Gardiner Young Scholar – Collections Assistant​

Summer-Fall 2026 • 100 Hours • Stipended Position

About the North Shore Historical Museum

The North Shore Historical Museum (NSHM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of Long Island’s North Shore. Located in the historic 1907 Justices Court Building, NSHM serves as a center for education, community engagement, and local heritage stewardship.

Position Overview

NSHM seeks a motivated and detail‑oriented Gardiner Young Scholar to assist with a critical collections documentation and organization project during Summer 2026. The Scholar will work under the supervision of the Museum Director to help catalog, organize, and document objects, photographs, archival materials, and ephemera in NSHM’s permanent collection.

This position offers meaningful, hands‑on experience in museum collections management, archival handling, and local history research. It is ideal for students interested in history, museums, library science, archaeology, or related fields.

Responsibilities

The Gardiner Young Scholar will assist with tasks including:

• Assisting with inventory projects and identifying undocumented items
• Organizing and rehousing collection materials using museum‑appropriate methods
• Cataloging objects, photographs, and archival items
• Entering and updating records in NSHM’s collections database
• Photographing objects and preparing basic digital documentation
• Applying Object ID labels and ensuring proper tracking of materials
• Supporting the development of future exhibitions through improved documentation
• Completing a brief end‑of‑project reflection and participating in the required Gardiner Foundation video component

Qualifications

• Ages 15–22 (per Gardiner Foundation program guidelines)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions carefully
• Interest in history, museums, archives, or cultural heritage
• Ability to work independently and stay organized
• Comfortable with repetitive tasks that require accuracy
• Professionalism, reliability, and respect for historical materials
• No prior museum experience required—training will be provided

Schedule & Compensation

• Total commitment: 100 hours, completed between May and December 2026 (shorter or longer depending on scholar’s schedule)
• Schedule is flexible and will be arranged with the Museum Director
• The scholar receives a $1,600 stipend funded by the Gardiner Foundation, distributed in biweekly installments based on completed hours.
• Work will take place on‑site at the North Shore Historical Museum

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• A brief statement (1–2 paragraphs) describing their interest in the position
• Their general summer and fall availability. Supervision and mentorship from the Museum Director are available during weekend operational hours (Sat/Sun 12-4 PM).
• Contact information (email and phone)
• School affiliation and current grade/year

Applications may be submitted through a Google form (click “Sumbit Online” below) or email this form to:
Christopher Judge, Director
North Shore Historical Museum
director@nshmgc.org

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Scholar will be selected by April 30, 2026.