Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitlePark & Recreation Aide 4-7 - Enslavement to Freedom History Fellowship - New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $19.04 to $24.13 Hourly
Duties Description The Our Whole History Enslavement to Freedom History Fellow will conduct research and advance scholarship related to the Enslavement to Freedom initiative. The Our Whole History (OWH) initiative of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people and events across New York State.
Falling under the umbrella of the Our Whole History initiative is Enslavement to Freedom 1627–1827–2027 (E2F), a landmark, multi-year public education and commemoration project that shines a light on New York State’s deeply undertold history of slavery and its enduring legacy. In 2027, New York State will recognize the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in the state (1827) and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans enslaved in the former New Netherland colony (1627). The goals of the Enslavement to Freedom project are to expand the narratives of historic sites by taking a deeper look into this history and its impact on later historic movements by developing exhibits, public programs, and other educational resources.
This fellowship is funded by a suballocation to OPRHP from the NYS Department of State acting on behalf of the NYS African American History Commission with the express intent to advance the knowledge of and access to historic material and artifacts related to the presence of Africans and their descendants in the history of the New York State.
The Enslavement to Freedom History Fellowship Program, based in OPRHP’s Community Affairs and Interpretation Units, is seeking a highly motivated candidate to:
• Support research, writing, and interpretive projects focusing on the history of Black people in New York State. This fellowship offers hands-on experience in scholarly research, public history, museum practice, and cultural heritage interpretation, contributing directly to exhibitions, publications, and educational initiatives.
Job duties may include but are not limited to:
• Conducting primary and secondary source research on African American history in New York from the 17th century to the 20th century on topics as assigned by the Interpreter of African American History and culture.
• Transcribing and annotating historical documents and oral history materials.
• Writing both long-form and short-form content, including interpretive text, blog posts, exhibit labels, and public-facing summaries.
• Assisting with the development of exhibitions, including object research and narrative framing.
• Collaborating with staff on programmatic initiatives that highlight African American history and heritage.
• Maintaining organized research files and documentation for project archives.
Supervision and training will be given in all of the above tasks.
Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
No minimum qualifications per Civil Service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with transcription of historical documents or oral histories.
• Strong knowledge of New York State history and African American history.
• Experience working with digital research tools, archives, or collections databases.
• Prior experience in museums, archives, cultural institutions, or community-based history projects.
Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• SUNY student currently enrolled as a senior in an undergraduate program or enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program in African American, New York, United States History or related field such as History, Anthropology, American Studies, Art History, Museum Studies, Public History, Africana Studies, Historic Preservation, Education, Political Science, among others.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to analyze and synthesize primary and secondary sources.
• Excellent organizational, writing, proofreading, and editing skills with demonstrated ability to produce content for both scholarly and public audiences.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve, work independently, and interact with a wide audience range with a focus of service on concurrent projects.
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor, including medium-heavy lifting and using step ladders.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
• This position is anticipated for the Spring and Summer Semesters with the possibility to continue during the Fall Semester.
BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address internships@parks.ny.gov
Address
2nd Floor
Notes on ApplyingTo apply please email your resume, cover letter, and proof of enrollment at a SUNY institution (transcript or enrollment letter) to internships@parks.ny.gov with the following subject line “VID 204475 - History Fellowship"
Applications will be accepted until January 26, 2026.
All qualified persons are invited and encouraged to apply. It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the agency operating needs.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Agency