Public History Research Assistant

*All student employment positions on campus are covered by a negotiated contract with the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW). The Public History Research Assistant position will be an opportunity for a student to work closely with Valeriya Woodard ‘25, the Public History Collective Post-Bac fellow. Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ‘37 (1914-2026), the first Black woman to graduate from the College, recalls that attending the Colonial Ball in the 1930s was a highlight of her undergrad experience. The Colonial Ball was a night of dancing for women students only, giving some of them the opportunity to dress as men, which could also be interpreted as dressing in drag. This project seeks to draw historical and sociological connections between the Colonial Ball of the early 20th century and the contemporary QPOC Drag Ball (2006-present). The Public History Research Assistant will be expected to work 5-10 hours a week doing archival research on these campus traditions. Both the Colonial Ball and the QPOC Drag Ball were led by minoritized student populations (women, QPOC). With support from and in collaboration with Valeriya, the Public History Research Assistant will be asked to create a final product of their choosing, capturing the research they completed throughout the semester. Critical skills for this role are: being able to center Black and people of color experiences; familiarity with the campus archives and archival research; organizational skills, communication and teamwork skills; and a willingness to learn and grow. Critical skills for this role are: being able to center Black and people of color experiences; familiarity with the campus archives and archival research; organizational skills, communication and teamwork skills; and a willingness to learn and grow.