Review of interest forms will begin on May 5, 2025.
Description:
California State Parks in the Capital District (Sacramento Region) seeks graduate students or early-career professionals with an interest in museums for a fellowship program starting in July 2025. Fellows will undertake an oral history project at either the California State Railroad Museum or the State Indian Museum and present their research at a district-wide symposium at the conclusion of the program. More detailed information about the positions is below. Career development opportunities will be offered throughout the fellowship program, including professional development workshops and information sessions with State Parks staff in a range of careers.
The nine-month program begins July 14, 2025, and ends March 31, 2026. All work is in-person on-site at the museums in Sacramento and our collections facility in McClellan, CA. The total stipend is $26,595, which allows for 1,500 hours at the rate of $17.73 per hour, with no benefits.
Current graduate students, recent graduates, and early career professionals from art history, Ethnic studies, library sciences, archival studies, museum studies, Native studies, and collections management programs are welcome. We are excited about the opportunity to reach candidates who bring diverse perspectives to their work.
If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae through this form. In the cover letter, indicate your preference for one or both fellowships.
Oral History Fellows
The Capital District of California State Parks, which is enmeshed in the urban landscape of Sacramento, encompasses two historic houses, a historic fort, the State Capitol Museum, the State Indian Museum/California Indian Heritage Center, and the California State Railroad Museum. These sites steward the lived experiences of many people from the past to present. Throughout the nine-month fellowship, Oral History Fellows will conduct background research, develop and execute an oral history program, and create documentation for oral history recordings.
Fellows will receive training in oral history theory and practice, but some background in the principles and/or practice of oral history is desired. Successful candidates will have strong research and writing skills, and will be self‐directed, detail‐oriented, and able to work in a collaborative environment.
The California State Railroad Museum Oral History Fellow will conduct oral histories related to the culture surrounding railroad history. Knowledge of railroad culture and history is welcome but not required. The California State Railroad Museum Oral History Fellow will be mentored by Melanie Tran, Chief Curator. For more information, please email melanie.tran@parks.ca.gov.
The State Indian Museum Oral History Fellow will conduct oral histories related to Honored Elders Day, an annual community event that has taken place at the State Indian Museum for over four decades to honor and commemorate California Native Elders. Applicants with a background in Native Studies and/or California Native history and culture are preferred. The State Indian Museum Oral History Fellow will be mentored by Dr. Emma Silverman, District Cultural Resources Program Manager/Museum Curator III. For more information, please contact Dr. Silverman at Emma.Silverman@parks.ca.gov.