Associate Curator

The Trustees of Reservations•Harvard, MA

7h•$59,500 - $76,500•Onsite

About The Position

As the Associate Curator, you will bring collections and exhibitions experience with an innovative and engaging vision to the curation and interpretation of the historic houses and historic collections within the Metrowest region (primarily Fruitlands Museum and the Old Manse). About Fruitlands and The Old Manse Located in Harvard, Massachusetts, Fruitlands Museum sits on 210 acres of land, including four historic and gallery buildings and a visitors’ center. The original 90 acres of land were purchased in 1843 by Charles Lane and Bronson Alcott with the intention of creating a Transcendentalist experiment. Ultimately, the community disbanded after only seven months, but left a lasting cultural impact exemplified in works by Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, and other transcendentalist figures. In 1914 the property was purchased by Clara Endicott Sears, who established a museum in the 1820s farmhouse, the only building original to the property. Today, the farmhouse is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and the entire campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The collections at Fruitlands Museum encompass objects and archives relating to19th century portraits, Hudson River School landscapes, the Shakers, Native American culture, Americana, and archeology. Built in 1770, the Old Manse, A National Historic Landmark, sits on the banks of the Concord River overlooking the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, where the first battle of the American Revolution took place. The Georgian clapboard house was built for patriot minister William Emerson and was later home to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who drafted his influential essay “Nature” in the house, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Today a variety of tours are offered, each focused on one of the multi-disciplinary histories of the Old Manse and its occupants. The Old Manse is often described as the home to two revolutions for its leading role in the American Revolution and the Transcendentalist Movement. As the Associate Curator, you will create installations and exhibitions that are fresh, original, welcoming, and educational, and assist with related public programming. This position is highly collaborative and works closely with regional and state-wide teams, including Historic Collections, Stewardship, Exhibitions, and Engagement, among others. Together with colleagues, the Associate Curator plans conservation, preservation, and restoration projects, at the object, room, and building level. Beyond scholarly and conservation work, the Associate Curator develops public engagement that inspires and provokes visitors to broaden their horizons through interactive experiences guided by a clear and compelling interpretative story. The Curator will have expertise in 18th to 20th century Material Culture and American History, with a background in the New England region as well as special interests in land, environment, and place.

Requirements

Advanced degree in material culture, American history or decorative arts, ideally with expertise in the New England region.
5+ years of experience with a record of curatorial achievement. An employment history that shows experiences with collections scholarship, management, engagement, and planning. Experience with historic houses and interiors is a plus.
Collections database experience and a strong understanding of museum and archives standards.
Demonstrated knowledge of collection care, project management, and preventative care. Some experience with fundraising, grants, and their administration. Ability to lead conservation projects at object, room, and site level.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization including staff, volunteers, donors, trustees, and diverse public constituencies.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community members.
Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and strategic analysis and planning.
Strength in written communications and scholarly work.
Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Responsibilities

Provide scholarly and creative support for collections and historic houses. This work takes place in various forms including the creation of historical installations, publications, furnishing plans, presentations, public programs and tours, and exhibitions. Works collaboratively with Art & Exhibitions team, Historic Collections, regional stewardship and engagement teams. Represents The Trustees externally as a speaker at conferences and workshops and creates and maintains partnerships through regional, national and international networks.
Curate exhibitions of historic collections exploring historical, social, and environmental themes. This includes working on exhibition elements from design concept, authorship, installation efforts, conservation needs, programming, and public relations. Work with and direct the work of exhibit designers and installers. All in collaboration with the Arts & Exhibitions and Historic Collections teams.
Oversee conservation efforts. Support conservation, restoration, and preservation efforts of collections objects, as well as historic interiors and exteriors. Works closely with consultants on preparation, reporting and outreach of conservation projects in close collaboration with the Historic Collections team. Provides insight into preservation restrictions and sensitive issues surrounding this work. Daily collection management includes hands-on stewardship; cleaning and collections of care, climate, light level, and pest expertise; and preventative work to ensure the collection is protected for the next generation.
Support collections management system updates related to Fruitlands and Old Manse related objects. Join with the Historic Collections team, regional Curators and the Arts & Exhibition Registrar in efforts to bring all Trustees collections and archives into the Trustees Collections Management System Qi.
Act as a liaison with curatorial staff, volunteers, and consultants. Act as the voice of the collection within the region and where it intersects with statewide projects.
Provide advocacy for the historic collections. This may include grant writing and budgeting relating to collections and historic houses at Fruitlands Museum and the Old Manse. Support Development staff with donor relations and the Cultural Resources Committee.
Additional functions may include potential grant-funded initiatives or other assignments as needed. Position may include oversight of interns, collaboration with fellows, and long-term planning for care and conservation of Fruitlands Museum and The Old Manse.

Benefits

Sick time: 15 days per year
Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated)
12 observed holidays, 3 floating
Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
Life Insurance
401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
Reciprocity: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns.
Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property
Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property