Research Scholar, Disability History

Historic New England (HNE) seeks applicants for a part-time researcher specializing in Disability history in New England in New England to support our Recovering New England’s Voices initiative. This 12 month term-limited position will begin in September 2025, offering up to 20 work hours per week with schedule flexibility.

Ideal candidates are scholars who work with New England history, specialize in Disability history and/or Disability studies, and have experience conducting challenging archival research, particularly on oppressed, marginalized, and erased groups. The goal of the research position is to provide Historic New England with a new foundation of knowledge in this subject area to transform the visitor experience at our sites. The position will require creative thinking and problem solving as well as experience with “reading between the lines” or “reading against the grain” of primary sources and narratives.

This position resides in a uniquely interdisciplinary setting with the opportunity to work cross- team with Historic New England staff in areas of material culture, archives, preservation, architectural history, and visitor experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct primary and secondary research from relevant sources to deepen and broaden our knowledge of the topics, subjects, and stories related to those with disabilities, particularly as they relate to Historic New England sites.


• Collaborate with the other researchers and staff to incorporate the research products into transformative experiences at our sites
  


• Identify groups, communities, and/or individuals to whom this research relates and support staff in building potential partnerships and coalitions.


• Participate in and contribute to Historic New England’s culture through staff training, blogs and vlogs, and public programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master’s degree with a research specialty centered in Disability history and/or Disability studies completed before September 1, 2025.
  


• Experience working with archival research, particularly in regard to erased and marginalized histories.


• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a team environment, where communication between and among teams is essential to success.


• Valid drivers license and reliable means of transportation.


• Strong belief in, and demonstrated commitment to, Historic New England’s mission and values.


• Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

Preferred Qualifications

• ABD status or a completed PhD.


• Experience working with partnership and coalition building with the goals of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and social justice.
  


• Experience with historic house museums and/or public programming.

Other Duties

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Deadline for Application

July 7, 2025

Questions or FMI

Contact Dr. Alissa Butler at [email protected]. 

Historic New England is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.