FDM Collections Fellowship

Foundation Summary 

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland comprised of thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed, without regard to income, race, ethnicity, gender, or ZIP code. We invest in people and organizations across the region to develop educated, informed, and engaged communities. The Foundation was established in 1955 upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor, and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation's philanthropic investments of more than $1.8 billion to date are currently focused on Chicago's South and West Sides and on the following issues: early childhood education, public safety, community development, veterans, and journalism.

The Robert R. McCormick Charitable Trust designated Cantigny as a public space for education and recreation. Cantigny Park is home to the McCormick House, First Division Museum, formal gardens, picnic grounds, and walking trails. Cantigny is host to numerous special events, concerts, weddings, garden tours, museum tours, lectures, horticulture workshops, fitness classes, and more throughout the year. 

Position Summary 

The First Division Museum Collections Fellowship is a two-year, full-time fellowship designed to provide recent graduates with hands-on experience in museum collections management. The fellow will be reevaluated at the end of the first year, with continuation into the second year contingent upon performance and institutional needs. The fellow will focus on the museum’s post-1970s artifact collection, consisting of materials from the Cold War, Balkans, Persian Gulf War, and the War on Terror. The fellow will inventory, research, and document artifacts in Past Perfect, ensuring records are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with museum best practices. In addition, the fellow will review donor collections for archival materials and contribute to enhancing the accessibility and interpretive potential of the collection. Through this work, the fellow will support the museum’s mission to preserve and share the history of the 1st Infantry Division and its veterans, while developing practical skills essential to a career in the museum field.

Essential Functions 

• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of the post-1970s artifact collection (2,115 items across four sub-collections). 
• Review, edit, and update Past Perfect records to ensure accuracy in history, military, and keyword subfields. 
• Confirm and document artifact condition, dimensions, and home location. 
• Ensure each artifact is photographed and linked to digital records. 
• Create and maintain multiple lists for efficient artifact searches and categorization. 
• Assess and rehouse artifacts in accordance with museum best practices for preservation and storage. 
• Review donor collections to identify and inventory associated archival materials. 
• Collaborate with museum staff to align project outcomes with the Collections Development Plan. 
• Contribute to the interpretation of the modern 1st Infantry Division in gallery updates and educational initiatives. 
• Support relationship-building with veterans, active-duty personnel, and related organizations through collections work. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, archival studies, or related discipline (Master’s preferred). 
• 0-2 years of experience. 

Skills: 

• Foundational knowledge of collections management practices and museum standards. 
• Experience with collections management databases (Past Perfect experience strongly preferred). 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to accurately document, catalog, and handle artifacts. 
• Knowledge of proper object handling, storage, and preservation techniques. 
• Research and writing skills to develop complete and accurate catalog records. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Ability to lift and move collections objects (with training and assistance as needed). 

Working Conditions: 

This is a full-time position based in Wheaton that reports to the Curator. Most work is performed in a museum environment. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cantigny Park and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.