The Project in Interpreting the Texas Past 2005-2006 Scholar-in-Residence Fellowship

Sponsored by The University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program and the College of Liberal Arts, the Houston Endowment and the Summerlee Foundation

The University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program (IE), the College of Liberal Arts, the Houston Endowment, and the Summerlee Foundation are pleased to announce the second of three Scholar-in-Residence Fellowships for the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past (ITP).

Three thirteen month scholar-in-residence fellowships will be offered to senior graduate students to research and develop interpretive programs for selected Texas museums and historic sites. The first Scholar-in-Residence focused on Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site from June 1, 2003-July 31, 2004.

The 2005-06 site is the Women's Museum in Dallas. The Scholar-in-Residence will build upon previous students' work from the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past at the Women's Museum and will create a series of detailed public interpretive programs for the site.

At the beginning of the scholar's tenure, Project Director Dr. Martha Norkunas, Women's Museum Board Chair Cathy Bonner and Women's Museum Director Bea Bourne will develop a scope of work in consultation with the scholar, clearly articulating what the scholar will do during the thirteen month tenure. Dr. Norkunas will supervise the student's work, make visits to the site, and act as the liaison between the student, and the Women's Museum. The work at the site will be evaluated by a team composed of Dr. Norkunas, the Women's Museum, the Houston Endowment and the Summerlee Foundation.

It is expected that the scholar-in-residence will conduct detailed research on selected subjects and compile a notebook of research materials, notes, and copies of source documents that will be deposited at the site. Based on this and previous research, the scholar is expected to produce a series of interpretive public programs that will be implemented at the site. These programs may include, but are not limited to: web sites, exhibits, docent scripts, radio programs, and digital video documentaries. Students are encouraged to use the year to develop ideas for their dissertations.

This fellowship is open to students who have participated in the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past (ITP) graduate seminars, "Cultural Representations of the Past," and "Oral Narrative as History," or outstanding students with equivalent experience. Information about the ITP project and seminars is available at: www.ut-ie.com/ie/g-i/itp.html. Award decisions will be made by a committee composed of Dr. Martha Norkunas, Head of the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past, Dr. Richard Cherwitz, Director of Intellectual Entrepreneurship (IE), other professionals as appropriate, and members of the Women's Museum.

The Project in Interpreting the Texas Past Scholar-in-Residence will receive a salary of $29,000, benefits, a travel allowance, a supply allowance, as well as access to high quality audio, video, and computer equipment. The scholar-in-residence is not expected to live at the site, but is expected to travel to the site regularly. The Women's Museum will provide free room and board in Dallas for trips to the site, as well as office space, and technical support. Please note that the Scholar is prohibited from engaging in any other employment during the tenure of the award.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A narrative of up to five double spaced pages describing an historic site the applicant knows well, issues the site faces, and suggestions for new interpretive approaches to the past at that site. The narrative may address outstanding gaps in interpretation, questions the historic site should ask of the past, and how the new interpretation suggested by the applicant will impact the telling of history.

2. A one page bibliography of scholarly literature, films, and internet sites relating to interpreting the past.

3. A three page double spaced statement outlining the applicant's qualifications, including projects the applicant is interested in pursuing during the fellowship year. The applicant is expected to be familiar with the Women's Museum web site, although a visit to the actual site is not mandatory.

4. The applicant's c.v.

5. Supporting materials relating to the applicant's interpretive work, such as brochures, videotapes, interpretive proposals, exhibits scripts, etc. if the applicant has produced such materials.

6. Two letters of recommendation commenting on the applicant's research and interpretive ability, ability to develop creative projects, and ability to complete projects on time.

The fellowship committee will select the Scholar-in-Residence based on the following criteria:

The potential of the applicant to make a significant contribution to the interpretation at the Women's Museum.
The potential of the applicant to create a model for future Scholar-in-Residence Fellowships.
The ability of the applicant to do thoughtful and creative historical/cultural research and analysis.
The ability of the applicant to develop a series of meaningful and innovative public interpretive programs.
The ability of the applicant to complete a series of interpretive projects in the time frame allotted.
The ability of the applicant to make a significant contribution to the educational experiences of children visiting the site.

Three copies of all application materials are due by 4 pm on March 14, 2005 and should be sent to:

Dr. Martha Norkunas, Head of the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past
Dr. Richard A. Cherwitz, Professor and IE Director
Department of Communication Studies, CMA 7.228
The University of Texas 1 University Station A1105
Austin, Texas 78712

Students will be notified of the decision of the committee on April 15, 2005. The position will begin June 1, 2005.