Plant Curatorial Fellowship

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library•Winterthur, DE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Curatorial Fellowship supports an emerging professional pursuing a career in garden curation, collection management, or historic landscape interpretation. The Fellow helps steward Winterthur’s historic garden, a significant example of the twentieth-century “wild garden” style, with work focused on documenting and assessing living collections, including the peony collections. Daily responsibilities include tracking plant condition, maintaining records, and supporting collections management to promote the long-term health and continuity of the collections. The role also includes substantial archival research using Winterthur’s library and institutional resources. The Fellow may collaborate across departments to develop interpretive narratives, exhibits, and outreach initiatives connecting the living collections to their history, design, and horticultural significance. The Fellow will travel to other gardens and related sites and undertake an independent curatorial or research project focused on a significant plant grouping. The position is temporary for one year, with the opportunity to apply for an extension for a second year. Preferred start date is January 5, 2027; applications are requested before December 1, 2026.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited college or university in Natural Science or Humanities.
One year of experience in a garden or museum setting, including work related to collections management, documentation, or interpretation.
Ability to execute oral and written directions.
Basic knowledge of ornamental plants and plant collections.
Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
Basic knowledge of horticulture and plant science, including plant identification and basic assessment of plant health.
Experience applying research methods and documentation practices.
Familiarity with GIS and database programs.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Ability to lift 25 lbs.
Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day.

Responsibilities

Document the living collection using Winterthur’s plant records database and ArcGIS Online tools, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
Inventory garden areas and document the health and condition of key collections to support long-term collections management and care.
Research selected garden collections, such as the peony collection, using archival materials including historic maps, oral histories, and photographs.
Develop compelling, educational narratives about garden collections.
Design narratives using ArcGIS Story Maps and/or other digital platforms.
Expand educational and public engagement opportunities through presentations, talks, and outreach initiatives.
Explore publication opportunities for research discoveries and interpretive advancements.
Assist with photographic documentation of the living collection for records, storytelling, and outreach.
Develop an understanding of the history and design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate.
Become familiar with the weekly garden lecture series and special garden events, and attend other programs as appropriate.
Travel to other gardens and places of interest related to research topics and curation.
Undertake an independent curatorial or research project focused on a significant plant grouping.