Associate Curator

WhoWe Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts premier conservation and preservation organization. TheTrusteespreserves for public use and enjoyment properties of exceptional scenic historic and ecological value in properties are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations toenjoy inperpetuity and have helped protect more than50000 acres including 27000 acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors supporters volunteers and our 100000 Member encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website.

Posting Information:

Salary:$59500 - $76500

New hires are typically placed between Tier I and Tier III within the range $59500 - $69700

Hours per week:40

Job Classification: Full-TimeExempt

JobLocationType:Onsite

Location:Harvard & Concord MA

WhatYoullDo:

Your Impact:

As the Associate Curator you willbringcollections and exhibitions experience with an innovative and engaging vision to the curation and interpretation of the historic houses and historic collections within the Metrowest region (primarily Fruitlands Museum and the Old Manse).

About Fruitlands and The Old Manse

Located in Harvard MassachusettsFruitlandsMuseum sits on210 acresof land including four historic and gallery buildings and a visitors center. The original 90 acres of land werepurchasedin 1843 by Charles Lane and Bronson Alcott with the intention of creating a Transcendentalist thecommunity disbanded after only seven months but left a lasting cultural impact exemplified in works by Louisa May Alcott Henry David Thoreau and other transcendentalist figures.

In 1914 the property waspurchasedby Clara Endicott Sears whoestablisheda museum in the 1820s farmhouse the only building original to the property. Today the farmhouse isdesignatedas a National Historic Landmark and the entire campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The collections at Fruitlands Museum encompass objects and archives relating to19thcentury portraits Hudson River School landscapes the Shakers Native American culture Americana and archeology.

Built in 1770 the Old Manse A National Historic Landmark sits on the banks of the Concord River overlooking the North Bridge in Concord Massachusetts where the first battle of the American Revolution took place. The Georgian clapboard house was built for patriot minister William Emerson and was later home to Ralph Waldo Emerson who drafted his influential essay Nature in the house and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Today a variety of tours are offered each focused on one of the multi-disciplinary histories of the Old Manse and its occupants. The Old Manse is often described as the home to two revolutions for its leading role in the American Revolution and the Transcendentalist Movement.

The Role:

As the Associate Curator youwill create installations and exhibitions that are fresh original welcoming and educational andassistwith related public programming. This position is highly collaborative and works closely with regional and state-wide teams including Historic Collections Stewardship Exhibitions and Engagement among others. Together with colleagues the Associate Curator plans conservation preservation and restoration projects at the object room and building level. Beyond scholarly and conservation work the Associate Curator develops public engagement that inspires and provokes visitors to broaden their horizons through interactive experiences guided by a clear and compelling interpretative story. The Curator will haveexpertisein 18th to 20th century Material Culture and American History with a background in the New England region as well as special interests in land environment and place.

Specificallyyoull:

• Providescholarly and creative support for collectionsand historic invarious formsincludingthecreation ofhistorical installations publicationsfurnishingplans presentationspublic programs andtours and & ExhibitionsteamHistoric Collections regionalstewardshipand engagement Trustees externally as a speaker at conferences and workshops and creates andmaintainspartnershipsthrough regionalnationaland international networks.

• Curateexhibitions of historic collections exploring historical social and environmental includes working on exhibition elements from designconcept authorship installation efforts conservation needs programming and public relations. Work with and direct the work of exhibit designers and installers. All in collaboration with theArts & Exhibitions and Historic Collections teams.

• Overseeconservation restorationandpreservationeffortsofcollectionsobjectsas well as historicinteriorsand withconsultantson preparationreportingand outreach of conservation projects inclosecollaboration withtheHistoric Collections restrictions and sensitive issuessurrounding this collection managementincludeshands-onstewardship;cleaning andcollections ofcareclimate light level andpestexpertise;andpreventative work to ensure the collection isprotected for the next generation.

• Supportcollectionsmanagement systemupdatesrelated to Fruitlands and OldManse related Historic Collections team regionalCuratorsandthe Arts & ExhibitionRegistrar inefforts to bringall Trustees collections and archivesinto the Trustees Collections Management System Qi.

• Act as a liaison with curatorial staff volunteers and as the voice of the collection within the region and where it intersects with statewide projects.

• Provide advocacy forthe includegrant writing andbudgetingrelating tocollectionsand historic housesat Fruitlands Museum and the Old Development staff with donor relations and the CulturalResources Committee.

Additionalfunctions mayincludepotentialgrant-funded initiativesor other assignments as may include oversight of interns collaboration with fellows and long-term planning forcare and conservation of Fruitlands Museum and The Old Manse.

Physical Requirements:

• This job includes physical work including but not limited tothe movement ofcollectionobjects;working ina variety ofhistoric houses and historic buildings;andconductingpreventativecareregardingenvironmentalconditionsand pest managementin those -site workconstitutes approximately50% of the time.

• This position requiresdrivingbetweenand workingat a diversity of historic sites.

This is a full-timeexempt positionworking40 hoursper week reporting directly totheMuseum Director and Chief CuratordeCordovaSculpture Park and Museum.

WhatYoullNeed:

Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree inmaterialculture Americanhistoryor decorative artsideally withexpertiseintheNewEngland region.

• 5yearsofexperience with a record of curatorial achievement. An employment history that showsexperienceswithcollectionsscholarship management engagement and with historic housesand interiors is aplus.

• Collections database experience and a strong understanding of museum andarchivesstandards.

• Demonstrated knowledge ofcollectioncare project management and preventative experiencewith fundraising grants and their administration. Ability to lead conservation projects at object room and site level.

• Abilitytomaintaineffective working relationships at all levels of the organization including staff volunteers donors trustees and diverse public constituencies.

• Ability to workcollaboratively withcolleagues andcommunity members.

• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and strategic analysis and planning.

• Strength in written communications and scholarly work.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current authorization to work in the United States a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

• A valid drivers license as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees driving policy.

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Dontquite have all the skills and experience listed above We still want to hear from you!Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

QuestionsContact our People team at

Your Benefits:

• Sick time:15 daysper year

• Vacation time:20 daysper year(prorated)

• 12 observed holidays 3 floating

• Health insurance:You are eligible toparticipatein the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offersadditionalbenefits such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave

• Life Insurance

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment

• Employee Assistance Program:Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues such as mental health support counseling and financial advice.

• Reciprocity:Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions forTrusteesStaffVolunteersand Interns.

• Discounts:Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties discount event tickets and discounted merchandise at our storesand onstays at our inns.

• Day of Wonder:Spend one workday per yearto exploringa Trustees property

• Day of Service:Spend one workday per yearto helpingwith a project at a Trustees property

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including but not limited to age race ethnicity sex gender sexual preferences nation of origin religion or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color persons with varying abilities women and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees commitment to advancing the organizations vision for this work may be found here:Diversity Belonging Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process please contact us at.

Required Experience:

IC