Curatorial Fellow - January-June, 2027

Conner Prairie Museum • Fishers, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The curatorial fellow is responsible for research support for the development of a new Indigenous experience at Conner Prairie. The fellow will explore historic and contemporary Native American culture and lifeways, with Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and community at the center of the work. Research may explore topics such as relationships to land and place, contemporary and historic land use, land management, ecological knowledge, cultural revitalization, and stewardship. Fellows will be required to conduct original qualitative and quantitative research that may include interviews, oral history, and work with primary and secondary sources. This research will have a direct connection to the project. The fellow’s work will help Conner Prairie better understand the stories, perspectives, and experiences that should inform what is created and ultimately shared with guests. One fellowship will be awarded for a 4-month appointment. Appointments must take place between January 1, 2027, and June 30, 2027, for 400 hours.

Requirements

• Resume/CV
• Two relevant references (to be listed on the application and/or resume)
• Statement of Interest (400-600 words): Please answer why you would like this fellowship; how will this fellowship support your career goals and describe any relevant experience you have working with Tribal Nations. This should be done as part of your Cover Letter attachment.
• Writing sample (2-5 pages): Writing samples should include original work with citations. This can be taken from a paper written for a course related to the fields of history, museum studies, or Native American and Indigenous Studies. This should be included as part of the Cover Letter/Statement of Interest document as additional pages).
• In progress or have recently completed a graduate level program in a relevant field. (Native American & Indigenous Studies, public history, environmental studies, history, anthropology, museum studies, library sciences etc.)

Responsibilities

• Conducts original research related to historic and contemporary Native American cultures, lifeways, and experiences, with particular attention to Native Nations connected to the project
• Research topics relevant to the development of the Indigenous experience, including relationships to land and place, land use and stewardship, ecological knowledge, cultural revitalization, community identity, and contemporary Indigenous life.
• Utilizes primary and secondary sources, including archival materials, scholarly literature, Tribal and community-based research, oral histories, and other relevant sources
• Collaborates with Conner Prairie staff and members of the Indigenous Advisory Committee, as appropriate, to ensure research reflects community perspectives, priorities, and knowledge.
• Connects research findings directly to interpretive planning by identifying opportunities for research to inform exhibit content, guest experiences, and programming.
• Presents research findings and recommendations to Conner Prairie staff, and when appropriate, the Indigenous Advisory Committee.
• Participates in regular project meetings and works collaboratively with the project team to refine research priorities as the Indigenous experience continues to develop.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level