The Preservation Society of Newport County's Research Fellows Program offers scholars and emerging professionals the opportunity to conduct focused research and undertake projects inspired by and relevant to the Preservation Society’s mission, strategic plan and annual goals.

The Program supports scholars and emerging professionals as annual fellows-in-residence. As defined by the Preservation Society, Fellows undertake comprehensive projects, conduct scholarly research, deliver lectures, and generate publications and other deliverables within specified areas including, but not limited to, curatorial practice, exhibition design, material culture, public history, collections management, education and public practice, interpretation, landscape design history, public horticulture, and preservation policy. The specific subjects available to applicants each year are selected by Preservation Society staff as they are relevant to current needs in the organization and scholarly fields.

The Program’s goals are to: 

• Advance both scholarship and specialized training/experience needed for future and emerging professionals seeking to pursue careers in academia, museums, historic houses and landscapes, historic preservation, or cultural institutions.

• Integrate Fellows into the Preservation Society through project-based research and initiatives.

• Further independent research by providing Fellows with the opportunity to undertake a project in consultation with the program supervisor and a series of internal and external mentors.

• Cultivate a community for intellectual discourse and engagement while expanding the Fellow’s experience within their area of specialization.

• Refine and promote professional growth and leadership skills through seminars with senior Preservation Society staff spanning all areas of operations.

• Foster public speaking and presentation skills through public lectures.

• Promote regional and national networking and scholarly contributions to the field with funding to support annual membership and attendance and/or presentation at one national or regional conference.

• Produce a final project report/article for annual Fellows program anthology.

• Cultivate an alumni network of Preservation Society Fellows to foster collegiality and encourage Fellows to keep in touch with one another and support one another professionally.

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the fellowships available, a M.A./M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant academic field such as the history of art, architecture, the decorative arts, material culture, museum education and interpretation, landscape design history, public horticulture, historic preservation, material culture, public history, and preservation policy as it relates to cultural heritage may be required. Please see individual postings for further details.

Fellows must have the ability to complete core projects and research in a clearly defined area of study based on a timeline that will result in expected deliverables within the timeframe of the residency. Additionally, all Fellows must present a public lecture and write a 2,500-3,000 word essay based on their area of research/project, or a mutually agreed-to format. Fellows must contribute to the overall dynamics of the Fellowship Program through a high level of engagement in interaction with fellow scholars and Preservation Society staff. 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.

RESIDENTIAL FELLOWS

A degree should have been conferred within five years from the start date of the fellowship to qualify as an emerging professional. Doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research will also be considered for residential Fellowships. Throughout the period of the residency (September through mid-August), residential Fellows are expected to live full-time in the recently renovated Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center located in the historic Horace Trumbauer firm-designed Carriage House of The Elms. Fellows are provided with an individual bedroom, bathroom, and office space with common kitchen, laundry, and recreational spaces. All precautions are taken to ensure the safety and health of Fellows through adherence to CDC guidelines as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Up to four residential Fellows are selected for the annual residency program (September 1 – August 15) and receive a monthly stipend of $2,000 ($24,000 annually), a travel and research stipend totaling $2,500, and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center. A call for proposals is posted annually.

2022-2023 RESIDENTIAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT