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Mid-West Tool Collectors Association Curatorial Summer Internship 2008
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, originally
extended over eight thousand acres and was divided into five farms. The
property remained in the Washington family until 1858, when it was
purchased by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, a non-profit
organization founded by Ann Pamela Cunningham in 1853 to "perpetuate the
sacred memory of 'the Father of his Country'" and to "preserve the
relics at Mount Vernon." The current historic site encompasses George
Washington's original Mansion House Farm and consists of 500 acres.
Today, Mount Vernon welcomes approximately 1 million visitors a year,
and it is the responsibility of the Collections Department to ensure
that the objects on view in the Mansion and outbuildings are
historically accurate and preserved for these visitors. The Curatorial
collection is built around the documented household and personal
possessions of George and Martha Washington. The Association's mission
is to show the Mansion and Outbuildings as they were furnished in 1799.
Through the generosity of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association
(M-WTCA), Mount Vernon offers one summer internship to an individual
interested in assisting with this preservation and accuracy mission.
Intern duties:
The successful candidate for the M-WTCA Curatorial Internship will
inventory and catalog a portion of Mount Vernon's tool collection
currently housed in our modern storage facility and the historic
outbuildings. This important and diverse collection includes everything
from small, hand-held tools used by carpenters, joiners, and shoemakers
to larger agricultural and vehicular implements, as well as tools used
in textile production, food preparation, and other domestic activities.
Having accurate information on a tool's date, place of manufacture, and
intended use is vital to the future successful interpretation of the
Mansion and Outbuildings.
The M-WTCA Curatorial Intern will be responsible for identifying tools,
assessing their condition, and conducting object photography. He/She
will utilize Mount Vernon's Library and Archives as well as the M-WTCA
and their Ladies Auxiliary as resources. He/She will also consult with
the Conservator about which objects may need conservation attention. The
intern will then synthesize his/her research to make recommendations as
to which objects are appropriate for display and which should be
considered for possible deaccession.
During this process, the intern will be exposed to the tools used in
Mount Vernon's numerous support structures, the people involved in
completing the tasks that took place in the structures, and the
interpretive history of the spaces. Mount Vernon will use this valuable
research to strengthen our tool collection, and will consult the M-WTCA
Curatorial Intern's research to determine future tool acquisitions and
deaccessions.
Compensation and Hours:
The M-WTCA Curatorial Intern may be reimbursed for travel and research
expenses up to $300, and will receive a $3,000 stipend for the 10 weeks
of the internship period, payable on the Mount Vernon pay schedule. The
internship period will be determined based upon the candidate's schedule
with expected work hours of Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm during the
selected 10 weeks. Housing and daily transportation to/from Mount Vernon
will be the responsibility of the successful candidate. Mount Vernon is
happy to work with the intern's academic program to provide credit for
the internship period.
Qualifications:
The successful M-WTCA Curatorial Intern candidate will possess an
interest in museum or historic site management, museum collections, or
material culture studies. A graduate-level major in American History,
American Studies, Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field is
required. A special interest in 18th century Chesapeake social
history/material culture is preferred, although not required.
How to Apply:
By April 4, 2008 please send letter of interest, resume, and the contact
information for three references to:
Laura B. Simo
Assistant Curator
George Washington's Mount Vernon
P.O. Box 110
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Fax: 703.799.8698
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No phone calls please
All applicants will be notified of the success of his/her application by
April 25, 2008.
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