Maritime Archaeologist Fellow - LTE

The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.

At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history.  for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Archaeology Program and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute are seeking a bachelors-level Maritime Archaeologist to fill a fellowship position. This position works under staff maritime archaeologists and the State Archaeologist in the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy of Wisconsin.

The archeologist will work on specific grant-related projects, conducting research and analysis and potentially underwater archaeological fieldwork. The fellowship is part of a two-year grant funded by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute to research and complete a historic context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and study two known fireboat wrecks off Milwaukee, providing analysis of their construction, use, and ties to Wisconsin’s broader maritime cultural past.

They will be assigned tasks by the current archaeological staff and will carry them out with the assistance of volunteers and/or other archaeologists. The ideal candidate will have proven writing experience, knowledge of underwater archaeological diving operations, and experience in the use of manual underwater mapping equipment. The applicant is responsible for daily completion of field tasks, project notes and maps, and for basic maintenance of project equipment.

The archaeologist will conduct historical research, write reports based upon archaeological and historical research, and complete other project-related tasks and duties as assigned. The archaeologist will also develop interpretive materials and prepare materials for the program’s websites, public outreach efforts, and PK12 programming. Both diving and non-diving applicants are encouraged to apply.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Complete a Historic Context on fireboats in the Great Lakes and beyond with the assistance of staff maritime archaeologists.
• Collect archaeological reports and maritime literature on fireboats and fireboat wreck sites throughout the Great Lakes and analyze site notes, drawings, photographs, and historical information for additional interpretation.
• Write description of the development and use of fireboats throughout the Great Lakes region and place them within a larger historical and cultural context.
• Compile and sort through historical information pertinent to current grant projects, and synthesize field notes to complete detailed site descriptions.
• Assist with preparations and field work for field projects.
• Analyze and synthesize field drawings and field notes after field projects are complete.
• Respond to written, electronic, and verbal requests for information about archaeological sites from professionals, avocationals, and other members of the public regarding the maritime archaeology of Wisconsin.
• Explore various means of publicizing Wisconsin’s coastal heritage, including creating and updating materials for PK12 educational programming, interactive kiosks, Wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Wisconsin Maritime Trails signage, History Center exhibits, etc.
• Provide lectures, presentations, and workshops on Wisconsin’s maritime archeology as requested.

Note:

This position may require significant travel for…