Curator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non-Merit)

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Frankfort, KY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. The Curatorial Associate works to fulfill the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and helps their colleagues throughout the organization succeed. The Curatorial Associate serves on a highly collaborative team that researches, cares for, catalogs, exhibits, and interprets KHS’s objects collections so that all projects and programs elevate what we know about Kentucky history. The Curatorial Associate will process and catalog collections according to best practices and KHS guidelines. The Curatorial Associate will also assist curators with the assessment and research of collections and potential collections. This position also provides stewardship of the agency’s object collection so that these strategic assets are preserved and accessible for research, teaching, and exhibition purposes. Other duties include assisting Historical Resources colleagues and volunteers with KHS programming, outreach, and exhibit preparation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in history, public history or a related field.
1 year of experience working with object collections in a museum setting.
Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use.
Ability to visually inspect the change in the condition of archival documents and collections objects.
Ability to retrieve collection objects regularly that may weigh up to 40 lbs.
Ability to regularly bend, stoop, reach to retrieve and store collection objects.
Frequent use of a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in museum studies, history, public history, or a similar area of study.
PastPerfect experience preferred.
Demonstrated facility in public speaking and writing to multiple kinds of audiences.
Knowledge of material culture, collections management, artifact care, and museum cataloging practices.
Adherence to professional codes of ethics and involvement in museum organizations.
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Must be able to manage a project from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

Help to provide stewardship over the KHS collection, including cataloging new acquisitions following KHS procedures, standards, and guidelines.
Improve object records of the KHS collection utilizing PastPerfect database.
Work collaboratively with other KHS staff members to enhance the description of objects collections and increase public access to materials.
Research and understand collections and their place in Kentucky history.
Promptly and effectively respond to inquiries from both staff and the public.
Process and organize new collections to expand and improve educational and research opportunities for the staff and public.
As needed, assist with the packing, moving, storage, and installation of collections items for loans or in preparation for exhibitions and special displays.
Monitor the security, safety, environmental, and structural condition of KHS storage areas, exhibition spaces, and across the KHS campus.
Serve on special projects and work teams.
Support a variety of KHS outreach efforts.
Other duties as assigned.