Public Heritage Studies Graduate Student Research/Teaching Assistant

Elizabethtown College•Elizabethtown, PA

14d•$10

About The Position

The Honors Department at Elizabethtown College is currently seeking a Graduate Student Research Teaching Assistant for the Public Heritage Studies program. The candidate will: Assist undergraduate students enrolled in Public Heritage Studies courses as the students search historical records, maps, databases to identify potential historic properties within a project area; Analyze historical documents to determine the significance and eligibility of identified properties for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; Conduct literature reviews on local history and cultural context; Conduct field surveys to locate and document potential historic properties; Collect data on the physical characteristics of buildings and sites; Take photographs and record observations of historic properties; Organize research findings and prepare reports detailing the historical context and significance of properties; Conduct genealogical research; Conduct oral history interviews; Make connections between genealogical findings, oral history interviews, and the historic record through examining public records such as vital, ecclesiastical, international, military, and estate, using knowledge of American history both on a local and national level; Communicate with state and federal historic preservation offices and other consulting parties regarding research findings; Create public presentations coordinating public outreach efforts related to historic preservation concerns, gentrification and historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic revitalization particularly in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. This position will work a maximum of 20 hours per week & have a flexible schedule during the 16 weeks of the spring semester. This position earns $10.00 per hour and will receive 9 graduate credits per semester through The School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in history, public history, historic preservation, archeology, genealogy. or related fields
Strong research skills with proficiency in archival research methods
Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places criteria and Section 106 Review process
Ability to conduct field surveys and document historic properties
Expertise in navigating online genealogy databases such as Ancestry, Family Search, Findmypast, and other relevant platforms
Ability to interpret historical documents including birth, marriage, death records, census records, and land deeds
Expertise with ArcGIS geographical information systems for creating, managing, analyzing, mapping, and sharing data
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present findings in reports and presentations
This position also requires a valid and unrestricted driver’s license for business travel purposes (individual must have a US driver’s license for at least three years) and educational/background clearances

Responsibilities

Assist undergraduate students enrolled in Public Heritage Studies courses as the students search historical records, maps, databases to identify potential historic properties within a project area
Analyze historical documents to determine the significance and eligibility of identified properties for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
Conduct literature reviews on local history and cultural context
Conduct field surveys to locate and document potential historic properties
Collect data on the physical characteristics of buildings and sites
Take photographs and record observations of historic properties
Organize research findings and prepare reports detailing the historical context and significance of properties
Conduct genealogical research
Conduct oral history interviews
Make connections between genealogical findings, oral history interviews, and the historic record through examining public records such as vital, ecclesiastical, international, military, and estate, using knowledge of American history both on a local and national level
Communicate with state and federal historic preservation offices and other consulting parties regarding research findings
Create public presentations coordinating public outreach efforts related to historic preservation concerns, gentrification and historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic revitalization particularly in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area