Note: This organization is also interested in recent graduates from graduate programs. The archivist will live in housing in Bishop Hill that is provided by the organization. Proficiency or fluency in written and spoken Swedish is necessary.
Thanks to Sam for passing this one along!
The Vasa Order of America National Archives at Bishop Hill, Illinois is seeking to fill the
position of archivist. The Vasa Archives is designed to preserve the Swedish culture in
America and Canada. The Archives holds the history of the Vasa Order, a fraternal order
with local lodges throughout the US, Canada and Sweden. Visitors utilize the Archives to
complete genealogy research with assistance from the archivist. Visitors also find a
collection of several hundred cassette tapes of interviews with Swedish immigrants,
biographic and photographic records and other artifacts.
The archivist reports directly to the elected President of the Archives and the elected Vasa
National Archives board of officers.
The archivist is required to live rent free, paying only utilities in the Archives residence
located directly behind the Archives building in Bishop Hill. Living within the village helps
the archivist immerse in daily village life and be readily available to the facility.
It is necessary for the archivist to work independently, have leadership skills and excellent
communication skills in Swedish and English as well as be interested and excited about
living and working in a fully functional village which is a registered historic landmark. The
way of life in the village is authentic where crafts and trades that once supported original
settlers still are a source of livelihood today.
Members of the Order who cannot visit the Archives physically are seeking new electronic
processes to utilize available genealogy data and visualize artifacts and events. It is
extremely important that the next archivist be innovative digitalizing data making it more
readily available. The events in the village such as Valborg, Midsommar festivals, autumn’s
agricultural days, Jorbruksdagarna and Julmarkad displayed electronically may increase
interest in the Bishop Hill area and potentially bring more members and others to the
Archives.
Please review the attached Position Description and communicate directly with me at the
contact information below if you feel you will be a good fit for this position or have
additional questions. Attach your letter of interest and resume. Interviews with approved
candidates will be scheduled as soon as possible.
Job Opening Title: Archivist
Institution/Organization Name: Vasa Order of America National Archives
Job Location (City, State, Province, Country): Bishop Hill, IL
Application Deadline: No deadline, but seeking to fill position immediately
Years of experience required: 0-2
Position Description Archivist, Vasa Order of America
National Archives at Bishop Hill, Illinois
Position Purpose
The Archivist, Vasa National Archives manages the Vasa Order of America historical records i.e., appraises, edits, and directs safekeeping of permanent records and valuable historic documents and artifacts including but not limited to the following:
– Biographic and photographic leadership records
– Swedish and Nordic immigration documents and personal narratives (cassettes)
– Important Grand Lodge, District Lodge and Local Lodge records
– Family genealogy records
Duties and Responsibilities
– Study the origin and history of the Vasa Order of America and Nordic immigration to develop knowledge required to judge items for archival value and retention
– Research, authenticate and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials
– Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials
– Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases incorporating current and advances in digital information storage technology
– Stay well informed of information technology and make equipment and system recommendations to the VNA Executive Board
– Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions to allow easy access to information
– Develop and publish access information and assist users in their research
– Arrange, catalogue, exhibit and maintain collections of valuable materials
– Locate new materials and recommend acquisitions to the VNA Executive Board
– Select documents for publication and display, apply knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques
– Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures and classes
– Preserve records, documents, and objects, copy records to film, videotape, audiotape, disc, or computer formulas as necessary
– Provide reference services and assistance to users needing archival materials
– Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired
– Direct members to genealogy research services and tools
Qualifications
Education
Bachelors’s Degree in Library Science, Archival Science or History
Experience
Experience of 1-2 years desired; experience as an intern or Library intern acceptable
Skills
– Possess excellent English written and verbal communication skills
– Proficient in Swedish to enable evaluation of published materials and communication with Swedish VOA members
– Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications; intermediate computer knowledge
– Able to communicate well with and take direction from VNA Officers
Working Conditions
– The Vasa National Archives is located in Bishop Hill, an historic farming village in rural Illinois
– Capable of independent, self-directed, daily work and planning
– Able to lift 35 lbs.
– Non-smoking facility
– Daily duties include facility orderliness and clean-up
– Able to greet and assist visitors
To apply send resume and cover letter to Bill Lundquist, President, Vasa National Archives, Wmlund1(at)gmail.com.
Archives Gig 