Project Registrar and Assistant Curator at the Museum of the American Revolution

Job Information

  • Job ID: 57178616
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA, United States
  • Position Title: Project Registrar and Assistant Curator
  • Company Name: Museum of the American Revolution
  • Job Function: Registrar/Collections Management
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Job Duration: Indefinite
  • Min Education: Master’s Degree
  • Min Experience: 3-5 Years
  • Required Travel: 0-10%

Description

THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION’s mission is to uncover and share compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Ideally situated in the heart of historic Philadelphia, just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. Since opening to the public in 2017, the Museum has gained public and critical acclaim for its “nuanced, warts-and-all version of the American Revolution” and established itself as a destination that brings history to life in a unique and powerful way. Nearly a million visitors have experienced the Museum’s rich, complex, and inspiring Revolutionary story and millions more have engaged with this fuller, more inclusive telling through online exhibits, interactives, and other virtual programs. As we march toward the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth in 2026, the Museum is poised to play a leadership role as a galvanizing force to help guide our country on a path toward building “a more perfect union.”

Position Description:

The Museum of the American Revolution is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, intellectually curious Project Registrar and Assistant Curator to assist with a multi-year exhibition project (five years with possibility of renewal), which will culminate in an on-site exhibition opening in 2025 in Philadelphia in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States and a traveling version to follow. The Project Registrar and Assistant Curator will work under the direction of the Chief Historian and the Director of Collections and Exhibitions to plan, prepare and install the exhibition and its traveling version. The Project Registrar and Assistant Curator will also assist with project management and administrative tasks connected to the exhibition and other collection management tasks as time allows.

Primary Responsibilities:

Assists with the planning process for the exhibition (and associated activities) – researches possible loan objects and develops relationships with lenders; participates in brainstorming and exhibit development meetings; performs historical research as needed; in collaboration with the Manager of Exhibitions and Special Projects, develops workplans and timelines for the project and its components.

Manages the records for prospective and eventual loans for the exhibit; provides regular updates on loans, packing, shipping, and insurance. Manages the selection and preparation of objects from the Museum’s collection that will be in the exhibit.

Manages all details regarding incoming exhibit loans, including contractual arrangements, loan agreement forms, exhibition contracts, condition reports, photo documentation, and related cataloguing information. Manages all shipping arrangements, which includes coordinating the packing and crating of objects.

Coordinates any exhibit-related conservation activities.

Works closely with staff such as curators, conservators, technicians, packers, and outside art handling personnel in the coordination, scheduling, and monitoring of the safe movement of objects for the exhibit.

Coordinates photography and video of the exhibition and objects, as needed.

Assists with preparing reports and public presentations about the exhibition project.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Job Requirements

Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field, such as history, public history, museum studies; or appropriate work experience.

Work Experience: Three to five years of museum registration experience, particularly related to exhibitions projects. Preference will be given to those with project management experience and historical research experience. Experience with traveling exhibitions is a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of museum registration methods, techniques, and management information systems, especially related to exhibition projects.

Experience with historical research – both online and in person.

Knowledge of best practices in museum collections management including the handling, care, preservation, installation, and storage of artifacts, registration methods, electronic collection records, special exhibitions and loan administration, and fine arts insurance.

Experience with planning and installing gallery exhibitions.

Familiarity with legal aspects of collections management and fine arts insurance practices.

Ability to work effectively on a wide variety of projects concurrently, with concern for the tasks assigned and the goals of the Museum.

Capacity and organizational ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, multi-tasked environment. Ability to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously and the ability to be receptive to changing priorities.

Familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures, and terms. Skill in the sensitive handling of objects and works of art, including the packing, crating, and transportation of objects.

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and automated collections and registration systems, such as PastPerfect.

Familiarity with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, generally comfortable with technology.

Strong attention to detail.

The Museum of the American Revolution (www.AmRevMuseun.org) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please send a cover letter including resume and three professional references along with a resume to employment@amrevmuseum.org