Guest Historian (Sick Bay Edition) at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Job Title: Guest Historian

Job Status: Contract

About:

As an educational and cultural nonprofit institution, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum promotes the awareness and understanding of history, science and service through its collections, exhibitions and programming in order to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth. Located in New York City on the Hudson River, the Intrepid Museum was founded in 1982 with the acquisition of the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. Welcoming more than one million visitors annually, the Museum also features the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets and a guided-missile submarine.

The Intrepid Museum will be opening the aircraft carrier Intrepid’s medical facilities, known as sick bay, to the public in Spring 2024. The exhibition will explore the history of sick bay and make connections to the present and future. Working alongside the Museum’s Exhibits Department, the Guest Historian will participate in the creation of the exhibition storyline, script and interactive content. 
 
This is a contract position that runs from 2022 to 2024. The guest historian can work remotely, with occasional travel to the museum for on-site meetings or events.

The position is part-time, and the number of hours per week will vary over the course of the project.

Salary for this position is $65,000, paid in milestone payments over the two-year project period.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Research, identify artifacts and develop storyline in conjunction with Museum curators and Senior Vice President of Exhibits, Education and Programs.
  • Write panel and label text.
  • Work with curators, exhibition designer and media producer to develop exhibition media (video and audio) and interactive elements.
  • Review list of former crew members and other key figures for oral history interviews. Review proposed interview topics and questions, and modify as needed.
  • Possible travel to conduct oral history interviews.
  • Work with museum staff to write funding proposals.
  • Participate in project team meetings, either in person or remotely.
  • Conduct training sessions with Museum curators for staff in the Education and Museum Services Departments, as well as other key staff.
  • Attend all critical reviews as well as a press event (dates TBD).
  • Conduct curator talks for Museum members and special guests. Participate in a curator talk or public program after the exhibition opens (dates TBD).
  • Perform other duties as required by management.

The ideal candidate will have Master’s degree in history with specialization in the history of medicine (PhD preferred) and three or more years of related experience and/or advanced training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of military medical history a plus. Extensive knowledge of and interest in the history of medicine. Demonstrated archival research skills. Knowledge of other research institutions that may have artifacts/content pertinent to the exhibition. Excellent writing skills required. High ethical character with ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Strong interpersonal and communication skills at all levels of an organization, from line workers to senior management. Strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Proficient computer knowledge, including word processing and database software.

Intrepid realizes that it is rare an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. If much of this job description describes you, then we encouraged you to apply.

Integrity, credibility, collaboration and commitment to Intrepid Museum’s mission are essential.

We offer a competitive salary and the opportunity to be a part of a very rewarding time in the Museum’s history! 

For consideration e-mail resume with salary requirements to: resume@intrepidmuseum.org.  

Be sure to include the title of the position you are interested in and your salary requirements.

NO PHONE CALLS.  Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an equal opportunity employer.