Curator of Indigenous Collections
Curator of Indigenous Collections
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Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
Skills:
- Superb historical research and analysis abilities.
- Highly proficient in exhibit production techniques.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective time management leadership and organizational skills
- Skilled at maintaining effective work relationships with employees other state agencies and the public.
- Likes to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Qualifications:
Masters degree in history public history museum studies Indigenous Studies or anthropology and a minimum of two years of jobrelated experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered. Have a proven record of research focused on the Indigenous cultures of Montana. Have an understanding of the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and accompanying regulations
First review will be on January 31 2025
Curator of Indigenous Collections Job Announcement
The Montana Historical Society offers a unique workplace for its employees. Its filled with friendly and creative staff members who work together to offer the public exciting and innovative ways to experience Montanas history. MTHS has an opening for a fulltime Curator of Indigenous Collections position. The ideal candidate will be a positive representative of the Montana Historical Society to the public be skilled in historical research and an experienced curator and will embody the MTHS culture of excellence teamwork professionalism and passion for the work that we do.
The best candidate is a motivated energetic team member who loves Montana history enjoys research and advising outside groups on historical topics and materials embraces the positions role in writing about this research and history and is excited to be a part of the Museum Program efforts that support the Montana Heritage Center opening in Fall 2025 and ongoing operations of the States Museum.
Function: The Curatorial Office is one of two departments within the Museum Program of MTHS. Under the direction of the Curator of Collections this position shares responsibility for the care preservation and management of the States art and artifact collections. These activities include conducting research advising and consulting preparing articles developing interpretative themes providing reference assistance conducting historical research and maintaining historical records. Among other skills needed excellent writing skills thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the varying interpretations of history the ability to apply principles from museum science interpretive methods and audiences research and synthesize that content with analysis selection and placement of art and artifacts in the physical exhibition spaces is very important to this position. The ideal candidate will also have great time management skills and a welcoming and friendly attitude.
Other: The Curator of Indigenous Collections/Historian 2 position 2 is 40 houraweek position Monday through Friday.
MTHSs goal is to build a culturally inclusive team. Diverse candidates encourage to apply. Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to share Montanas stories and inspire exploration!
- Conducts historical research including precontact to the recent past pertaining to the story of Montana the region and Indigenous collections.
- Works closely with Indigenous communities in and around Montana and with the MTHS Tribal Stakeholders Group to develop Indigenous collections create exhibits and produce scholarly research on Indigenous topics
- Advises and consults with colleagues regarding issues of historical authenticity of artifacts and traditional customs of a historical period.
- Prepares articles for scholarly publications professional papers interpretive text for exhibits newspaper articles press releases and compilations of interpretive materials that describe the past and trace historical developments pertaining to Montana and the region.
- Gathers information about historical events by conducting interviews or accessing oral histories.
- Organizes and develops original interpretive themes articulates exhibit messages shapes storylines selects artifacts for exhibits and writes interpretive text and identification labels for exhibits and exhibit publications relating to the Societys Indigenous collections.
- Provides reference assistance to sister Montana institutions and the public regarding enquiries about Indigenous objects in the collection. Assists and supervises researchers MTHS Programs and support organizations with issues and projects using the collection. Responds to a wide variety of public and professional inquiries by conducting the necessary research and providing information on the states collection of historical material Montana history and material culture. Provides professional assistance to other museums in the state.
- Conducts historical research as a basis for the identification interpretation preservation and conservation of Indigenous artifacts. Determines relationships among ambiguous extensive and diverse historical data from various sources; applies principles and theories from history museum science interpretive methods and audience research; and synthesizes that content and data with analysis selection and placement of extant art artifacts and various primary sources in the physical exhibition spaces to create new interpretive content for exhibitions.
- Archives artifacts and pertaining documentation as part of research. Maintains appropriate records to fully document the history and importance of the collection and conducts research to further the understanding and knowledge of the states holdings.
- Coordinates and maintains standard best practice policies and procedures for the use and management of Indigenous collections. Assists in recommending establishing and implementing policies standards and guidelines regulating the use and management of the museum collection and the Original Governors Mansion.
- Develops planning documents schedules and objectives and recommends topics for diverse and multifaceted temporary longterm traveling and online exhibitions at the Museum and Original Governors Mansion; plays a leading role in the development and production of inhouse exhibitions conducts tours of the collection and presents lectures programs and workshops to the public and professional organizations.
- Writes reports articles and creates exhibits on newly discovered findings.
- Lead NAGPRArelated outreach and communication efforts with Indigenous communities.
- Remain current on laws regulations and best practices regarding Indigenous collections and NAGPRA policies and procedures. Creates and recommends special historical interpretation projects by providing leadership in exhibition development and implementation thereby achieving program goals and objective. Researches and implements aspects of such projects which educate the public and enhance general knowledge through detailed interpretation of Montanas heritage through art artifacts photographs archival documents and other resources. Provides informative and engaging public programs to a wide variety of constituents.
- Develops strategies schedules and objectives and budgets for historical projects such as collaboration with Outreach & Education staff in developing and implementing strategies schedules budgets texts research plans restoration plans interpretive plans and interactive experiences for multifaceted historical interpretive projects at the Original Governors Mansion
Employment Type
Full Time
