Part-time Research Assistant

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to help conduct research, develop content, and curate a new exhibition on Andalusia’s connections to the American Revolution that will open in April 2026.

About Andalusia

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum is a non-profit organization and a scenic 50-acre property overlooking the Delaware River just north of Philadelphia in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Established more than 225 years ago, the site is a natural paradise of preserved native woodlands and spectacular gardens, as well as a museum with an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative art, and rare books and manuscripts.

The mansion at Andalusia, built in 1797 and later expanded, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States. Opened to the public in 1980, thousands of visitors explore its stunning rooms and galleries each year during tours and events, discovering an unparalleled look into the nation’s past through the eyes of the influential Biddle family that lived there.

Andalusia features formal and informal gardens, plus an accredited arboretum with over 250 unique species and cultivars. Focused on creating beautiful spaces for the enjoyment of visitors, Andalusia’s aesthetic grows out of the English landscape tradition and has evolved to reflect the contributions of various residents over the past two centuries.

About the Exhibition

The exhibition planned for 2026 will consider the lives of Biddle family ancestors who predate Andalusia’s founding, exploring the activities of these individuals during and immediately following the Revolutionary War. The main protagonists will be two sets of siblings—including Charles, Nicholas, and Edward Biddle, and their first cousins Clement and Owen Biddle—who all served in the Continental military and/or early America government. Their stories will be presented though works of art and documents from Andalusia’s collections or borrowed from other collections. The exhibition will also consider the lives of the Biddle sisters and spouses during the Revolution, as well as what was happening at the Andalusia site around 1776, two decades before it became Andalusia.

About the Position

The Research Assistant will help develop the exhibition from a concept to an actuality. They will research biographical and historical details to flesh out the lives and narratives of the protagonists and will identify art and archives that help further illustrate those stories in unique and compelling ways. This work will be done through digital resources as well as by exploring physical archives and visiting other collecting institutions. The Research Assistant will also contribute to the design and interpretive content of the exhibition and to the creation of related programming.

While the Research Assistant will report to the Executive Director and follow guidance on areas of research and curation, they will be encouraged to consider and pursue new lines of inquiry according to their own interests or depending on where their findings lead. Two areas of potential interest for new research are the female Biddle family members during the Revolution and the history of the pre-Andalusia site around 1776.

Infrequently, the Research Assistant will also assist with general inquiries related to Andalusia, its history, and collections, and may be asked to assist with related cataloging efforts.

The Research Assistant position will begin in mid-2024 and run until at least the opening of the exhibition in April 2026. The average time commitment is expected to be about 12 hours per week, but that amount may fluctuate up or down depending on the pace of research. Remote work will be permitted throughout the project, although in-person meetings will be required periodically, especially as installation approaches. A modest budget is provided for research travel, but not for travel to Andalusia.

A qualified applicant will have experience doing research in relevant areas of study, such as American history or American art, and an aptitude and enthusiasm for explaining their research. The applicant will be organized and responsible, will keep good records of their research findings, and will be a good communicator who enjoys independent and collaborative work alike. Prior museum experience is not expected, though the project may serve as a good introduction for those interested in such work.