Associate Curator or Curator of Historic Textiles and Clothing at Historic Deerfield

Job Title: Associate Curator or Curator of Historic Textiles

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Deerfield, MA

Salary: $50,000 – $70,000

Description

Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, Massachusetts, seeks an experienced, dynamic, full-time Associate Curator or Curator of Historic Textiles and Clothing, to provide energetic and creative leadership in researching, interpreting, exhibiting, and growing one of the finest collections of American and European textiles and clothing in the United States. The 8000+ object textile collection includes historic clothing and accessories, flat, woven textiles, bed hangings, quilts, coverlets, needlework, carpets, upholstered furniture, and textile processing tools spanning some 400 years, from c. 1600 to 2000. The Associate Curator/Curator of Historic Textiles and Clothing will have the opportunity to develop, care, and present the textiles and clothing collection at the museum; create rotating exhibitions in the Helen Geier Flynt Textile Gallery; oversee the display, installation, and interpretation of textiles in the museum’s 18th-and 19th-century historic houses; conduct scholarly research leading to presentations, workshops, programs, and publications for diverse audiences; and participate in the shared daily tasks and responsibilities of the Curatorial Department. A master’s degree in a relevant field and at least five years of museum experience working with American and European textiles and clothing is required. Additional expertise in another area of American fine or decorative arts is a plus. The position reports to the Curatorial Department Director. For application information and a detailed job description, see https://www.historic-deerfield.org/employment. 

Historic Deerfield is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity Employment and nondiscrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected under state or federal law. This full-time, benefit-eligible position has an estimated starting salary range of $50,000-$70,000. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin on January 23, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Requirements

CORE DUTIES

Specific responsibilities fall under three main categories: research, interpretation, and display; collections care; and collections development.

  • Responsible for the historic clothing and textile collection, its research, cataloguing, care, presentation, publication, and conservation planning. The Curator of Historic Textiles and Clothing assists in the care of other collections as required.
  • Develop rotations and exhibitions for the Helen Geier Flynt Textile Gallery in the Flynt Center of Early New England Life.
  • Participate with HD staff members in the creation of furnishing plans and installations within the historic houses, and oversee the research, creation, and installation of reproduction textiles in the historic houses.
  • Prepare and mount historic clothing and textiles for photography and at times, for exhibition.
  • Participate in and at times organize educational events: symposia, seminars, forums, museum courses, lectures, and staff training.
  • Facilitate research visits of colleagues from the broader museum/academic community.
  • Present programs for the public as required and participate in Guides’ Training Programs as requested.
  • Teach in the Summer Fellowship Program, a nine-week course of independent study and museum apprenticeship for advanced undergraduates.
  • Generate and plan of electronic/digital content for social media, distance learning initiatives, and promotion of the museum, designed to engage visitors with the museum and its surroundings.
  • Oversee and participate in the overall care of the historic textile and clothing collection, including examination, conservation assessments, preventative maintenance activities, housing, and storage.  Collaborative projects may include the Collections Manager, Collections Care Technician, and/or interns. All advanced conservation work is contracted with outside professionals.  
  • Maintain regular contact with museum colleagues, collectors, dealers, and auction house personnel to source acquisitions (donations, bequests, and purchases), develop knowledge of the marketplace, and enhance Historic Deerfield’s standing in the museum community. Prepare and present proposals for Acquisitions Committee meetings.
  • Develop collaborative programs with other institutions to promote research on Deerfield and the Connecticut River Valley.
  • Contribute to the Curatorial Department through the daily administration of the collections, including the preparation of reports, annual work plans, and budgeting, and through staff committees, periodic fundraising and writing assignments for the Department of Development and Marketing, other occasional weekend and evening duties, and communication with appropriate Trustee committees and with Summer Fellowship Program alumni/ae.
  • Other duties that may be requested and required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • MA in a relevant field required.
  • A minimum of five years’ experience working in a museum, historical society, textile arts organization, or similar institution.
  • Specialized knowledge in American and European textile and clothing history and New England history and material culture.
  • Additional expertise in another area of American fine or decorative arts is a plus.
  • Practical understanding of textile processing technology as well as sewing, weaving, and embroidery techniques. Ability to hand sew and use a sewing machine is desirable, but not required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of museum and collection standards and best practices.
  • Experience creating historic house furnishing plans and temporary exhibitions.
  • Experience with Microsoft office suite, imaging programs, and collections database systems used in museums.
  • Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by reports, publications, or presentations. 
  • Possesses a high level of initiative and the ability to conduct independent and directed projects.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects to successful completion on time.
  • Team player able to work collaboratively with other departments within the museum.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to go up and down stairs with ease.
  •  Sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods indoors.
  • Occasionally bend, squat, reach, and work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, pack, carry, and lift boxes of collections, use a vacuum, stand on a ladder.
  • Ability to lift to 30 pounds.

* – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the Museum will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is performed primarily in an office environment, storage areas, and historic structures. May be exposed to dust, mold, and/or other organic material or other irritants. Appropriate personal protective equipment provided.

About Historic Deerfield

Historic Deerfield, Inc., a not-for-profit museum of American history and art in western Massachusetts. The successful candidate will join a talented staff with deep expertise and a shared commitment to interpreting the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley.  Historic Deerfield is an affiliated member of Five Colleges, Inc., and is a part of the Museums10 network.

Apply via AAM