Curatorial Intern - Stratford, VA, USA

[StephGaub]

Position Title: Curatorial Intern
Job Category: Internship
Employer Name: Stratford Hall
Salary Range: $2,000 stipend
Street Address: 483 Great House Road
City, State, Country: Stratford, VA, USA
Postal Code: 22558 [Map It!]
Contact Name: Gretchen Goodell, Curator
Contact E-Mail Address: ggoodell@stratfordhall.org
Contact Website: Stratford Hall Plantation, birthplace of Robert E. Lee
Deadline to Apply: April 5, 2009

Position Description/Responsiblities:
The Curatorial Intern will focus on researching original Lee family silver at Stratford Hall and in other public and private collections. This project will involve study of silver patterns, makers, and engraved crests used by the Lees, as well as analysis of extant inventories to determine the types of plate that would have furnished Stratford ’s rooms in the 18th and early-19th centuries. Site visits to other collections may be necessary. Strong interest in American and English decorative arts required.



Stratford is located in Westmoreland County on the beautiful Northern Neck of Virginia. Westmoreland County is a 45 minute drive from Fredericksburg , two hours from Washington , DC , and 90 minutes from Richmond . Stratford is set on 1,900 acres with 2.5 miles of Potomac River waterfront.



The National Historic Landmark Stratford Great House and related buildings were constructed beginning in 1738 and are among a handful of exceptionally intact survivals from colonial Virginia . In addition to the Great House, Stratford also features an operating reconstructed 18th century gristmill and extensive gardens. Stratford was the home of the Lee family, which includes two signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was also the home of Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and birthplace of Robert E. Lee.



The landscape is primarily hardwood forests and pastures but also includes two gardens and extensive maintained grounds. Stratford also has a Dining Room which offers lunch daily, two guest houses, and over 30 rustic cabins that were built to house Stratford ’s board members during the twice annual meetings. Intern housing will be in these log cabins.



How to Apply



Each internship carries a generous stipend and free on-site housing with kitchen and laundry facilities. Due to Stratford ’s relatively remote location, personal vehicles are recommended but not required. All of these positions require a full-time 10 week commitment with specific dates negotiable depending upon the applicant’s schedule.



Interested applicants should send a cover letter stating their reasons for applying, including their goals for the internship and dates available for work. Also, please attach a resume and contact information for three references.



Applications should be received by April 5, 2009.



Inquiries and applications should be directed to:
Gretchen Goodell, Curator

483 Great House Road

Stratford, VA 22558

ggoodell@stratfordhall.org

Desired Qualifications:
Applicants should be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of MA or PhD programs in American Studies, Museum Studies, or related field with a demonstrated interest in material culture research.

Source: Museum-L