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What's New at Historic New England...
Vote for a Historic New England property as one of the 1000 Great Places in Massachusetts
Which of Historic New England's twenty Massachusetts properties is your favorite? A special commission is identifying and recognizing the 1000 most truly special places in the Commonwealth in order to celebrate the state's pride in its history and culture and they're looking for your vote. Nominate your favorite Historic New England site today!
Historic New England secures Preservation Maintenance Fund grant
Historic New England was awarded the largest grant in its history, a total of $3 million over three years, to address preservation maintenance needs for the historic properties. An anonymous foundation approved $600,000 outright for 2009, $1.2 million for 2010, which must be matched with $600,000 raised elsewhere, and $1.2 million for 2011, which must be matched by an equal amount raised.
The Preservation Maintenance Fund supports projects that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Historic New England's properties and finances - such as reducing costs by installing efficient heating systems, replacing roofs with materials that will be good for twenty or more years, or resolving water penetration issues. Two preservation manager positions funded by the grant help manage the projects.
Historic New England is committed to sharing the knowledge and expertise gained through this work so that other museums across New England and the nation will benefit indirectly from this grant. The grant is part of a strategy to ensure sustainability as Historic New England enters its second century, and to position us as a national model for heritage preservation organizations.
Get your questions answered by the Old House Maintenance Advisor
For a limited trial period, Historic New England is offereing a new service for members at the household level and up - the Old House Maintenance Advisor. For a fee of $50, the Old House Maintenance Advisor offers household members personalized responses to technical questions on a range of old house maintenance issues, such as:
- energy conservation
- wood, slate, or asphalt roofing installation, care, and maintenance
- window repair
- flooring treatment, including sanding and/or finishing historic floors
- plaster repair or adhesion
- pest or insect infestation and treatment
- identification of interior decorative features such as tile, hardware, woodwork, or lighting, and locating replacements or replicas
For more information and to sign up for the program, contact the membership team at membership@historicnewengland.org or call 617-994-5910.
Not a member? JOIN TODAY and access the Old House Maintenance Advisor and so much more.
Seeking historic house tenants
Historic New England seeks a tenant(s)for an apartment located on the Codman Estate, a historic house museum in Lincoln, Mass. The tenant(s) pays $1340 rent per month, plus electricity, electric heat, and hot water. Tenant is responsible for limited security and property care duties. The two-story apartment has a full kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, washer and dryer, as well as the use of a storage area for household items. Off the street parking for two cars is included. Pets are not allowed. A full background check is required for all candidates. For more information, please call 781-259-8098.
Historic New England seeks a tenant(s) for an apartment located within the Barrett House, a historic house museum in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. The tenant(s) pays $575 rent per month, plus electricity and $125 per month for heat and hot water. Tenant is responsible for limited security and property care duties. The second-story apartment has a full kitchen, living room, hallway with large storage closets, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, as well as the use of a barn loft for storage of lightweight household items. Off the street parking for two cars is included. A full background check is required for all candidates. For more information, please call 860-928-4074.
The Historic New England Annual Fund
Dear Friends of Historic New England,
Your generous support of Historic New England's Annual Fund makes it possible for families, visitors and scholars to enjoy New England heritage brought to life today, and ensures that our rich historical resources are preserved for future generations. We ask that you consider an Annual Fund gift to further our efforts in preserving and interpreting New England heritage for an ever-broadening audience. Gifts may be made by calling the Development Office at 617-994-5951; by mail to: Historic New England Annual Fund, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114; or by using our convenient and secure online form. With your help, our New England history will never grow old. Thank you for your support.
FOR SALE: The Fisher-Bliss House
This historically signficant home, built in 1832, is located at 86 North Water Street, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. It is one of the finest of Edgartown's whaling captains' houses. The property has been preserved and cared for by Historic New England for more than 40 years. Its stately architecture and widow's walk are unparalleled. The interior is in excellent condition with historic paneling, staircases, flooring and moldings. Historic New England is requiring preservation restrictions on the property to ensure it remains historically correct and is protected. The grounds are complemented by a large brick driveway, a spacious yard, and a wonderful original carriage house. For more information on the Fisher-Bliss House, contact Wallace & Co., Sotheby's International Realty, 1 North Water Street, P.O. Box 2005, Edgartown, MA 02539, 508-627-3313, or visit the Wallace & Co. website.
FOR SALE: Griffin Farm, Caribou, Maine
The Griffin Farm in Caribou, Maine, has recently been listed on the market for sale. The Griffin family cultivated and harvested potatoes on the property from the mid-nineteenth century through 1988, when the farm was sold out of the family. Historically, a series of connected farm buildings existed on the property. Today, the farmhouse consists of a two-and-one-half story ca. 1912 main house with a two-story rear ell and a late-nineteenth century two-story "pickers' shack" wing. A free-standing barn was constructed in the early 1990s based on historic images of an earlier, larger barn.
The farmhouse retains its original character and is an important example of early twentieth century Queen Anne style architecture, materials and workmanship in the state of Maine. The current owners have meticulously repaired and restored both the interior and exterior of the farmhouse, which had suffered years of deferred maintenance. Additionally, this property's one hundred acres of open space retains its rural characteristics and consists of expansive hilltop fields, forest, and gardens. Preservation restrictions held and administered by Historic New England protect the important historic interior, exterior, and landscape features of this special property.
For more information, contact Real Estate Broker Lehrle Keiffer, RE/MAX Central, 101 High Street, Caribou, Maine 04736; 207-551-9258.
FOR SALE: General Phelps House, North Colebrook, Conn.
The General Phelps House offers a unique opportunity to own and care for a significant piece of New England's disappearing rural past. This special property has been owned and occupied by members of the Phelps family and their descendants since it was constructed over 175 years ago. In 1982, the family's commitment to the property led them to donate perpetual preservation restrictions on the General Phelps House to Historic New England.
Constructed in 1832 by Arah Phelps for his son, Edward, and daughter-in-law, the General Phelps House retains its original character and is an important example of Greek Revival period architecture, workmanship, and materials in the state of Connecticut. In recognition of these qualities, the house has been listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The house comprises an east-facing, three-bay, two-and-one-half story main block, a two-and-one-half story ell attached to the main block's south elevation, a one-and-one-half story rear ell, and a one-and-one half story ell attached to the north elevation of the rear ell. At the interior, many original and early architectural elements survive unaltered, including plaster, woodwork, hardware, and the main stairway. The property also includes a protected creamery, pig pen, barn and modern garage. Over twelve acres of open land surround the General Phelps House, providing a natural setting that consists of fields, forests, and garden areas. Preservation and conservation restrictions also protect adjacent properties, ensuring that the General Phelps House's scenic environment will endure.
For more information, click here or contact Heidi Picard-Ramsay at William Raveis Real Estate, at Heidi@RealEstateWithHeidi.com, 860-307-0039.
FOR SALE: The Holley-Williams House, Lakeville, Conn.
Currently listed on the market, the Holley-Williams House in Lakeville, Connecticut, is a wonderful opportunity to own a historically significant New England property. The original portion of the house dates to c. 1768 and was known as "Furnace Hall," built for the local ironmaster. The larger 1808 wing was constructed by John Milton Holley, whose descendants occupied the house until 1971, when Margaret Holley Williams left the Holley-Williams House and its contents to The Salisbury Association. The house, which sits on a hilly 4.75 acre lot that once overlooked the iron blast furnace, remains mostly unchanged since the 1808 addition was constructed, and retains its original character, making it an important example of the Federal and Classical Revival styles of architecture, materials and workmanship in the state of Connecticut. In recognition of these qualities, the Holley-Williams House has been listed as a contributing structure in the Lakeville Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in the areas of Industry, Transportation, Commerce and Architecture. Alexander Hamilton Holley, who grew up in the Holley-Williams House, founded the Holley Manufacturing Company in 1844 and later served as governor of the state in the late 1850s. The preservation restrictions held by Historic New England serve to protect the historically important features of the Holley-Williams House and its associated outbuildings, as well as significant landscape elements. The listing brokers are:
Robinson Leech Real Estate
318 Main Street
Lakeville, CT 06039
860-435-9891
www.robinleechrealestate.com
John Harney Associates
7 Academy Street
Salisbury, CT 06068
860-435-4600
www.harneyassoc.com
FOR SALE: Bleakhouse, Peterborough, N.H.
Bleakhouse offers a unique opportunity to own and care for a significant piece of New England's nineteenth-century past. Constructed ca. 1796 by John White, Bleakhouse was purchased by Dr. Nathaniel Holmes Morison in the 1850s. Bleakhouse retains much of its original character and is an important example of transitional Georgian and Federal style architecture, materials and workmanship in the state of New Hampshire. Bleakhouse comprises a two-and-a-half story main house with an attched two-story ell, and a connector which leads to the barn. Totaling approximately 1.3 acres, the surrounding landscape of gardens, lawns and mature trees serves as a rich complement to the historic house.
Preservation restrictions held by Historic New England protect the historically important exterior features of Bleakhouse, both for their aesthetic value and as irreplaceable artifacts of the craftsmanship of nineteenth-century New England.
For more information, please contact Norman A. Langevin, Despres and Associates, at 603-532-8742.
Sports history display on view at Otis House Museum
Historic New England invites visitors to the Otis House Museum on Cambridge Street in Boston to view Touchdowns, Trophies, and Toboggans. This small show of sports artifacts and images features the actual football used in a game in 1863 by the Oneida Football Club, the first football club in the United States.
The display highlights sports photographs and ephemera from Historic New England's Library and Archives, depicting football, baseball, and summer and winter sports. It also touches on the growth and organization of athletic activities in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries -- how games that were once played informally in the streets gradually developed into club, collegiate, and eventually professional sports; the influence of women becoming more engaged in athletic activities in the late 1800s; and the rise in the early twentieth century of organized youth sports and programs aimed at teaching physical and moral discipline and socialization. As New Englanders increasingly engaged in sports and become fervent spectators, sports became the important part of New England life that they are today.
Touchdowns, Trophies, and Toboggans is on display at the Otis House Museum Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Internship Opportunities
Historic New England offers internships to graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in American studies, American history, museum studies, arts administration, preservation studies, art and architectural history, library science, and related fields. Interns have the opportunity to work with Historic New England's extraordinary and rich collection of historic structures and landscapes, archival collections of photographs, architectural drawings, and ephemera, and material culture collections. Internship opportunities are also available to students interested in marketing, public relations, and development in the non-profit sector.
Internships are unpaid, but may be completed for course credit. To receive application materials, contact Jennifer Pustz, museum historian, jpustz@historicnewengland.org.
Historic New England is a museum of cultural history which collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present and uses them to keep history alive and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and appreciation for its preservation.
Employment Opportunities
POSITION: E-COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Classification: Regular/Full-Time
Location: Otis House, Boston, Mass.
Description: Historic New England seeks a creative e-communication specialist with great attention to detail to oversee its growing electronic communication program. This new position is a key member of the marketing team. The e-communication specialist is the primary contact for management of Historic New England's new web site, which launches in April, manages scheduling and distribution of all e-communication across the organization, drives all social media activities, develops e-communication strategies, and serves as the in-house expert on best practices and the competitive e-landscape. This is an excellent opportunity to build a thriving e-communication program.
Responsibilities: Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and effectiveness of all web site content by working collaboratively with web authors and content management staff. Ensure that content is well organized and easy to navigate. Serve as the internal expert on Plone, Historic New England's content management system. Serve as the primary internal contact and coordinator of all Constant Contact e-communciation, working closely with colleagues in marketing, development, public programs, and other teams. Manage all social media activities, including but not limited to Twitter and Facebook, ensuring lively, user-friendly content in support of overall marketing objectives. Analyze the effectiveness of all e-communication efforts, create performance reports, and translate results into recommendations and plans for enhanced e-communication.
Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of related experience in e-marketing, e-communication, or e-commerce; a proven track record developing e-communciation strategies and content; solid understanding of internet and web tools, including information architecture and design, content management systems, social media, search engine optimization, and analytics; exceptional writing and editing skills, organizational skills, consistent attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines; solid experience managing projects and outside vendor relationships; and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment. Valid driver's license required. Experience working with Plone and Constant Contact preferred.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirement to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org.
EOE
POSITION: INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER
Classification: Regular/Full-Time
Location: Otis House, Beacon Hill, Boston, with flexibility to be based at alternate locations in Haverhill, Waltham, or Salem, Mass.
Description: This position is the lead administrator responsible for meeting Historic New England's revenue goals for government, foundation, and corporate funding. Responsible for developing grant strategy and funding requests, conducting prospect research, and authoring proposals and reports. Working closely with members of the organization's leadership team, the institutional giving manager coordinates and executes cultivation and stewardship of government, foundation, and corporate prospects and donors.
Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree and four years of experience with proven success in achieving public and private grants or related development experience. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for regular interaction with staff and program officers. Strong writing, proofreading, and organizational skills. Requires strict attention to detail and deadlines, ability to multi-task and work independently, and ability to function as part of a team. Valid driver's license required.
Preferred Qualifications: Advanced knowledge of MS Office and Foundation Center databases. Raiser's Edge experience and familiarity with Grants.gov preferred.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204, or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, Attn: Human Resources.
EOE
POSITION: PRESERVATION CARPENTER
Classification: Regular/Full-Time
Location: Lyman Estate, Waltham, Mass.
Description: The preservation carpenter is a member of the property care team responsible for the physical preservation and maintenance of the structures owned by Historic New England. The preservation carpenter works as part of a carpentry crew to perform a combination of maintenance repairs and preservation projects at the sites. The preservation carpenter is a keeper of the Historic New England philosophy as it is applied to the structures and sites. The preservation carpenter helps to maintain the historic integrity of the properties by monitoring conditions at the sites, developing treatment plans, performing the work required, documenting all phases of work in an appropriate manner and demonstrating in all actions a commitment to long-term preservation and maintenance of Historic New England’s resources. The preservation carpenter is responsible for coordinating his/her work with the preservation managers and other teams within Historic New England. This includes working closely with collections staff and the site managers who manage day-to-day operation of the properties.
Responsibilities: Develop treatment plans in conjunction with the carpentry foreman and preservation managers for repairs that adhere to Historic New England’s preservation philosophy. Perform historic research as necessary for accurate understanding of projects. Perform repairs based on treatment plans and reports and documents historical and architecturally significant evidence found prior to making repairs. Work can include but is not limited to timber frame repair, rough and finish carpentry, fence or other landscape element repairs, window maintenance and restoration, plaster stabilization, masonry re-pointing, and painting. Tools used can include, but are not limited to hand tools, molding planes, individual power tools, shop tools, paints, epoxies and resins. All work is performed in accordance with Historic New England safety policies. Communicate with preservation managers when strategies for repair and preservation differ in the field from treatment plans. Document each stage of repair by written reports, photography and/or measured drawings. Assist preservation managers in maintenance activities to ensure preservation of the structures and monitor contract work at sites as required. Maintain carpentry shop, carpentry van, equipment and tools. Respond to emergencies at the sites as required. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Requires a minimum of 2 years preservation carpentry experience or carpentry experience and a degree in a preservation carpentry program or its equivalent. Computer and word processing skills required. Organizational skills and an ability to multi-task. Knowledge of historic construction techniques for the New England region desirable. Drawing skills are desirable.
This is an hourly position with a maximum commitment of 40 hours per week (8 hour days, 1 hour unpaid lunch). Due to the nature of the position the preservation carpenter may be asked to work weekends and be available to work on an emergency basis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The position requires regular travel to Historic New England locations throughout New England. Applicant must have a selection of basic hand tools available for use on the job. Requires a valid driver’s license.
Applications: Please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204 or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 attn: Human Resources
EOE
POSITION: PRESERVATION PROJECT MANAGER
Classification: Limited Term/Full-Time
Location: Lyman Estate, Waltham, Mass.
Description: The preservation project manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of preservation projects at the museum properties of Historic New England. The Historic New England property collections spans four centuries and five New England states and comprises 15 National Historic Landmark sites and 28 National Register sites. The preservation project manager works as part of the property care team to complete projects as assigned. Historic New England is a leader in establishing preservation philosophy, standards and methods, and continues to provide models of historic preservation for preservation professionals, organizations, and the public. The preservation project manager is the keeper of the Historic New England philosophy as it is applied to his/her assigned projects. The preservation project manager is responsible for project planning, project scope development, creation and dissemination of bid documents, coordination with contractors and staff, weekly status reports and report documentation, completion reports and other paperwork as required. The total number of projects assigned will be determined by project scope, workload considerations and the requirements of funding. The preservation project manager is responsible for coordinating his/her work within the property care team and also with other Historic New England teams. This includes working closely with preservation managers, collection staff and historic site managers who oversee day-to-day operation of the properties.
Responsibilities: Familiarize oneself with site history and history of repairs at project site for the development of project scope as well as possible granting opportunities. Develop treatment plans for proposed projects; coordinate as necessary with architect/engineer for creation of specifications for the project items; draft bid documents for all project components and coordinate bid process and bid review; coordinate all necessary teams in regards to scope of the project and impact of the project with tenants, staff, the landscape, building and collections, and the public. Oversee preservation and construction projects, including status meetings with the contractor, site manager, preservation manager, and team leader for property care; produce written documents including weekly written status reports, written minutes from contractor meetings, project reports and a completion report for each project to conform to property care standards and the standards of the funding agencies. Produce, label, and properly store photographs documenting all phases of the project to conform to property care standards and the standards of the granting agencies; manage paperwork required for granting agencies and ensure timely compliance with all requirements; participate and/or coordinate surveys of properties and systems to determine work lists. Write internal documents, white papers and articles for professional dissemination, and make public presentations related to Historic New England property care and projects and develop outreach programs on preservation issues; serve on task forces and committees as assigned, both specific to expertise and in support of organizational priorities. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Master’s degree in historic preservation, architecture, engineering, conservation or a related field and at least one year of experience; bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 4 years of job-related experience; or 6 years of job-related experience under the supervision of a preservation professional. Requires computer skills and understanding of basic word processing and spreadsheet use. This position is full-time (40 hours per week) with a partially grant funded term of two years.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204 or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 Attn: Human Resources
EOE
POSITION: EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER
Classification: Regular/Full-Time
Location: Otis House, Boston, Mass.
Description: This position manages school and youth programs at nine Historic New England historic sites and serves as Historic New England’s principal voice for school-aged audiences. Develops, evaluates, and markets school and youth programs across Historic New England in order to amplify the organization’s impact in our communities. Supervises five education program coordinators in three New England states. Assists education program coordinators in the development and administration of the individual program budgets. Maintains statistics on school group visitation; monitors education program budget; compiles and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual school program activity reports detailing all school and youth program activity. In conjunction with institutional planning, works with teachers and education program coordinators to develop innovative school program curricula. Creates educational materials, including seasonal teacher-training materials, curriculum binders, and pre- and post-visit activities and lessons.
Qualifications: Master’s degree in a relevant field plus a minimum of 4 years job-related experience and the ability to work independently. Classroom or museum teaching experience. Prior supervisory experience, problem solving ability, and familiarity with team approach and multi-tasking. Strong communication skills. Experience with budget management. Word processing and spreadsheet skills. Ability to drive and a valid driver’s license.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204, or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, Attn: Human Resources.
EOE
POSITION: TOUR GUIDE
Classification: Regular and Seasonal (in most cases)/Part-Time
Locations: Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House, Gloucester, Mass.
Governor John Langdon House, Portsmouth, N.H.
Gropius House, Lincoln, Mass.
Phillips House, Salem, Mass.
Roseland Cottage, Woodstock, Conn.
Nickels-Sortwell House, Wiscasset, Maine
C. Tucker, Wiscasset, Maine
Description: Tour guides at Historic New England's house museums conduct tours, and assist with daily museum operations including tour admissions, museum shop duties, bookkeeping, and opening and closing the museum. Training is provided.
Qualifications: Applicant should enjoy working with the public, have an interest in history and have basic computer skills. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent educations. A bachelor's degree is preferred. Applicant must have a flexible schedule with weekend and weekday availability.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter, indicating preferred location, to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204, or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, Attn: Human Resources
EOE
POSITION: LEAD GUIDE
Classification: Seasonal/Part-Time
Location: Roseland Cottage, Woodstock, Conn.
Description: The lead guide at Historic New England's Roseland Cottage conducts tours, assists with daily museum operations including tour admissions, museum shop duties, bookkeeping, and opening and closing the museum. The lead guide assists with the oversight of programs, daily operations, and staff. Training is provided.
Qualifications: Applicant should enjoy working with the public, have an interest in history and have basic computer skills. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent educations. A bachelor's degree is preferred. Applicant must have a flexible schedule with weekend and weekday availability.
Applications: Please send resume and cover letter, indicating preferred location, to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org, fax to 617-227-9204, or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, Attn: Human Resources.
EOE
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