Curatorial Fellowship Gilded Age Costume

Job Summary

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 organizations 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.

Our Collections

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 60000 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.

Position Description
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 Americas 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.

Basic Qualifications

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.

Additional Qualifications and 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.

Application Procedures

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

Additional Information

The fellowship term is September 14 2026 to August 15 2027. Residential Fellows receive $40000 in annual compensation access to research and travel budget and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center.

Additional Benefits Include:

• 13 paid holidays
• Sick Time: Fellows begin accruing paid sick leave on the first day of employment and will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked up to a maximum of 40 hours per year.
• Bereavement Days: Fellows are provided 2-3 days in the event of the loss of a family member.
• Vacation Time: Fellows are eligible for 80 hours (10 days) of vacation time to ensure a balance of work and relaxation.
• Personal Time: Fellows are eligible for 16 hours (2 days) of personal time.
• Insurance: Fellows are offered participation in a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account and participation in basic dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement: Fellows are eligible to participate in PSNCs 403(b) retirement plan with the opportunity for a 3% core contribution and we will match ½ of what you personally contribute up to 6%.
• Discounts: Fellows receive a free family membership to the Newport Mansions (20% off retail purchases) free access to several local and over 60 New England museums and cultural attractions and more.