Curatorial Fellowship: Gilded Age Costume

Description

The Preservation Society of Newport County offers annual Residential Research Fellowships to scholars and emerging professionals, designed to provide dedicated time and resources for comprehensive projects relevant to the organization’s current needs. The Preservation Society of Newport County Residential Fellowship is an opportunity to advance scholarship and gain specialized training/experience needed for future and emerging professionals seeking to pursue careers in academia, museums, historic preservation, historic houses and landscapes, or other cultural institutions.

The Preservation Society of Newport County protects, preserves, and presents a remarkable collection of eleven historic house museums spanning the history of Newport from the Colonial period through the Gilded Age. Our properties include Hunter House (c.1748), Kingscote (1841), Chateau-sur-Mer (1852), Green Animals Topiary Garden (c.1860), Chepstow (1861), Isaac Bell House (1883), Marble House (1892), The Breakers (1895), The Breakers Stable and Carriage House (1895), The Elms (1901), and Rosecliff (1902).

Housed within these architectural masterpieces are more than 60,000 artworks from all around the globe, dating from ancient times to the modern era. The archives collections include papers, photographs, and audiovisual media documenting these properties, the families who lived in them, and the history of Newport, as well as organizational records.

The Preservation Society of Newport County invites applications for the Curatorial Fellowship in Gilded Age Costume, a position supporting research and development for an upcoming major exhibition exploring fashion of the Gilded Age. This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for an emerging museum professional to gain hands‑on curatorial experience within one of America’s most significant collections of historic houses, decorative arts, and material culture of the Gilded Age.

The fellow will conduct object‑based and archival research related to Gilded Age costume, accessories, and textile collections; assist with the research, organization, and implementation of the upcoming Gilded Age Costume Exhibition. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate successful object‑based research utilizing primary and secondary source materials, or who have specific experience contributing to museum or gallery exhibitions and have demonstrated experience working with historic textiles in a museum, gallery or conservation setting.

To be considered for the 2026‑2027 Curatorial Fellowship, candidates must have an MA in Art History, Fashion History, Museum Studies, Material Culture, Textile Conservation, or a closely related field. Familiarity with collections databases, cataloging standards, and preventive conservation practices preferred.

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.

• PhD preferred.
• Curatorial or related museum experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with costume or textile collections, curatorial research, or exhibition planning.
• Dedication to exploring and promoting paths to understanding the social histories and collections of the PSNC.

Please apply online with a cover letter indicating interest and suitability and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 1, 2026.

Zoom interviews will be conducted with preferred candidates by March 31, 2026. Successful interview candidates will be asked to provide two academic or professional references, an academic writing sample, and one personal reference.

Selected candidates will be notified by April 15, 2026.

The fellowship term is September 14, 2026, to August 15, 2027. Residential Fellows receive $40,000 in annual compensation, access to research and travel budget, and housing at no cost in the Berwind‑Stautberg Scholars Center.

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