The Assistant Curator will work with the Director of Collections and Chief Registrar, and the Vice President of Collections and Chief Curator to create thoughtful and inclusive exhibitions for the Maryland Center for History and Culture and to bolster access to the permanent collection through research, education, tours, and programs. The Assistant Curator will be a key member of the Museum Department team, assisting with cataloging, collection moves, installations, and loans of the collection as well as other ad hoc projects that advance the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of the objects and relevant information and records. The Assistant Curator will also work closely with the Director of Digital Collections and Initiatives to refine qualitative metadata, supporting the creation of new digital imaging, and helping develop digital versions of in-person exhibitions preserving access to them beyond their run. Opportunities also exist for “born digital” exhibitions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibitions
- Work with members of the museum, library, and education team to create new exhibition concepts that highlight the museum and library collections at MCHC
- Research the permanent collection to find new perspectives through which to interpret the collection
- Curate exhibitions, including writing label copy, selecting objects, and assisting with design
- Working with the communications team, writing supplementary marketing and publication materials to coincide with exhibitions
- Assist with installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including art handling and lighting,
- Assist in the management of exhibition contractors including designers, fabricators, and installation teams
Advancing Accessibility to the Collection
- Conduct collections research to help respond to patron inquiries – to support gift offers, loan requests, and potential deaccessions
- Edit and add qualitative metadata for museum objects into the Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) to populate the digital collection portal on the MCHC website
- Coordinate with the Imaging Services and Library departments to digitize Museum collection objects to populate the DAMS
- Write blog entries highlighting objects in the museum collections
- Inventory parts of the collection, adding qualitative descriptions and information to the PastPerfect records, including images
- Lead tours of exhibitions and behind-the-scenes visits
- Review existing physical files for valuable information and organize them to increase their use
Collection Team Responsibilities
- Assist in collection moves as needed
- Provide security for collection space access to contractors
- Help move, package, install, and deinstall objects as needed for exhibitions, filming, events, etc.
- Process and re-house objects as needed with archival methods
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Art History, American Studies, or other relevant subject area
• 2-3years Museum Collections experience and familiarity with descriptive conventions for a variety of object types
• Experience with Past Perfect software or other museum collections database system
• Good organization skills and an aptitude for detailed work
• Excels at both independent work and collaboration
• Possesses a passion for history, arts, and culture organizations
• Knowledge of museum best practices for collections care and handling, especially textiles
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in History, Art History, American Studies, or other relevant subject area
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. The salary range is $40,000–50,000 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “Assistant Curator”
• Cover letter
• CV/resume with contacts of three professional references
Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2023. Incomplete applications may not be considered. No phone calls, please.
ABOUT MCHC
Founded in 1844, the Maryland Center for History and Culture is the oldest cultural institution in the state. We are an equal-opportunity employer educating people of all ages about the American experience through the lens of the rich history of Maryland by using our vast collections of objects and archival materials (from prehistoric to the present day) to interpret stories of Maryland life. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
