Summary

The 2026-2027 Decorative Arts Conservation Fellow will work closely with both the Chief Curator and the Conservation Department in support of assessing a large collection of original 19th century furnishings recently acquired from the estate of a prominent family and original to Preservation Society properties. The fellow will conduct a condition survey of the new acquisitions, propose conservation treatment options, and complete conservation on exemplary pieces. Time will also be allocated towards the study of primary and secondary source materials to support the overall understanding of the collection.

Key Details

The fellowship term is September 14, 2026, to August 15, 2027.

Deadline: ASAP (Rolling; Posted January 8, 2026)

Eligibility

Required

• In order to be considered for the 2026 – 2027 Conservation Fellowship, candidates must be graduates of a recognized master’s program in conservation with a focus on furniture and wooden objects 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
• Demonstrated success authoring 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.

Compensation

$40,000 salary, access to research and travel budget, and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center.

About

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.

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Tagged as: Conservation