KHS Curator of Collections

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking a Curator of Collections to join our Historical Resources Division.  The Curator serves on the team responsible for the acquisition, care, cataloging, and interpretation of collections. The role supports all KHS projects, programs, and activities that elevate our understanding of Kentucky history through material culture.  This position actively develops the KHS collection by working with donors and communities and by engaging in contemporary and responsive collecting. The Curator of Collections provides stewardship and intellectual control of the agency’s significant and diverse historical collection—ensuring that these strategic assets are accessible for interpretation, research, and teaching. This position is highly collaborative, often working in partnership with internal colleagues as well as supporting collecting organizations across the Commonwealth. The ideal candidate brings professionalism, passion, curiosity, and positive problem-solving to the role.

The Kentucky Historical Society’s team is actively acquiring additions to our 160,000+ object collection. The KHS’s significant holdings include collections of paintings, textiles and costumes, weapons and militaria, popular culture, political material, furnishings, toys and recreation, domestic life, and occupational/industrial material.

Key responsibilities:

• Proactively guide the acquisition, continuous improvement, and stewardship of the KHS object collection.
• Help develop ways in which objects and archival materials can be interpreted and utilized through exhibitions, publications, events, and presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure the ongoing care of the KHS object collection.

Find the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

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 full American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in a museum or history-related institution. Master’s Degree in history, museum studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated facility in public speaking, writing, and communicating with multiple kinds of audiences.
• Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use. PastPerfect experience preferred.
• Must be able to manage multiple, complex projects from concept to completion.
• Special Requirements – Knowledge of material culture and museum cataloging practices. Adherence to professional codes of ethics and involvement in museum organizations.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to visually inspect the change in the condition of archival documents and collection objects; retrieve collection objects regularly that may weigh up to 40 lbs; able to regularly bend/stoop/reach to retrieve and store collection objects.
• Frequent use of a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• May occasionally be required to travel in and out of state relating to collections management and accessions.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Director of Research and Collections.  This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u).  The annual salary for this position is $41,872.56.  The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday with a 37.5-hour work week but the position will require occasional night, weekend, or holiday hours as needed.  Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov.  No telephone calls are accepted.  The deadline for submissions is April 26, 2024.  Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  KHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, genetic information, or veteran status in accordance with state and federal laws.