Project Mentor
Dr. Mars Plater
Department: History
Research Project Overview:
I am working with a local organization, Stamford Pride, to explore the LGBTQIA+ history of this city. I will be incorporating what I learn this summer into a queer history course I’ll be teaching in the fall, and I am considering possible publications or public history opportunities (like walking tours!) for the future. At the early stages of this project, I am looking for a research apprentice(s) to spend time in the (digital) archives, learning as much as they can about queer Stamford to share with me, Stamford Pride, and the larger public.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The tasks at hand are:
- Researching LGBTQIA+ individuals, organizations, and events in Stamford’s history using online archival databases and by reaching out to community members to ask for information and any relevant materials they’ve held onto. (Topics include queer-affirming churches, the impact of HIV/AIDS on the community, gay social spaces, and more! Students are welcome to add their own topics of interest to the research agenda)
- Keeping organized records of historical documents you find, so that these resources are easily accessible to members of this evolving project in the future
- Writing short reports on each topic you research, and request and respond to feedback from relevant community members
- Joining Mars in virtual meetings with members of Stamford Pride’s History Project to discuss findings and how to incorporate your research into public programming (including designing Instagram posts about your research for Stamford Pride to release)
- (If you have or are willing to learn web skills) Adding Alt Text and Meta Data to the files that are uploaded on Stamford Pride’s site
You will end this summer with improved skills in historical research and writing, experience communicating and working with a team of local advocates, and (hopefully) strong examples of public history research that you can link to on your resume.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
Hours will be very flexible–aside from our biweekly meetings, which will happen at a time we agree on–you can work whenever you are available. I am happy to adjust our schedule around travel or vacation plans, should you need to take time off. Ideally, you will pace the work out evenly over the course of the summer, so that we will always have things to discuss at our regular check-in meetings.
Preferred Qualifications:
I am looking for an apprentice who is:
- interested in LGBTQIA+ History!
- patient, because historical research can be slow at some times (but fast and exciting at other times!)
- receptive to feedback (writing improves through feedback–everything I will ever publish went through many rounds of constructive criticism. Stamford Pride + community members and I will offer suggestions on your drafts and we will work together to improve them. We will be kind and supportive through this process, but need you to be open and adaptable!)
To Apply:
The application opens on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Click here to submit an online application for this research apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. In addition to the general questions, students will be asked to respond to the following question:
- What courses have you taken or experiences have you had that you think would be relevant to this apprenticeship? (750 words max)
Please note:
All students hired for a SHARE Summer apprenticeship must complete a federal I-9 form and present original documents in person to OUR staff as part of the hiring process. Visit this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for more information about acceptable documents. You cannot begin working until this is complete. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for this. For example, if you are going home for spring break, consider bringing original documents back to campus with you.