Small Museum Association

Contract Salary: $10,000 Maximum

Job Description

The Lois McClure Contract Archivist will have a unique opportunity to document and arrange the varied collections and archives relating to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s replica canal schooner, Lois McClure.

The Lois McClure is the Museum’s full-scale replica of an 1862-class sailing canal boat, based on two shipwrecks located in Lake Champlain. This replica project was initiated in 2001 with the goal to understand our region’s unique 1862-class sailing canal schooner; how it was built and operated; and the economic, cultural, and personal impact the canals had on our region and people. After 20 years of service, the replica canal schooner Lois McClure will be retired in October 2023. 

The Lois McClure Contract Archivist will be responsible for creating an archival system to house and arrange a variety of materials relating to the Lois McClure project (including archaeological evaluations, oral histories, print materials, photographs, video, and object collections), photographing and describing these materials, and creating associated catalog records which will become part of the Museum’s Collections database. In addition, the Lois McClure Contract Archivist will support the Museum team in identifying appropriate candidates for oral histories and will work in partnership with the Vermont Folklife Center to document those narratives. The Lois McClure Contract Archivist will work closely with the Collections Manager and the Research and Archaeology Department to ensure their work products align well with the existing Collections Management procedures at the Museum.

Scope of Work

• Describe, photograph, and arrange the Museum’s collection of objects and archival materials related to the replica canal schooner Lois McClure project. The Lois McClure papers measure roughly 130 linear feet, while relevant digital documents and photographs are close to 400GB. Additionally, there are approximately 5,000 (analog and digital) photographs and 100 hours of audio and video footage. There are approximately 75 objects in the object collection. We expect that as much as 50% of these materials can be condensed into lots for faster cataloging.
• Develop catalog records for related records as appropriate for incorporation into the Museum’s collections management database.
• Support the oral history portion of the Lois McClure archiving project.
• Support public outreach through blogs and social media series.

Deliverables

• Basic catalog records (ID number, description, keywords, condition) for each object, document, or lot
• Photographs or scans for each object, document, or lot
• 2-3 blogs (behind-the-scenes; fan favorites; etc.) and ~10 blurbs for social posts
• List of 5-6 candidates for oral history interviews identified and contacted

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in history, archives management, library science, museum studies, or related field
• Related experience documenting and arranging archival collections
• Interest in canal history preferred
• Ability to work flexibly in a (physically distanced) office, both independently and as a team member
• Commitment to collaboration, strong technical writing skills and communication ability
• Ability to maintain a professional and tactful approach in all interactions
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace culture and daily work
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, organize, and complete multiple projects
• Commitment to adhere to COVID-conscious workplace protocols

Project Timeline

• November 2022: Project Start
• February 2023: expected “midpoint” for cataloging process
• March 2023: Oral History Candidates identified and contacted
• April 2023: Social Media and Blogs prepared and sent to Marketing Team
• April 2023: Project End

Working Conditions

This position will include onsite and offsite work. Work outside will occur in all weather conditions.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, summary of archival experience, and three references to research@lcmm.org with the subject line “Lois McClure Contract Archivist.” Applications due by November 10, 2022.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The Museum prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on 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.