Curator of Exhibition Content and Research at the Museum of the American Revolution

Job Title: Curator of Exhibition Content and Research 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Salary: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00

Description

The Museum of the American Revolution opened in 2017 and has welcomed over one million visitors. The Museum includes a core exhibition on the American Revolution measuring over 16,000 square feet with approximately 500 objects on view. The Museum also has a 5,000 square foot special exhibition gallery. Our collection of more than 4,000 artifacts and documents is at the heart of the Museum of the American Revolution experience. The collection began more than a century ago, in 1907, when Reverend W. Herbert Burk started a two-year fundraising effort to acquire the tent that General George Washington used as his mobile headquarters during much of the Revolutionary War. In 1918, Burk established the Valley Forge Historical Society. Today, the Museum’s collection is part of the legacy of that organization.

  Curator of Exhibition Content and Research

 Position Description:

 Working under the supervision of the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Curator of Exhibition Content and Research is responsible for artifact and document research and core exhibition interpretive development that is accurate and visitor-centric.  This position will maintain current and build new relationships with institutional and private lenders and donors.  The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will assist with object and graphic installations in the core exhibit. The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will respond to external inquiries related to collections and the core exhibition. The position will also assist other museum departments, as needed, with accurate content (including for website, social media, publications, etc.). The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will suggest, plan and implement collections-related programs, as needed, in cooperation with the Education and Programs staff, and Chief Historian.  The position does require some early morning and evening work, as well as some weekend work.

 

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

 Core Gallery Exhibits: The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will develop core gallery case installations (Veterans case, etc.) and object rotations. They will develop a schedule of core gallery rotations, reach out to institutions and private collectors for loans, and write labels. They will participate in content reviews, as necessary, with department staff and the Chief Historian. They will work with the Exhibition Specialist & Preparator and the Collections Manager on object rotations, exhibition installations and gallery maintenance, as needed (requiring some pre- and post-museum opening hours work).

  • Collections Development: The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will assist in developing the museum’s collection through research, networking, and cultivating donors and lenders. This position will serve as a member of the Museum’s Loans and Acquisitions committee.
  • Digital Collections: In connection with institutional and departmental priorities, the Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will work with department staff and the Chief Historian to develop new digital collections content for the museum’s online platforms and social media outreach.
  • Research: The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will conduct research on the museum’s collection, and loans, and disseminate new information through publications, presentations, and other means. They will also integrate unprocessed files and records into collections object files. As needed, this position will assist the Curator of Exhibitions and the Chief Historian with research for Special Exhibitions.
  • Public Programs: The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will collaborate with the Collections and Exhibitions staff, Education staff, Programs staff and the Chief Historian to develop and deliver a wide range of on- and off-site public programs for school groups, educators, families, Museum members and donors, specialized and scholarly audiences. They will also present regular gallery talks, tours, workshops and lectures, as well as programming for VIP audiences, and special events. This will necessitate occasional after-hours and weekend work.
  • The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will assist, as needed, in writing and gathering information for grants pertaining to exhibitions, collections, and conservation. The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will work with the development team to build relationships with the museum’s donors and lenders.
  • The Curator of Exhibition Content and Research will respond to internal and external inquiries about the collection and American Revolution history. They will assist with organizing and distributing inquiries.
  • May oversee and evaluate the work of undergraduate and graduate interns for specific projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education:

  • Master’s degree (or higher) in American history, decorative arts or related subject matter required.

Experience/Skills:

  • At least five to seven (5-7) years’ curatorial and/or academic experience in a museum setting, with knowledge of curatorial and collections management practices, historical and material culture research, exhibition and public programming development.
  • Extensive knowledge of 18th and early 19th century American and Atlantic history, particularly the era of the American Revolution. Knowledge of African American and/or Native American history a plus.
  • Expertise in 18th century Colonial American, Native American and European material culture. Experience with object-based teaching.
  • Must be a skilled researcher and writer (for general and specialized audiences).
  • Organized, flexible, and collegial.
  • Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

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

 To apply, please send a cover letter including a resume with 3 professional references.

Apply via AAM