Ellis Island Discography Assistant - New York

Ellis Island's National Museum of Immigration is in the process of transcribing, and when necessary translating, early commercial sound recordings (phonograph records between the 1890s and 1930s) about and by people considered to be outsiders in America. These include recordings by and for immigrants, along with recordings by the mainstream society about all kinds of people the country considered to be different. Often packaged in "humor," these incredible skits and songs speak to the struggles, misunderstandings and prejudice that people experienced in a world that was not defined by political correctness. To a great extent, what people thought is what they said. Sometimes, the very structure of the language reflects the kinds of ethnic interaction various people were experiencing. Mixed languages on immigrant recordings was not unusual. An understanding, preferably fluency, of a second language other than English is strongly recommended for those people who specifically want to work on recordings made by and for immigrants.

When filling out the application make sure to include a description of why you are interested in the opportunity and why you would make a good fit!