Soldiers Memorial Oral Historian

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum operated by the Missouri Historical Society is seeking a part-time, temporary, Oral Historian to join our team as part of the development of a new Vietnam War exhibition and to grow the Missouri Historical Society's collection of veteran oral histories. The Oral Historian will work with other MHS team members to research and manage the recording and editing of oral histories in support of the planned Vietnam War exhibition at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum.

Essential Functions:

• Identify, research, record, and edit oral histories of St. Louis-area veterans, their families, and those in St. Louis affected by the Vietnam War
  • Conduct background research for interviews - conduct background research for pre-selected interview subjects formulating relevant questions as pertains to themes addressed in the upcoming Soldiers Memorial Military Museum Vietnam War exhibition
  • Conduct a minimum of 15 interviews with selected individuals on their military experience or wartime St. Louis experience in support of the exhibition goals and subject matter
• Video record and process the oral history interviews; select video segments that meet the needs of the exhibition
• Assist with compilation of interview pieces to be used in the exhibition; prepare written label copy on interviewees as background information, suggest recorded pieces of interviews for consideration in the exhibition, and review edited pieces with project team
• Attend regular project meetings as necessary, maintain time and financial records as required by the Missouri Historical Society, and submit periodic progress reports
• As time permits, transcribe oral histories
• Travel as necessary to conduct interviews

Qualifications:

• B.A. degree in history, public history, political science, or related field
• Three years of experience in the field and managing oral history projects preferred
• Experience managing oral history project strongly preferred
• Experience in oral history or comparable public history project strongly preferred
• Experience and/or demonstrated use of audio and visual recording systems, lighting, backdrops, and film editing software preferred

Skills:

• Knowledge of oral history methods, procedures, standards, and resources
• Prior experience in conducting oral history research
• Demonstrated ability to conduct public historical research with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of the Vietnam War preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Soldiers Memorial Oral Historian Jobs at Missouri History Museum