Interpreting the Texas Past

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

Sponsored by the University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Houston Endowment and the Summerlee Foundation

The University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Houston Endowment, and the Summerlee Foundation are pleased to announce the first of three Scholar-in-Residence Fellowships for the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past.

Three thirteen month scholar-in-residence fellowships will be offered to senior graduate students to research and develop interpretive programs for selected Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sites. The first Scholar-in-Residence will focus on Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site from June 1, 2003-July 31, 2004. The Scholar-in-Residence will build upon previous students' work from the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past 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, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Historic Sites Advisor Dr. Cynthia Brandimarte, and the site supervisor 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, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department administration, and the site supervisor. The work at each site will be evaluated by a team composed of UT faculty, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff and the project director.

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.

This fellowship is open to students who have participated in the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past graduate seminars, "Cultural Representations of the Past," and "Oral Narrative as History," or outstanding students with equivalent experience. Award decisions will be made by a committee composed of Dr. Martha Norkunas, representatives from the Office of Graduate Studies Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program, other professionals as appropriate, and members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department interpretive staff, including Dr. Cynthia Brandimarte, Dr. Wilson Dolman, and Dr. Phil Hewitt, or their representatives.

The Project in Interpreting the Texas Past Scholar-in-Residence will receive a salary of $30,000, benefits, a travel allowance of $4,500, a supply allowance of $2,500 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.

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.
  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:

  1. The potential of the applicant to make a significant contribution to the interpretation of the past at Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site.
  2. The potential of the applicant to create a model for future Scholar-in-Residence Fellowships.
  3. The ability of the applicant to do thoughtful and creative historical/cultural research and analysis.
  4. The ability of the applicant to develop a series of meaningful and innovative public interpretive programs.
  5. The ability of the applicant to complete a series of interpretive projects in the time frame allotted.

Three copies of all application materials are due in the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, MAI 101, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program, Attention Dr. Martha Norkunas, by 4 pm on February 28, 2003. Students will be notified of the decision of the committee on April 1, 2003. The position will begin June 1, 2003.

Application Details

The Project in Interpreting the Texas Past Scholar-in-Residence Fellowship
Application announcement: January 15, 2003
Applications due: February 28, 2003
Award announcement: April 1, 2003
Fellowship period: June 1, 2003-July 31, 2004
Stipend: $30,000, plus benefits, $4,500 travel allowance, $2,500 supply allowance, access to high quality digital video and audio recording equipment, and computer equipment.

Site: Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, West Columbia, Texas
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/varner/varner.htm

Learn more about the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past