the cole fellowship program

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now accepting applications for the Cole Fellowship, a one-year, residential fellowship at the historic artist’s home and studios of Thomas Cole (1801–1848). Cole Fellows participate in the research and interpretation of the artist’s work, home, studios, landscape, and the continued relevance of the Site today. This includes conducting primary research under the direction of the museum and opportunities to work closely with TCNHS staff on site-wide programming that may include work on exhibitions, collections, education, publication, visitor engagement, and more.

Four candidates will be invited to join the Site from June 4, 2025 – May 25, 2026. Through a combination of research, interpretation, and hands-on projects, Fellows conduct significant research and gain professional museum experience. Selected candidates are provided the opportunity to:

• Conduct in-depth primary research that leads to a major project, presentation, and paper based on their work. Topics are tied to current initiatives at the site and may span research on the artists who lived and worked here, histories of the land and the people who once lived and worked here, and/or engaging best practices in our current moment that address museum and educational innovation today.
• Work closely with the Chief Curator, Director of Engagement, and TCNHS staff on projects that may include collection care and research, exhibitions, educational programs, and other special events.
• Interact with visitors at the site, lead guided tours, and have full engagement with interpretive programming.
• Attend an intensive one-week seminar with leading Cole scholar and professor, Dr. Alan Wallach.
• Receive public speaking coaching and participate in ongoing sessions with award-winning Broadway director and TCNHS Board Member, Warner Shook.
• Participate in site-wide activities and staff meetings to learn about the structural, strategic, and creative decisions involved in the day-to-day operations of a historic artists’ house and museum.
• Attend monthly field trips and educational site visits to relevant museums and cultural venues.
• Benefit from professional development including resume review and next step career planning based on individual goals.