Reports to: Executive Director
Museum Overview:
The mission of the Gunn Historical Museum is to collect, preserve, and
share the objects and stories which illuminate the history of
Washington, CT. Our beginnings date back to 1899. When the local chapter
of the Memorial Library was built in 1908, the collection was moved
across the street into the lower level of the library. In 1965 June
Willis bequeathed her house to the library and the museum moved next
door. Together the Gunn Historical Museum and The Gunn Memorial Library
work as one organization to serve the community of Washington and the
surrounding towns.
Position Summary: Building
on the Museum’s mission, the Curator will provide leadership and
curatorial vision in planning and implementing vibrant exhibitions,
programs, projects, lectures, and related initiatives that expand
audiences and increase the Organization’s visibility. As the Museum’s
liaison to the Community, the Curator will provide outreach to the
general public, educational institutions and the Senior population
through interpretive materials, scholarship and publications. In
leading the curatorial side of collections stewardship, the Curator will
have oversight of acquisitions and deaccessions and work
collaboratively with the Collections Manager* in the care of the
Museum’s collections. The Curator will also conduct research on
collections and assist the Director with Museum advancement initiatives
and with donor relations. The Curator will be a key member of the
overall Organization, working collaboratively across functions to
achieve collective goals.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor degree in history, museum or related field; Master’s degree is
preferred in museum studies, history or American studies. Knowledge of
current technology and networking capabilities as it relates to the
Museum. Knowledge of the methods, techniques, policies and procedures
involved in the care of and interpretation and exhibition of historical
artifacts and documents. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships with Museum and Library staff, visitors,
volunteers, donors, collectors, professional colleagues and other
members of the museum community. Ability to manage a budget. Possess
creative and organizational skills to conceptualize and execute exhibit
with a defined budget and timetable. Strong written/oral communication
skills and public speaking abilities.
36 hour work week, hours
to be determined but will include evenings and alternating Saturdays.
Annual salary is $51,480 with excellent benefits including paid annual
vacation and sick leave, health insurance, and a 401(k) plan.
The Gunn Museum is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will
be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, national identity, or veteran status.
For a full-job description: email searchcommittee@gunnlibrary.org.
To apply, candidates should email a letter of interest and resume, with three references, to: searchcommittee@gunnlibrary.org. Application deadline: July 29, 2022.
* After one year (or sooner upon mutual agreement), the Collections Manager will report to the Curator.
