seeks a college student or recent graduate interested in gaining direct hands-on experience with historical collections. The intern will work with the museum's curatorial staff in the care and exhibition of artifacts from the museum's important collection of 60,000 early American artifacts. Duties will be comparable to the work of the staff, including, but not limited to: collections records management, inventory and documentation of collections objects, care and cleaning of artifacts, developing and mounting collections-based exhibits. Orientation to the museum and specific training to complete the tasks will be provided. The intern may opt to work additional days as a costumed historian, if so desired and opportunities exist, to expand the scope and depth of the experience. Requirements: In return for meeting these requirements, the intern will receive a stipend of $1,500 and shared lodging (with another summer intern) on the museum campus. The selection process will be competitive, with preference given to students or recent graduates with previous experience in museum studies coursework and/or working with historic objects and/or exhibits. Interested applicants must submit a written application and are interviewed by phone or in person. Applications are on the College Intern page on Old Sturbridge Village's website, www.osv.org. Applications due no later than February 17, 2012. The internship is from June 4, 2012 – August 11, 2012. The intern will work three days a week, on a regular schedule established with the intern’s supervisor. The work day is 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Posted 1/6/12  Curatorial Intern The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library (National Heritage Museum} is seeking an unpaid intern for Winter/Spring 2012. The Museum is an American history museum founded and supported by 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America. The Museum is located in Lexington, Massachusetts. The internship will focus on an ongoing digitization project to make the entire historic photograph collection accessible online (scanning, linking photos to the collections database, verifying donor information). Other projects may include: creating initial catalog entries for recent gifts of objects; numbering objects; and research on specific objects. A commitment of at least one day per week for a 12-week minimum is required. Prospective interns should be undergraduate or graduate students with a background in history, American studies, museum studies, decorative arts, art history or a related field. Attention to detail, self-motivation and good computer skills are necessary. For more information, contact Aimee E. Newell, Ph.D., Director of Collections, National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02124; anewell@monh.org; 781-457-4144. Posted 12/23/11   Newsletter Research Assistant The Andover Historical Society seeks an energetic and dynamic intern to serve as a research assistant to the Museum Educator/Farmers’ Market Manager. In 2007, working with a community partner, the Andover Historical Society launched the Andover Farmers’ Market on the Historical Society’s lawn to connect Andover’s rich agricultural history and the recent flourishing of local farmers’ markets. The research assistant will prepare research and media throughout the spring semester for the 2012 Farmers’ Market. Under the supervision of the Museum Educator, the intern will: • Research and prepare thought provoking and informative articles based on Andover farming and agriculture history, buying organic, and local farming • Generate and schedule weekly e-newsletters of The Marketer sent to over 300 people • Write and schedule online blog posts to support the history of the Farmers’ Market and the Andover Historical Society • Assist coordinate and attend opening event of the Andover Farmers’ Market The Intern will work on site at the Andover Historical Society during Spring Semester 2012 (end date negotiable) over the course of 10 weeks for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Hours are flexible. We are seeking a candidate who has experience with historic research, an interest in publicity and marketing who is a self starter with initiative to take on new projects, is welcoming and reliable. Intern must be proficient in the English language with excellent writing, reading, and editing skills. For further information, contact Deb DeSmet, Museum Educator, ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org. Posted 12/16/11  Collections Database Intern The Andover Historical Society is seeking collections database interns to assist with the Society’s collections database expansion project. This is an unpaid internship. Under the supervision of the project manager, interns will enter collections information into the database, organize collections records, and capture digital images for inclusion in the database, among other responsibilities. Hours are flexible within Monday-Friday (we will try to fit your schedule). We are seeking interns who have an interest in working behind the scenes of a modern historical society, with an ability to work independently and as a team member. Potential interns should also possess strong organizational skills. Familiarity with database software, digital cameras, and scanners a plus, but not required. For further information contact Marilyn Helmers, Project Manager at 978-475-2236 or at mhelmers@andoverhistorical.org. Posted 12/2/11   2012 Summer Internships  The Nantucket Historical Association's summer internship program allows a dynamic group of students with varied interests, strengths, and goals to immerse themselves in an outstanding educational and professional environment. Interns learn and work directly with professionals in a team-based, collaborative environment. The internship is a full-time position that begins on June 4, 2012, and lasts ten to twelve weeks. Interns concentrate their work in one of four areas: Interpretation & Education, Outreach & Special Programs, Collections & Curatorial, and Historic Gardens. He/she should have experience working with the public and a degree or expected degree in American history and culture, education, humanities, museum studies, museum education, communications, marketing, horticulture, or a related field. Graduate students are preferred, although enrolled college students are welcome to apply. He/she should have demonstrated interest in museum programs, production, educatio! n, history and/or marketing; strong writing, research, organizational, interpersonal, communication and computer skills; familiarity with multimedia software a plus; and the ability to work both independently and in groups. A $2,500 stipend and housing will be offered. For more information on the NHA and the island of Nantucket, please visit our website at www.nha.org. Applications are due by February 1, 2012. Please send a letter of interest, identifying area(s) of work interest, résumé, and a list of three references to: Rebecca Miller Assistant to the Executive Director Nantucket Historical Association PO Box 1016 Nantucket, MA 02554 rmiller@nha.org. Posted 11/28/11   Winter Education Intern Winter Education Intern (Age 18 & Up). Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours a week for twelve weeks with some weekend work. Unpaid internship. Extensions for a longer commitment are possible. The Winter Education Intern is trained to maintain the feeding and care of our 110 gallon tide pool touch tank and all its inhabitants including coastal invertebrates, skates & fish. They create monthly self-guided activities in our lobby for our visitors, develop lesson plans, activities, games, and research projects, assist on family and youth programs such as forest walks, birding trips, tracking expeditions, and outdoor hikes and run activities during our weekend drop-in family programs. Program Interns assist in ensuring the safety of all participants and other volunteers. Qualifications: Experience with animal care or aquaria, experience organizing programs or activities for children, experience with outdoor activities such as birding, tide pooling, kayaking, demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, requires strong oral and written communication skills, ability to work with people of all ages, interests and backgrounds. Local knowledge of Plum Island ecology preferred. To apply for an internship with Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats, please send resume and cover letter to: Lisa Hutchings, Teacher Naturalist, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, MA 01950 or by email to Lisa Hutchings, Teacher Naturalist at: lhutchings@massaudubon.org or by calling (978) 462-9998 ext. 6804. Thank you.  Posted 12/9/11 Top of Page

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Assignments: Exhibit Selections from Maine Historical Society

Current Exhibits

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In:Adornment & Identity in Maine, 1750-1950(June 24, 2011 through May 27, 2012)

Take to the Streets!(through March 31, 2012)

Collections

Research

Assignments: Exhibition Selections from Peabody Essex Museum

Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Course Syllabus: HIST 772/872

BLACKBOARD

Additional materials will be posted on Blackboard

COURSE SCHEDULE

9. Mar 22 NO CLASS MUSEUM VISIT ON YOUR OWN

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

New England Museum Association - Intern Postings

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In:
Adornment & Identity in Maine, 1750-1950
(June 24, 2011 through May 27, 2012)

Take to the Streets!
(through March 31, 2012)