Summary

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.

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 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.

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