The UVA Mellon Museum Internship program is looking for a summer intern to research Black lives in Scottsville, Virginia, based at the Scottsville Museum.
Scottsville had prominence as an early seat of Albemarle County government and commerce in the 1700s. The intern would be responsible for researching Black lives throughout the history of the area known as Scott’s Landing, and later incorporated as the Town of Scottsville in 1818. The intern will work under the guidance of Scottsville Museum Board Member, Mayor Ron Smith, to produce a written report which would be shared with the museum Board, Town Council members, local teachers, and other community members interested in furthering education around issues of race and place. This work complements similar local history projects that are taking place in the Charlottesville area and surrounding counties.
The Scottsville Museum and Historic Landmarks Foundation is a nonprofit, incorporated organization which seeks to preserve for the public benefit the historical, natural, and artistic heritage of the Scottsville community of southern Albemarle County. It is housed in a former Disciples of Christ Church, built in 1846, and its adjacent parsonage, the Barclay House. The latter building has been renovated to create research and meeting space, and to house technical systems, archives, library, and storage space. The Museum displays permanent and rotating exhibits relating to the town and its history. It is open to the public on weekends April through October. For more information or to plan a visit, see https://smuseum.avenue.org/.
ELIGIBILITY: Applications are open to rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year UVA students from all fields of study who identify as African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (spring 2021 graduates are ineligible). Requirements for the position include familiarity with conducting historical research in library collections and archives (using both digital and physical resources), and some background in American history. The preferred applicant will be an independent worker and have strong writing skills.
HOURS/STIPEND: This position will be 30 hours per week for 10 weeks (or 300 total hours during the summer). The intern will need access to library resources, and may need to visit the museum occasionally, under COVID-19 safety regulations. This internship is supported by a $3500 Mellon Museum Diversity grant to offset cost of living during the internship period.
HOW TO APPLY Download the application form here. Send completed forms and supporting documentation (statement of interest, a current résumé, and your unofficial transcript) to Catherine Walden, cew9f@virginia.edu. Deadline is extended to May 7, 2021.