Mill River History Trail Project Seeks Two Part-time Consultants

The Mill River History Trail Project seeks two half-time, six-month consultants, described below. Both of these consultancies will begin July 1, 2024.

The Mill River in North Amherst was the site of numerous mills, factories, and businesses from the mid-17th century to the early 20th century, when the greater water power of the Connecticut River and later electrification drew factories and mills to Holyoke.  It is also the site of hundreds of years of indigenous communities using the river for fishing and water. A major Native American trading route ran along or very near the Mill River. The District One Neighborhood Association (DONA) has launched the Mill River History Trail Project (see also here and here) that seeks to tell the story of the role the river played for indigenous communities, for European settlers, and later for immigrants and other industrious North Amherst residents. The project will also address conservation and environmental concerns, particularly relevant since much of the trail is on protected conservation land.

We are very grateful to the CPA (Community Preservation Act) Committee for generously funding the second stage of the work with a grant of $46,875, which will enable the project to hire two part-time consultants to complete the research and plan the implementation of the signage, the website, and related materials. More information on the project can be found on the DONA website here.

Consultant Job Descriptions
The Archival Researcher will find, review, and summarize existing research, archival material, articles and books related to approximately a dozen additional sites the Trail Committee would like to feature. The researcher will also make recommendations about sites where additional primary research is needed and/or about sites where there is inadequate information to include in the project. The researcher may also be asked to undertake limited follow-up research on the initial group of sites.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume with relevant experience
• Statement of interest
• Writing sample

The Project Manager/Editor will work closely with and provide supervision and support to an Archival Researcher, who will produce the summarized history that will serve as the raw material for developing the narrative. The Project Manager/Editor will create the website and oversee the work of the website designer. While this is not a fundraising position, the Project Manager/Editor will also help prepare material for donor solicitations. 

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated expertise in project management and narrative development in public-facing historical research projects, and in engaging stakeholders in community-based projects. Preference may also be given to applicants with strong backgrounds in website development and other interpretive tools. 

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume with relevant experience
• Statement of interest
• Writing sample

The priority deadline for applications is May 17, 2024 but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Applications, inquiries and requests for fuller job descriptions should be emailed to: millrivertrailapplications@gmail.com