Historian in Residence post planned for Westmeath

Westmeath County Council looks set to appoint a Historian in Residence as part of Decade of Centenaries programme.

Applications are invited up to 5pm on July 10 next for the residency supported by the Decade of Centenaries Programme, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with Westmeath County Council. The total grant available is €5,000 and will be paid in four instalments to include all expenses.

According to the local authority, the commemorative programme will align with national policy and national commemorative projects, but it will ultimately focus on county Westmeath and environs.

The aim of the programme in Westmeath is to mark the centenaries within the county in the most appropriate fashion. The intention is to create a legacy of research and/or cultural material for future generations which can be accessed online.

It is anticipated that the residency will run for four months (circa 15 hours per week) commencing this month.

The delivery of the programme should be inclusive, appropriate and sensitive and should utilise technology to ensure that the Decade of Centenaries can be commemorated safely in line with restrictions around Covid-19, according to Westmeath County Council.

The Historian in Residence should have a proven track record in historical research and creation of digital content. Given the restrictions in place with Covid-19, there will be an emphasis on creating material for a digital platform. It is essential that the applicant is experienced in digital media and can provide examples of their work to date.

According to the residency description published on Westmeath County Council's website, the Historian in Residence will co-ordinate research work and timelines; identify themes, events and notable figures; engage with community groups, local historians and schools.

Among the other duties include promoting interest and engagement in history among a non-academic audience, collaborating with Westmeath Libraries and Archives to promote local history sources, and working with a filmographer to create material to bring the history of this period to life for all generations.

The Historian in Residence will also provide creative solutions to engage communities and make the history of 100 years ago, relevant and a source of inspiration and education.

A longer description of the post and its requirements is published on the Westmeath County Council website.

For further information, e-mail: heritage@westmeathcoco.ie

The deadline for completed applications is 5pm on July 10 next.