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Intern Position: Historical Researcher
Concord Reformatory Cemetery Project, Concord Prison Outreach
SUMMARY OF INTERNSHIP:
Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) seeks one to two Historical Research Interns to aid in research of Concord Reformatory Cemetery project. The Concord Reformatory Cemetery has been a forgotten piece of history in Concord, Mass that CPO, along with other community members, have been working to identify the men buried there and compile research about their lives. The over 200 men buried here were housed at Charlestown Prison, Rutland Prison Camp, and Concord Reformatory (present day MCI-Concord). Many of these men had no next of kin and are buried in graves marked only by numbers. The Historical Research Intern(s) would help better identify all the men buried at the cemetery including verifying dates of birth, cause of death, and date of death. The intern(s) would work with Concord Special Collections staff at Concord Free Public Library to help archive information digitally. This digital archive will later be incorporated into the historical plaques at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail via QR code.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Historical Research Intern(s) will be responsible for:
- Compiling biographical information on those interred at cemetery
- Produce brief written biographies for each person
- Investigate archival materials such as census, birth, death, and military records
- Help organize information into archive
- Resolve discrepancies
- Compile statistics of population interred there (example: 30% of people died of tuberculosis)
- Collecting additional relevant information about history of cemetery
- Attending monthly cemetery committee meeting to stay up to date with project developments
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be junior or senior student pursuing history degree, sophomore students will be considered that possess prior research experience or interest in 1800/1900s history
- Experience using historical databases
- Strong written skills
- Ability to work independently
SCHEDULE:
- 60 – 80 hours, potential to carry over into next semester
- Majority of internship can take place remotely, though some availability to visit the cemetery and attend one to two meetings in-person at CPO main office in Concord, MA is ideal
Please note that the exact schedule will be determined after a discussion with the direct supervisor.
SUPERVISOR:
CPO Volunteer and Program Manager
TO APPLY:
Please email Ellie DiMauro, ellie@concordprisonoutreach.org:
- Two writing samples, one sample may be a professional or academic paper that demonstrates the applicants writing or research skills
- One personal statement, no longer than one paragraph, describing your personal
interest in this project - Up-to-date transcript
We encourage those impacted by incarceration, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and women to apply. Concord Prison Outreach does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender, genetic information, natural origin, disability, veteran status, or on the basis of any other legally protected category.
