Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Fellowships in Ethnographic and Archaeological Object and Textile Conservation

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is offering two fellowships in ethnographic and archaeological object and textile conservation, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  These fellowships are for one year with a possible renewal of a second year. Fellowships will commence in the fall of 2004 and include a stipend in the low $30K's with $3000 for travel and research plus medical insurance and benefits. Fellows will work on the Conservation Department's major projects and research related to the projects and collections. The current projects include the preparation of artifacts for exhibit at both NMAI sites: Washington, DC, and New York City, and loans. The fellowships are located in Suitland, MD (outside of Washington, DC).
 
The fellowships are intended to cultivate practical skills as well as to foster a solid understanding of the contexts of material culture, the philosophies of conservation at NMAI, and the ethics of the conservation profession.  Museum programming involves collaboration with Native Peoples in the development of appropriate methods of care for, and interpretation of their cultural materials, this includes community consultations both at NMAI and in the field.  

Applicant Qualifications 
The applicant should be a recent graduate of a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent training and experience. The candidates with the best qualifications will be those who are pursuing a career in the conservation of material culture of Indigenous peoples of North, Central and South America.  The applicant should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and English language skills (written and spoken).  Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.

Application Procedure 
Interested candidates must submit the following materials in English: 
*       Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study with an explanation of the evaluation system if it is not equivalent to that of the US;
*       A curriculum vitae including basic biographical information, current and permanent addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses;
*       At least two examples of pertinent publications, lectures, or other written material;
*       A cover letter explaining candidate's interests and intent in applying for the fellowship;
*       Two letters of recommendation from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate's work and one letter of personal reference.

The material must be received by March 15, 2004 and sent to:
Marian A. Kaminitz, Head of Conservation
National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian Institution
Cultural Resources Center, MRC 541
4220 Silver Hill Road
Suitland MD 20746

E-mail address for inquiries only: [log in to unmask]

Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio of completed projects.
All applicants will be notified by May 25, 2004 of the selection committee's decision. 

Submitted by:

Susan Heald
Senior Textile Conservator
National Museum of the American Indian
Cultural Resources Center
4220 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, MD 20746
(301)238-6624 ext 6317
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