JOB TITLE: Public History Intern

INSTITUTION: Rome Historical Society, Friends of Fort Stanwix

JOB LOCATION: Rome NY 

INSTITUTION WEBSITE: www.romehistoricalsociety.org

About the Institution: The Rome Historical Society is an educational and historical institution whose mission is to actively research, collect, preserve, and present the historical importance of Rome, New York, and the surrounding areas; and to serve as an educational and community resource. The museum has a variety of exhibits pertaining to local history: ranging from the American Seven Years War to Clinton’s Ditch and the Erie Canal, to Francis Bellamy and the Pledge of Allegiance, to local manufacturers and inventors, to Black and Oneida Indian Nation histories, and to Fort Stanwix, Rome NY Urban Renewal, and Griffiss Air Force Base.

Fort Stanwix National Monument is one of more than 400 units in the National Park system. This site protects and preserves the location of the Oneida Carry and a reconstruction of Fort Schuyler (Stanwix), an American Revolution-era fort that withstood a 21-day siege during the Campaign of 1777.  For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Europeans arrived, nations fought for control of the carry, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. In addition, it preserves the location of the British Fort Stanwix, a Seven Years War fort located at the westernmost edge of the original 13 colonies, that saw treaties signed and boundary lines established between Native and European territories.

Job Description: The Public History Intern will work within Rome Historical Society’s archival and collections spaces, as well as outside and online resources, to research materials which will aid in the creation of a temporary exhibit at Fort Stanwix National Monument. The exhibit, working titled “Forgotten Stories of an American Civil War, the Revolution in the Mohawk Valley” seeks to explore untold stories of the Revolutionary War in the Mohawk Valley as native tribes long at peace broke treaties, and neighbors and families split along loyalist and revolutionary lines. The exhibit will be relevant to the upcoming America250, the 50th anniversary of the rebuilt Fort Stanwix, and the 250th anniversary of the original siege of Fort Stanwix.
In addition to research pertaining to the exhibit, the Public History Intern will fulfill research requests from the public related to Rome NY history, as well as create or participate in the creation and presentation of educational programs.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize historical documents, and digital resources, for the purpose of researching lesser-known American Revolution era individuals, events, and stories
• Connect events and individuals to create compelling narratives relevant to the exhibit scope
• Utilize historical documents to answer community questions about local history
• Create programs or other educational material of value from uncovered stories or events which are not an ideal fit for the exhibit, or in conjunction with the exhibit
• Assist as needed at Visitor Services located at Fort Stanwix National Monument Visitor Center and Fort 

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Internship

Salary range: $19/hr

How to Apply: president@romehistoricalsociety.org board@romehistoricalsociety.org

Job Closing Date: 5/31/2024