Research Fellowship: Maryland’s History of Religious Diversity and Its

Role in Present-Day Democracy in the United States
PURPOSE
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is seeking qualified candidates for a
short-term research fellowship on the subject of the history of religious diversity in Maryland
and how it can play an active role in present-day democracy in the United States.
The research fellowship is part of the grant project funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., titled
“Support for Exploring Maryland’s Legacy of Religious Toleration 1649 to Present—Religion
and Cultural Institutions Initiative III program.” The project is carried out by MCHC in
collaboration with the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies (ICJS) from January
1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
The research fellowship will take place between May 15 and December 1, 2024. The final
schedule will be determined with the successful candidate.
Interested candidates must apply by March 15, 2024. See below for instructions.
Any questions should be addressed to Dr. Martina Kado at mkado@mdhistory.org.
BACKGROUND
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence in 2026, it is an opportunity to examine what it means to build an inclusive,
religiously diverse democratic society. Cultural and historical organizations are called upon
to actively highlight stories of individuals and communities whose perspectives may have
been left out of the national narrative up to this point.
As the home to many pivotal moments in our country’s pursuit for religious tolerance and
plurality, Maryland has a deep and complex religious history and present. This grant project
will be a launching point for a larger interpretation of religious pluralism in Maryland from
the state’s founding to the present day, understanding religious diversity to be a building
block of functioning democratic societies.
SCOPE AND SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
The selected candidate’s responsibilities will include:

• An assessment of MCHC’s museum and library collections that pertain to Maryland’s

• Working collaboratively with ICJS and their network of partners, the fellow will

reveal gaps in MCHC collections to help guide strategy for future community
outreach with an aim toward new acquisitions and programming;

• Working closely with staff at MCHC and ICJS, the fellow will synthesize their findings

• Participating in community outreach and public programming activities led by MCHC

Potential areas and angles of research include, but are not limited to:

• Revisiting the “origin story” of Maryland as a state of religious toleration: The

• The impact that state-church collaboration toward Christian conversion and

• The history of Maryland’s “Jew Bill,” which allowed Jewish citizens to hold public

• The diversity of African American faith traditions in Maryland; of particular interest

• An exploration of the growth of the Muslim community in Maryland, including the

• Religious diversity among Asian communities in Maryland, leaning on current

The research fellowship will take place between May 15 and December 1, 2024, with an
estimated commitment of about 30 hours a week. The fellow will work for 640 hours total,
with the final schedule to be determined with the successful candidate. The fellow’s
schedule will include:

• Onsite work at MCHC (museum and library collections), as well as visits to other

• Meetings with MCHC and ICJS project teams (onsite and virtual);

• Remote work as agreed-upon with the successful candidate.

• A doctoral degree in history, museum studies, religious studies, archival science,

• Specialization and published track record in Maryland history, history of religion,

• Experience researching in special collections archives and museum collections;

• Experience building interpretive frameworks for museums and/or cultural heritage

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Qualified candidates should apply by March 15, 2024, with the following:

• CV or resume highlighting experience relevant to this project, including publications,

• Cover letter addressing how the candidate fits the specific requirements included in

• Contact information for 3 professional references; alternatively, 2 professional and 1

Applications are accepted through our online application system (account creation
required). Applications may be saved and returned to before submitting.

REVIEW PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of MCHC and ICJS staff. Finalists will be invited for
an interview in March and April 2024, and the final decision will be communicated to
candidates by the end of April 2024.
The research fellowship will take place between May 15 and December 1, 2024. The final
schedule will be determined with the successful candidate.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history,
art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories
through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community.
Learn more at mdhistory.org.
ICJS envisions an interreligious society in which dialogue replaces division, friendship
overcomes fear, and education eradicates ignorance. To dismantle religious bias and
bigotry, ICJS builds learning communities where religious difference becomes a powerful
force for good. Learn more at icjs.org.