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. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking an Archivist to join our Historical Resources Division.  The Archivist serves on the team responsible for the acquisition, care, processing, and cataloging of archival collections. The role supports all KHS projects, programs, and activities that elevate our understanding of Kentucky history through its archival holdings.  This position actively develops the KHS archives by working with donors and communities and by engaging in contemporary and responsive collecting. The Archivist provides stewardship and intellectual control of the agency’s significant and diverse archival holdings—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 archival organizations across the Commonwealth. The ideal candidate brings professionalism, passion, curiosity, and positive problem-solving to the role.

The Kentucky Historical Society is actively acquiring additions to our collections. The KHS archives include significant manuscript, graphic, cartographic, photographic, ephemeral, digital, and oral history collections.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Planning and implementing KHS archival processing
• Maintaining and improving physical and digital access to KHS collections

• Providing stewardship of KHS archival collections through recognized preservation standards and best practices
• Coordinating volunteers and interns who work on archival projects
• Ensuring that archival collections support the overall KHS mission and individual programs within the agency

• Actively working to collect and recommend the acquisition of materials that support KHS’s collecting plan

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

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as library management software (e.g., OCLC WorldShare) and collections/content management systems (e.g., PastPerfect, CONTENTdm, Omeka, etc.).

• Strong public speaking and writing skills 
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Knowledge of archival standards

• Adherence to professional codes of ethics, collections care best practices/standards, and involvement in field-related organizations.
• Knowledge of Kentucky history desired. Experience working with diverse community organizations and volunteers.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Minimum of Master’s degree in Archival or Library Science, Information Systems Administration, or a related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience working in a library special collections or archival setting.   Substitute Experience for Education: additional experience will substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to lift materials of up to 25 lbs. Must be able to safely handle fragile archival materials.

Must be able to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for long periods.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Director of Historical Resources. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u).  The annual salary for this position is $38,140.08.  The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday with a 37.5-hour workweek, but the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours and travel as needed to support the programs and events of the Kentucky Historical Society.  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 accepted.  The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 21, 2025. 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 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.