Request for Proposals (RFP): Project Archivist – Founder’s Hall Museum at Girard College
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Project Archivist – Founder’s Hall Museum at Girard College
Project Overview
Founder’s Hall Museum at Girard College is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to serve as a Project Archivist on a 9-month contract basis. The selected contractor will survey, inventory, and begin processing a large collection of archival records related to the history of Girard College.
Institutional Background
Founder’s Hall Museum is part of Girard College, a full-scholarship boarding school for economically disadvantaged students in grades 1–12. The museum preserves and shares the legacy of the school and its founder, Stephen Girard, a 19th-century philanthropist whose endowment established the institution. The archives include materials dating from the early 19th to mid-20th century and are critical to understanding the school’s unique educational and social mission.
Scope of Work
Using the 2023 Archival Consulting Report on Girard College Archival Records as a working guide, the contractor will:
- Develop a full, detailed descriptive inventory of approximately 912 linear feet of paper-based archival records (1832–1958). The inventory should be compiled in two ways: by location and by archival arrangement.
- The location inventory will document items by location within the current storage space.
- Working from the location inventory, the project archivist, in collaboration with the Director of Historical Resources, will create an inventory based on archival hierarchical arrangement
- This inventory by archival arrangement will serve as the primary resource for appraising records for retention/disposition.
- Develop a written plan for the further processing of the papers
- Will work with the Director of Historical Resources and other stakeholders to develop a retention/disposition policy for the materials
- Will outline next steps to physically arrange, re-house, and create a finding aid to the records, this will include an estimate of time required and housing/archival supplies necessary for the project
- As time allows, begin the processing of the papers, in line with the developed plan
Deliverables
- Descriptive Inventory of Records – due within 6 months
- Written Processing Plan – including:
- Retention/disposition policy
- Rehousing and arrangement strategy
- Supply and time estimates
- Initial Processing Work – if time remains within the 9-month contract
- Bi Weekly progress updates to the Director of Historical Resources
Work Environment
- Onsite work required for direct access to materials (M–F, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
- Remote work permitted for planning and documentation
- Weekend access may be arranged if necessary
- Materials are located on the third floor of a historic building with no elevator
Qualifications
- ALA-accredited MLS or MA with a concentration in archives and records management
- 1–3 years of experience in archival processing and description
- Experience with institutional archives preferred
- Ability to lift boxes up to 40 lbs and climb stairs
- Must pass FBI and Pennsylvania background checks and child abuse clearance
