Job Description

The Rakow Research Library is the world’s foremost library on the art and history of glass and glassmaking, covering subject areas from archeology to zoology and everything glass in between. The Special Collections & Archives department holds over 200 unique manuscript collections from glass manufacturers, studios, renowned glass artists and scholars, as well as design drawings and works of art on paper.

The public history internship will focus on the recently acquired B-Team Records.  The B-Team was a seminal glass performance art troupe founded in 1991 by Zesty Meyers and Evan Snyderman.  The public history intern will conduct research in the collection in preparation for a forthcoming documentary about the troupe.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:

• Gain experience with archival research.
• Develop oral and written communication skills.
• Translate the findings of historical research into timelines, reports, and other deliverables for a non-academic audience.
• The intern will submit a self-reflection piece upon completion of the internship, addressing his/her work experiences during the program. The essay format will be flexible, to be chosen by the intern.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will conduct research in the B Team Records, 1989-1999 (7.8 linear feet / 11.38 GB). The intern will also work remotely with librarians and archivists at other institutions to seek additional primary sources, such as campus newspaper articles about the B Team and reviews of B Team performances. Desired outcomes include:

• A list of all B Team members and their years of affiliation with the troupe
• A timeline of all performances and pivotal events
• A bibliography of B Team-related primary sources found in the archives of colleges and universities where the troupe performed. Include scans or images of the primary sources when possible
• A narrative history of the troupe (about ten pages) that will familiarize the documentary team with the story of the troupe and identify compelling themes within that story
• Preliminary question lists for oral histories to be conducted with key troupe members

Qualifications

• Interest in a career in public history
• Incoming, current, or recent graduate student in a public history program
• Coursework/experience in public history and oral history
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• Ability to work independently; ability to take direction; willingness to ask questions
• Ability to work in a Windows environment; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Additional Information

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• 25% Discount in The Corning Museum of Glass Shops
• 25% Discount in The Corning Museum of Glass Café
• Free admission to the museum for you and your guests

This is a full-time internship with a stipend of $1500 per month. We are happy to work with your institution to arrange for course credit when possible.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover letter expressing career goals and interest in the internship, along with a curriculum vitae.