Conservation Fellowship: Textiles

Description:

Job Summary The Preservation Society of Newport County offers annual Residential Research Fellowships to scholars and emerging professionals, designed to provide dedicated time and resources for comprehensive projects relevant to the organization’s current needs in areas such as fine art, decorative art, material culture, landscape design, horticulture, social history, and historic preservation. The Preservation Society of Newport County Residential Fellowship is an opportunity to advance scholarship and gain specialized training/experience needed for future and emerging professionals seeking to pursue careers in academia, museums, historic preservation, historic houses and landscapes, or other cultural institutions.

Our Collections:

The Preservation Society of Newport County protects, preserves, and presents a remarkable collection of eleven historic house museums spanning the history of Newport from the Colonial period through the Gilded Age. Our properties include Hunter House (c.1748), Kingscote (1841), Chateau-sur-Mer (1852), Green Animals Topiary Garden (c.1860), Chepstow (1861), Isaac Bell House (1883), Marble House (1892), The Breakers (1895), The Breakers Stable and Carriage House (1895), The Elms (1901), and Rosecliff (1902). Housed within these architectural masterpieces are more than 60,000 artworks from all around the globe, dating from ancient times to the modern era.

Position Description:

The 2026–2027 Textile Conservation Fellow will collaborate with the Chief Curator, the Textile Conservator, and the Conservation Department in support of assessing a large collection of original 19th century upholstered furnishings recently acquired from the estate of a prominent family. The fellow will work closely with the Preservation Society’s textile conservator, objects conservator, and decorative arts conservation fellow to conduct a condition survey of the new acquisitions, propose conservation treatment options, and complete conservation treatment on exemplary pieces. The Fellow will be responsible for producing written documentation relating to the survey and treatment in a concise and transparent manner, including supportive digital photography. The work will be undertaken with and without supervision. Fellows will have access to the conservation studio’s materials, equipment, stereo- and polarized light microscopes and reference library. Time will also be allocated towards the study of primary and secondary source materials to support the overall understanding of the collection. Additional funds may be available to engage a specialized upholstery conservator to consult with and to help develop non-intrusive upholstery support structures.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a deep understanding of material culture analysis, have experience working with furnishing fabrics as well as a variety of other textiles, have experience handling objects, and can understand and compile technical information about materiality, damages, and manufacturing of furnishing textiles. Additional tasks within the Conservation Department may be assigned as needed.

Fellows must have the ability to complete research in a clearly defined area of study on a timeline that will result in regular deliverables. Additionally, all Fellows must present a public lecture and write a 2,500-3,000 word essay based on their area of research. Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.

Fellows must contribute to the overall dynamics of the Fellowship Program through a high level of engagement with fellow scholars, Preservation Society staff, and peer institutions in and around Newport. As such, in addition to the formal research project, the Fellow will be assigned participatory assignments that fall outside the project or project scope. Thereby, a deep understanding will be gained that produces a holistic overview of the complex, yet essential, structure that allows non-profit institutions to offer truly compelling opportunities to diverse audiences.

Requirements:

Basic Qualifications In order to be considered for the 2026-2027 Conservation Fellowship, Candidates must be graduates of a recognized master’s program in textile conservation or have equivalent training and expertise. The degree should have been conferred within five years from the start of the fellowship.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrate exceptional visual and manual aptitudes and research skills

Able to identify basic textile construction, material components, and potential dates of manufacture. Successful authorship of technical documentation such as condition, treatment and analytical reports Dedication to exploring and promoting paths to understanding the social histories, individual works, and collections of the PSNC.

Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills. Application Procedures Please apply online with a cover letter indicating interest and suitability and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 1, 2026

Zoom interviews will be conducted with preferred candidates by March 31, 2026. Successful interview candidates will be asked to provide two academic or professional references, an academic writing sample, and one personal reference. Selected candidates will be notified by April 15, 2026 Additional Information

The fellowship term is September 14, 2026, to August 15, 2027. Residential Fellows receive $40,000 in annual compensation, access to research and travel budget, and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center.

Additional Benefits Include:

13 paid holidays Sick Time: Fellows begin accruing paid sick leave on the first day of employment and will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year. Bereavement Days: Fellows are provided 2-3 days in the event of the loss of a family member. Vacation Time: Fellows are eligible for 80 hours (10 days) of vacation time to ensure a balance of work and relaxation.

Personal Time: Fellows are eligible for 16 hours (2 days) of personal time. Insurance: Fellows are offered participation in a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account and participation in basic dental and vision coverage. Retirement: Fellows are eligible to participate in PSNC’s 403(b) retirement plan with the opportunity for a 3% core contribution and we will match ½ of what you personally contribute, up to 6%.

Discounts: Fellows receive a free family membership to the Newport Mansions (20% off retail purchases), free access to several local and over 60 New England museums and cultural attractions, and more.