Title: Peggy N. Gerry Curatorial Fellow, Long Island Furniture Project
Job Type: Full-time, temporary (2 years) beginning summer 2025
Compensation: $40,000 annual salary with full benefits and housing on Long Island
Reports to: Chief Curator & Director of Collections

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Preservation Long Island’s (PLI) landmark publication, Long Island is My Nation: The Decorative Arts and Craftsmen, 1640–1830, and the Semiquincentennial in 2026, PLI is seeking a curatorial fellow to take a leading role in a multi-format project focused on the study and interpretation of early Long Island furniture (ca. 1640–ca. 1860). The fellow will collaborate with the Chief Curator & Director of Collections on a series of objectives aimed at reexamining Long Island furniture collections from new perspectives and enhancing their accessibility to 21st-century researchers and the public. This will be achieved through cataloging objects in collections across the region, helping to organize a symposium, curating a museum gallery exhibition, assembling an exhibition catalog, launching a collaborative digital database, and publishing and presenting new research.

This fellowship provides an emerging museum professional with comprehensive, hands-on experience across all areas of collections management, curatorial practice, and digital content creation. The selected fellow will play a pivotal role in driving an important organizational initiative, working closely under the mentorship of an experienced professional.

Duties:
Collections research and fieldwork: Catalog examples of furniture made and used on Long Island in public and private collections; maintain a spreadsheet of metadata; fully research individual objects as needed; enhance PLI’s collection files and catalogue records.

Symposium coordination: Present at and assist with the coordination of a professional development symposium with leading scholars and professionals focused on the care, study, and interpretation of furniture collections.

Exhibition curation: Co-curate a furniture-focused museum exhibition that connects new research to relevant themes surrounding the Semiquincentennial; devise the checklist and draft label copy; assist with loan management, exhibition design, marketing, and related programming; author content and assemble images for a companion catalog.

Digitization: Coordinate photography with institutional colleagues and secure permissions to use and reproduce images; work with the Chief Curator to create and design the digital database and website.

Outreach and scholarship: Publicize the on-going project through the creation of content for Preservation Long Island’s blog, social media platforms, and newsletter; present research publicly through scholarly lectures, articles, and exhibition tours.

Qualifications:
Candidates should be a recent graduate with an M.A. in history, museum studies, decorative arts, or material culture. The position requires a self-motivated individual with excellent research, written, and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in collections/content management software, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms are preferred. Previous experience managing projects and the development of web-based content is a plus.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ-identified individuals are encouraged to apply. Preservation Long Island is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Terms:
This is a 24-month fellowship position with a salary of $40,000 per year. Benefits include health insurance (medical) and paid holidays, vacation days, and sick days. Housing (unfurnished) at one of Preservation Long Island’s properties is also provided. The candidate must have a valid US driver’s license and access to a car for travel to off-site locations for research/survey purposes. The position is based in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.

How to Apply:
Application deadline: March 10, 2025
Submit a CV, letter of interest, and a short writing sample (2-5 pages) to Lauren Brincat, Chief Curator & Director of Collections, at [email protected]

About Preservation Long Island
Headquartered in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, Preservation Long Island advances the importance of historic preservation in the region through advocacy, education, and stewardship. Working to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for the protection of a shared past, our program areas include interpreting historic sites; collecting art and material culture pertaining to Long Island history; creating publications and exhibitions; and providing direct support and technical assistance to individuals and groups engaged in local preservation efforts. Our mission is to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and stewardship of historic sites and collections.

This position is generously funded by The Decorative Arts Trust curatorial internship grant program.