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SalaryHistorical Research Fellow Job Description
Position: Historical Research Fellow
Supervisor: Director of Interpretation & Education
Type: Contract, one year, approx. 30 hours/week
Pay Range: $40,000
Organization Overview
Formed in January 2020, Revolutionary Spaces is a new organization on Boston’s civic and
cultural landscape. Our mission is to bring people together to explore the ongoing American
struggle to create and sustain a free society as singularly evoked by the two national treasures
we care for - Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House.
Through community partnerships, contemporary forms of storytelling, and important civic
conversations, Revolutionary Spaces strives to bring people together to explore the history
and continue the work of democracy that took shape in these buildings, located two blocks
from each other in the heart of downtown Boston. We are dedicated to creating experiences
for our audiences that not only deepen understanding of the past, but also provide a fresh
perspective on the world we live in today and help us create new ideas and tools to build a
more just and equitable tomorrow.
About the Position
The Historical Research Fellow, reporting to the Director of Interpretation & Education, will
assist Revolutionary Spaces in developing a more wide-ranging and inclusive approach to
interpretation of the Revolutionary era and its legacies, pursuing research aligned with the
organization’s recently completed interpretive plan. The Researcher will focus primarily on
pursuing more information on the experience of marginalized groups (including but not limited
to Black Bostonians, Indigenous groups, and women) and their interactions with the colonial
government hosted at Old State House, and both the church and community meetings held in
Old South Meeting House in the 18th century.
Utilizing collections at Revolutionary Spaces, the Old South Church at the Congregational
Library, the Massachusetts State Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society, The Boston
Public Library, and New England Historical Genealogical Society, the Research Fellow will
explore questions such as:
- How did marginalized groups who were not allowed to vote attempt to make their
- Where did marginalized people find success in advocating for themselves and their
- When, if ever, were marginalized people able to participate in civic life in colonial
property-owning counterparts?
- How were legal and extra-legal categories of privilege and discrimination constructed?
- Collaboration on specific subject matter to pursue with the Director of Interpretation &
- Documentation of analysis and findings, including a final written report
- Monthly blog posts on research findings
- A public presentation of findings at conclusion of the Fellowship
The ideal candidate will have a Doctorate of History and a demonstrated interest in 18th
century American history and research.
Compensation: $40,000, non-employee contractor position
Time commitment
Research Fellow will be required to have check-in with the Director of Interpretation &
Education, and other RSI support staff, on a bi-weekly basis, with other check-ins as needed.
Research Fellow will be expected to work on-site at Old State House, Old South Meeting
House, or target archives for 50%+ of their time working on the project.
Masters in History required, PhD preferred; PhD candidates welcome
- Demonstrated ability to present research findings both verbally and in written form
- Ability to research independently and in a timely fashion
- Track record of successfully researching the 18th-century colonial world through
- Interest in telling inclusive stories beyond those of traditional subjects
- Desire to do research to make new stories accessible to the general public, including
local Boston audiences.
Physical Requirements
This is a hybrid role, and candidates will sometimes be expected to work out of offices and
historic sites in downtown Boston. Some staff offices are located on the third floor of a 300
year old historic building without an elevator.
To Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Matthew Wilding, Director of
Interpretation & Education, at HR@revolutionaryspaces.org.
