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