Job Description

Objectives:

To provide historic preservation consultant services to translate research findings into an update of the East End Historic District as primary objective to the African American Civil Rights Oral History Project.

Background:

The African American Oral History Project asks for individuals to share their stories, and for community interviewees to document those experiences. The Project, funded through the United States Department of Interior’s African American Civil Rights grant program, will center the legacy of the City’s African American community in the East End Historic District (EEHD) to ensure historic preservation efforts prioritize cultural significance and community preservation alongside architectural integrity. The collected stories will spotlight the destabilizing effects of 20^th century government-led segregation strategies in and around the EEHD, including urban renewal, housing discrimination, anti-Black lending practices, suburbanization, and white flight.

Responsibilities:

The Historic Preservationist is expected to prepare the National Register Nomination Form (10-900) and all registration requirements as per National Register Bulletin 16:A: How to Complete the National Register Form including tasks not limited to the following:

• The selected consultant would support the City of Newburgh with converting data from the oral histories and archival research into an update of the Local Landmark and National Register.
• Nominate at least one site and/or amend existing historic district nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.
• Select ten sites for the installation of historic markers to increase representation of the African American community and history in Newburgh.
• Assist compliance of oral histories project to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation and Archeology, in addition to best practices as identified by the Oral History Association and the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.
• Conduct research in the records of the Newburgh Urban Renewal Agency and other relevant archival collections pursuant to research and survey the historic district as per the National Register Bulletin 15: How to apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.
• Collect economic and demographic data.
• Organize training for the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) to review current laws and guide us through the updating process.
• Assist educational consultant for future curriculum development.
• Draft documentation and public information as needed.
• Draft proposal of the text of the historic markers to NPS.
• Draft a written oral history report including but not limited to SF-428B Tangible Personal Property Report.
• Assist the City of Newburgh with other duties that may be reasonably requested related to the African American Civil Rights grant program.

Requirements and Preferences:

A graduate degree in History, Architectural History or a closely related field of study plus a minimum of two (2) years of full-time professional experience applying the theories, methods, and practices of History/Architectural History that enables professional judgments to be made about the identification, evaluation, documentation, registration, or treatments of historic properties in the US and its Territories; and products and activities that demonstrate the successful application of acquired proficiencies in the discipline of historic preservation.

An undergraduate degree in History, Architectural History or a closely related field of study, plus a minimum of four (4) years of full-time professional experience applying the theories, methods, and practices of Architectural History that enables professional judgments to be made about the identification, evaluation, documentation, registration, or treatment of historic properties in the US and its Territories; and products and activities that demonstrate the successful application of acquired proficiencies in the discipline to the practice of historic preservation.

• Evidence of products and activities including but not limited to National Register property listings or Determinations of Eligibility; HABS/HAER standards for recording historic properties, publications related to documenting and evaluating the significance of historic properties; presentations related to documenting and evaluating historic properties; professional service on boards concerned with documenting and evaluating the significance of historic properties.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

PROJECT TIMELINE:

Our project timeline will run commensurate with the American Civil Rights Grant period approximately February 2025 through May 2026.

Compensation:

This consulting position will be a paid opportunity at the rate of $80/hr., not to exceed a total of $10,000.00. Some travel expenses may be eligible for reimbursement. Funding for this position was provided by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) administered by the National Park Service.

To inquire about the position, please submit your résumé, letter of interest and 3 references to aacrgrant@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov no later than Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

CITY OF NEWBURGH – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Justice, Equity and Diversity, and Inclusion are core values to the City of Newburgh, where there is a strong commitment to establishing and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. These values are promoted through the daily practice of professionalism, respect, acceptance, and understanding. As such, City residents, along with women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and veterans are encouraged to apply.