Description: In 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States will be celebrated. Organizations are preparing for this anniversary in various ways at local, regional, and national levels. The Indigenous America 250 initiative was created in collaboration with the National Parks Service (NPS) and the Tribal and Cultural Affairs and the History and Preservation Assistance units in the NPS Interior Region 1 (IR1), which spans the area from Maine to Virginia. The initiative is administered by ATW Research + Consulting, with Alyssa Mt. Pleasant, PhD as the Lead Scholar.

Indigenous America 250 focuses on researching and sharing the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples on their own terms. As a community-engaged and collaborative effort, IR1 is working with Native experts to identify significant stories. The goal is to elevate stories that center Indigenous peoples and their experiences, introducing important individuals, places, and events into larger, public conversations about the Revolutionary War and its significance.

A graduate student is sought to assist with original research and ongoing review of secondary literature related to Indigenous Peoples in IR1. They will develop bibliographies and literature reviews related to tribal/Indigenous community-identified research topics. Additionally, they will assist with original research in archives, libraries, and museums. This work is part of a larger effort centered on Indigenous histories during the Revolutionary War period and related to its aftermath, leading to a published study on the topic. This internship will be supporting connections between the Indigenous America 250 research and the National Historic Landmarks Program.

How to apply: This position is funded by the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE), in cooperation with the National Park Service. Program eligibility requirements apply; visit https://preservenet.org/ncpe-internships/ for details and instructions on how to apply.

Qualifications: Graduate student or recent graduate with advanced degree with strong historical research and writing skills.

Able to conduct survey of scholarship related to Indigenous peoples and the Revolutionary War, develop bibliographies focused on research topics related to the Revolutionary War and its aftermath that have been identified and/or prioritized by tribal/Indigenous communities, and assist with original research in archives/libraries/museums.

Interest in place-based history and ability to review extant NPS reports and published materials related to Indigenous Peoples and National Historic Landmarks (NHL) and NHL theme studies, as well as draft identification material for potential NHLs or needed NHL updates.

Demonstrated interest in community-driven research to assist with interviews and/or community engagement.