Built upon the pillars of preservation, education, and advocacy, Historic Columbia is a local non-profit organization that preserves places and shares complex stories from the past that connect us in the present and inspire our future.   

Historic Columbia (HC) is looking for a well-organized, detail-oriented person to serve as the Collections Assistant. The person in this position will work under the supervision of Historic Columbia’s Collections Manager to assist with implementing strategic goals and day-to-day artifact care. The person in this position will also receive hands-on training in record keeping, object handling and care, and best museum practices.  
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support the care of HC’s collection of more than 4,000 historic artifacts (e.g., textile folding, silver polishing, pest management). 
• Conduct regular cleaning of exhibit spaces within HC’s five house museums. 
• Support Abandoned Cultural Property efforts by performing tasks, including but not limited to photographing and documenting objects found in collections, labeling artifacts, and uploading data to HC’s collections management system. 
• Assist with collections rehousing and relocation, as needed.  
• Perform research on objects identified by the Collections Manager and Curator of History for acquisitions and deaccessions. 
• Collaborate with the Collections Manager on annual inventories.  
• Assist the Collections Manager and Curator of History with installation and de-installation of exhibits. 
• Update, digitize, and transcribe records according to American Association of Museum standards, including but not limited to provenance, object history, donor or lender information, and condition. 
• Conduct specialized collections projects. 
• Adhere to HC’s Ethics and Human Resources policies. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS AND PERKS: 

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Historic Columbia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer a variety of growth and professional development opportunities, a welcoming environment, and family-friendly benefits for our team members. 

Job Details: $15 an hour / approximately 20 hours per week / on-site in Columbia, SC 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Enrollment in or completion of an undergraduate program in history, art history, anthropology, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated ability to be thorough, accurate, and consistent in completing assigned tasks. 
• Self-motivated; ability to work independently and within a team. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. as well as to climb stairs and a ladder. 
• Experience with collections management systems, preferably CatalogIt. Experience with photographing and digitizing collections a plus. 
• Object handling experience preferred.  

Historic Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. 

Research demonstrates that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs if they do not meet all the qualifications. As we recognize that applicants bring a wide range of skillsets, we encourage you to apply if you demonstrate many of the desired qualifications. 

Please send a cover letter and resume with three references, at least one of which should be a past supervisor, to jobs@historiccolumbia.org. The title of the email should be the position for which you are applying. We will begin reviewing applications on May 18, 2026.