CAP Application Now Available!

2015 Conservation Assessment Program Application Available

Heritage Preservation is pleased to announce the availability of Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) application until the program deadline of December 1, 2014. The 2015 program year marks the 25^th anniversary of CAP, and the admittance of our 3000^th museum! 

In honor of our 25^th anniversary, we are soliciting stories from previous CAP recipients, as well as the assessors to help us better understand the impact CAP has had in the field of museum conservation and preservation. To thank museums for contributing their stories and to encourage further conservation efforts, two museums will be chosen to receive a $1,000.00 gift certificate for conservation supplies, and one assessor will be thanked for their contributions to the field with $500.00 to go towards professional development. The application is short and should not take long to fill out.

CAP is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum & Library Services, and is administered by Heritage Preservation. The program provides technical assistance to small to mid-sized museums to hire a professional conservator, approved by Heritage Preservation, for a two-day site visit.  The CAP assessor uses the site visit to examine the museum’s collections, environmental conditions, and sites.  The assessor then spends three days writing a report recommending priorities to improve collections care.  The assessment reports submitted by professional conservators can assist the museum in developing strategies for improved collections care, long-range planning, and fund-raising for collections care.

Funds are awarded based on the museum’s budget, so the cost to the museum varies. All museums are awarded a collections assessor.  Museums with buildings older than 50 years receive additional funds for an architectural assessor to identify priorities for care of the building(s).  In the case of institutions such as zoos, aquariums, nature centers, botanical gardens, and arboreta, CAP can fund a specialist to assess the living collections as well as the non-living collections. 

Since CAP is limited to a two-day site visit, museums with small to mid-sized collections are most appropriate for this program.  Larger institutions are encouraged to contact IMLS for information on the Museums for America (MFA) grant.  MFA grants fund a variety of conservation projects, including general conservation surveys that can accommodate a more extensive site visit by a professional conservator.

Geared toward smaller institutions, the CAP application process is simple, and awards are made to eligible applicants as funding permits.  The 2015 CAP application will be open until Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. The online application can be accessed at http://cap.heritagepreservation.org. A link to this website, as well as to a fillable PDF can be found at http://www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP/application.html#apply2   

To receive further information, visit our website at: http://www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP/FAQs.html

Or, contact us at:

Conservation Assessment Program

Heritage Preservation

1012 14th Street, NW

Suite 1200

Washington, D.C.  20005

202-233-0800

cap@heritagepreservation.org

Employment Opportunity: Dumbarton House

Job Posting: NSCDA Membership Coordinator

Dumbarton House, national headquarters and AAM-accredited historic house museum of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America [NSCDA], is undergoing an exciting transformation. Guided by a revised mission statement, new strategic plans, and dedicated board leadership, Dumbarton House is poised to strengthen headquarters support for our members as we approach the 125th anniversary of this women’s lineage organization dedicated to preservation, patriotism, and education. The NSCDA Membership Coordinator—a positive and motivated professional with impeccable customer service skills and ability to take direction from multiple sources—will have a unique opportunity to impact the future of the NSCDA and Dumbarton House during this important period.

Position responsibilities, include:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with NSCDA leadership nationally, and support 44 Corporate Societies and 15,200 individual members nationally;
• Coordinate NSCDA meetings, workshops, and trips/tour;
• Maintain NSCDA membership database, providing reports and analysis as needed;
• Manage all aspects of headquarters reception and hospitality;
• Coordinate NSCDA Strategic Plan progress and reporting, collecting and collating data from national committees and Corporate Societies to support annual report creation;
• Manage gift shop and other sales;
• Maintain NSCDA Archives, overseeing cataloguing, housing, conservation, digitization, and research projects;
• Manage online member resources and support member communications, including website maintenance, online databases, e-newsletters, webinars, etc.; and
• Supervise Membership Assistant and other periodic part-time, intern, or volunteer headquarters staff.

Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills and ability to build rapport with members of all ages across the country;
• Self-directed, motivated, tactful, diplomatic, and congenial;
• Proactive and positive attitude, creative problem-solver, and ability to multi-task;
• Proven attention to detail and strong organizing, speaking, and writing skills;
• Strong computer skills, with database, word processing, webinar, and website maintenance experience;
• Experience executing administrative actions and conference planning; and
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, and attitude of respect for working with diverse staff, volunteers, members, and visitors.

To Apply:
Please send cover letter & resume to KarenDaly@DumbartonHouse.org with NSCDA Membership as the subject. No phone calls please.

Jobs in VA, MD, NJ and PA

Check out these great opportunities!

George C. Marshall Museum




Salisbury University, located on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore, is seeking an energetic, dynamic, and qualified applicant to join the staff of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture as its part-time Outreach and Education Coordinator.Minimum qualifications are a bachelor's degree in history, social studies education, museum studies, or a related field and a minimum of one year of outreach experience at a research center, historical society, historical library, museum, archives, or similar institution.This is a part-time (20 hours per week) exempt State position with a prorated benefits package.  Salary commensurate with experience.  For more information and to apply, please go to: http://www.salisbury.edu/hr/Jobs/single.asp?ident=1926



Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, one of three historic sites of the Morris County Park Commission, located in Morristown, NJ seeks a full-time Historic Farm Foreman/Interpreter.  The site is one of the oldest living historical farms in New Jersey. The position is full-time, year-round and is responsible for the maintenance and interpretation of the farm, including the care of farm animals, maintenance of farming equipment (some modern, some historic), and the development of educational programs for the general public and school children.  The candidate must have experience in the proper use and care of domesticated animals in a historic farm setting, the supervision and training of current farm staff, new staff and volunteers.  The candidate should also have experience using period implements associated with plowing, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, spraying, pruning and harvesting, be able to perform and supervise routine maintenance of historic farming operations, develop and implement educational programs, work with other education staff to present and interpret programming associated with the farm, and other duties as assigned. The chosen candidate must live on site in housing provided by the Morris County Park Commission (no exceptions), and conduct evening checks of livestock and the farm.  Qualifications:  Candidate must be a college graduate with a major program of study in agriculture or a historic farming program, have a minimum of one year’s experience associated with the operation of a living historical farm, and the development of educational programming in this setting.  Candidate will have the ability to care for and use domesticated farm animals at a living historical farm, operate and maintain modern and historic mechanical equipment, work flexible hours including evenings and weekends,  and have a knowledge of tools, methods and materials used at living historical farms.  The candidate must demonstrate an ability to manage and supervise subordinate personnel, have the ability to lift and carry weights of at least fifty pounds, and be able to properly use a computer. Salary: $49,000/year.  Additional compensation includes the on-site housing, and a medical, dental and pension plan (with employee contributions). 
 Email cover letter, resume and references by October 4, 2014 to:  Mark Sutherland, Manager of Historic Sites – msutherland@morrisparks.net.  No phone calls please.  For more information about the Morris County Park Commission and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, visit morrisparks.net or friendsoffosterfields.org



The Nicholas Newlin Foundation seeks a creative, enthusiastic professional Program and Administration Manager. Responsibilities include designing and implementing school-age and adult programs, coordinating an environmental summer camp, promoting programs, working with special events, and organizational communications. The Program and Administration Manager must be enthusiastic, possess proven organizational and management skills, and work well with volunteers. Candidates must communicate well in speech and writing with staff, board members, education professionals, and the public. Three years program experience and a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in public history, history, or a related field is required. Experience with publications, website, social media and technology is desirable. The private, non-profit foundation operates the Newlin Grist Mill, a collection of nine buildings including a working 1704 Mill, two early 18^th century homes, working blacksmith shop, and a research archive situated on 160 acres. The organization has a dual mission of historical and environmental preservation and education.

Application deadline is September 20, 2014.Send inquiries and resumes to:info@newlingristmill.org orDirector, Newlin Grist Mill, 219 S. Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

Job Posting- Orange County NC

Museum Coordinator – Part Time

Orange County Historical Museum

The Orange County Historical Museum is seeking a part-time Museum Coordinator to work approximately 15 hours per week, Wednesday – Friday and on occasion to work evenings and weekends.  Compensation:  $8.25 per hour

The Museum Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that daily Museum operations tasks are completed. These include opening the Museum, greeting and providing visitor services, ensuring the Museum is clean, answering visitor and researcher inquiries, facilitating gift shop sales and closing the Museum. The Museum Coordinator works to recruit, schedule, train and oversee volunteers to complete Museum projects and maintain daily Museum operations. The Museum Coordinator works with the Executive Director and committees to coordinate details for special events and public programming. The Museum Coordinator assists the Executive Director in creating, updating and maintaining Museum publicity, marketing, and social media efforts.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a B.A. or higher in History, Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, American Studies, or a related field.  Past experience managing/scheduling people, customer service and marketing experience a plus.  To be successful in this position the candidate should be self-motivated, organized,  possess excellent communication skills, be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, and social networking sites, and should have a working knowledge of American social and cultural history.  Knowledge of PastPerfect and LittleGreenLight or other types of database software a plus.  A successful candidate for this position must be comfortable and enjoy interacting with the public and speaking to small and large groups.

The Orange County Historical Museum, located in Hillsborough, NC, enlightens and engages its community and visitors from around the world by preserving and interpreting the history of Hillsborough and Orange County. The Museum houses and displays unique Orange County artifacts and documents, provides hands-on history programs for children, and offers a variety of events and exhibits. To learn more about the Museum, visit our site at www.orangeNChistory.org and our blog, www.orangenchistory.wordpress.com.

To be considered for this position, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Brandie Fields at director@orangeNChistory.org.  Email questions to director@orangeNChistory.org.

Employment Opportunity: Associate at the Octagon Museum in Washington, DC

Full details from: https://aiacareers.hua.hrsmartpe.com/hrsmart/ats/Posting/view/130

Delaware Interpreter Position!

announces the opening of the following casual/seasonal year-round position
Historical Interpreter Salary: $11.25 per hour

SUMMARY: Creative, motivated person needed to work year-round as an historical interpreter at First
State Heritage Park in Dover. This is a part-time/year-round position which may vary from 15-30 hours per
week. Saturday work may be necessary, as well as occasional evenings & holidays.
The State of Delaware is AA/EOE.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong interest in history required. Some background or college coursework in American history preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills in welcoming visitors of all ages to the park.
• Ability to present accurate historical material in an engaging way.
• Ability and willingness to learn a significant amount of historical material essential.
• Public speaking experience and ability to communicate effectively to all age groups necessary.
• A willingness to develop acting skills required; some theatrical experience helpful.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. is necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Conduct tours of Delaware’s capitol building – Legislative Hall.
• Conduct a variety of historical walking tours in period clothing.
• Provide historical interpretation at the John Bell House on The Green.
• Conduct school tours and programs for kindergarten through college-age groups.
• Participate in historical theater presentations and evening lantern tours.
• Assist with various tasks to enhance and promote the park.
• Willing to work Saturdays, occasional evenings & some holidays.

BENEFITS: This is a seasonal position without traditional benefits. Direct Deposit of paychecks will be
required as a condition of employment for new employees.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Please send cover letter, resume, 3 work references and a completed state seasonal application

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/parks/Home/Documents/Application_Seasonal.pdf

 to:
Sarah Zimmerman
First State Heritage Park
102 S. State Street
Dover DE 19901
sarah.zimmerman@state.de.us

Travelling Exhibit Opportunity!

Institutions interested in anthropological topics may find this traveling exhibit a once in a lifetime opportunity! Contact Rachel Drochter at the Anthropology Museum at Northern Illinois University for more information- rdrochter@niu.edu

Organizer: The Anthropology Museum at Northern Illinois University

Exhibition Length: 3 months

Content: Multimedia video, text panels, and objects.  A condensed version is available upon request

Security: Moderate

Space Requirement: 1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft.

Participation Fee: $5,000. 50% off to all members of the Small Museums Association

Shipping & Insurance: Exhibitor is responsible

FRAGMENTS EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

Haiti’s earthquake was one of the top five deadliest disasters in the contemporary world, claiming between 65,000 and 316,000 lives. Haiti’s disaster was also arguably the most mediatized in modern history. Media images highlighted the exceptional, macabre, and gruesome. These accounts dehumanized Haiti and Haitian people, while focusing disproportionate attention on the good intention and generosity of humanitarian actors. International media attention helped raise $5.6 billion in official funds for the first two years following the earthquake.

What happened? Where did the money go? Three years following the earthquake, international media attention on Haiti has diminished quite significantly. Living conditions have only improved slightly and are still among the worst in the world. One index of the collective failures includes the existence of almost 350,000 people still living under tents in scores of camps.

Installation components include a wind-and-sun battered tent and tarp and artifacts of household/tent life. To demonstrate the increasing risks of forced eviction, the exhibit also includes the charred remains of a tent from an act of arson by armed paramilitaries in a recent case of forced evictions. Finally, exhibit panels explore the life histories and living conditions of several Haitian women living “under the tents.” The installation is called Fragments to acknowledge the often disparate lived realities now in relative shadows. It aims to move visitors to reflect on the people surviving, building community, making art, raising families, and challenging their situation as activists, and to recall the bonds that already exist between us.

http://www.niu.edu/anthro_museum/

Job Announcement! June 26, 2014

Description and Duties:

The Small Museum Association is seeking to compensate, on a per-project basis, a paid membership newsletter editor to publish the organization’s e-newsletter SMAll talk.  Pay is $250 per newsletter published 4 times annually. The next e-newsletter will be published before September 1, 2014. With guidance and input from the President, SMA membership coordinator and Publicity and Advocacy Committee the editor will:

·         Compile articles for the e-newsletter and solicit articles related to the small museum field for publication.

·         Work with SMA Board president for the President’s message to the membership.

·         Coordinate with the SMA conference resource hall  coordinator and conference chair re: ads and conference promotion.

·         Collect small museum site-profiles for the e-newsletter.

·         Keep organized files on SMA’s dropbox according to established SMA procedures.

·         Work with the Board of Directors to solicit and secure ads for the e-newsletter.

·         Offer input and suggestions regarding style, photographs and general design elements.

·         Email newsletter out to SMA members by pre-determined quarterly deadlines.

Expectations and Requirements:

·         The editor will be expected to track and report time dedicated to compile, edit, proof-read, solicit ads for SMAll talk each quarter.

·         Tech savviness and experience working with e-blast and e-newsletter programs a plus.

·         Responsiveness and consistent communication over email a key requirement.

·         Compensation will be approved after successful publication of each issue of SMAll talk.

To Apply: Important! Interested parties should send an email to information@smallmuseum.org by July 11, 2014 with subject heading "[Last name] SMAll Talk Newsletter Application" with two PDF formatted documents attached:

1.       A 1-2 paragraph cover letter outlining relevant experience

2.       Resume 

Employment opportunity: Museum Coordinator at the Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia

Employment opportunity: Museum Coordinator at the Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia

Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia
5000 Greenbag Road, Morgantown WV 26501
www.cdmwv.org

Description: The Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia’s (CDMWV) mission is to inspire children and their grown-ups to learn, discover and grow together through exceptional learning experiences and interactive play. The CDMWV exhibits encourage children to explore their imaginations, discover science and engineering, learn how to stay healthy and more.

The CDMWV is searching for an outgoing, personable and reliable person for its Museum Coordinator position. If you love science, informal education, and working with pre-school and elementary age children, we are looking for you

Hours and wage: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-1:30 (occasional additional hours Saturdays and Sundays). $8 per hour, 20 hours per week.

Duties:

Ensure all visitors are made to feel welcome

Implement Science Saturday programs and Hands-On Science Area

Implement Science Outreach programs

Implement daily craft hour

Maintain Museum’s Facebook page

Open and close facility

Schedule birthday parties

Maintain Membership list

Track monthly attendance and volunteer hours

Other duties as needed

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Julie at director.cdmwv@gmail.com. Position is open until filled. The CDMWV is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment Opportunity Digital Project Coordinator Carlisle PA

The Cumberland County Historical Society located in Carlisle, PA seeks a highly motivated, energetic and innovative digital archivist/researcher to serve as Project Coordinator for the Society’s recently launched Gardner Digital Library Project.

Position:                     Gardner Digital Library Project Coordinator

Classification:            Contractual (1 year term) (Flexible, 10-20 hrs./wk. average)

Job Summary:  The Cumberland County Historical Society located in Carlisle, PA seeks a highly motivated, energetic and innovative digital archivist/researcher to serve as Project Coordinator for the Society’s recently launched Gardner Digital Library Project. This grant funded contractual position is for a one year term with possible extension. The chosen candidate will coordinate all aspects of the Gardner Digital Library Project, including two major focuses of the initiative. First, the chosen candidate will secure and organize historical content related to Cumberland County and ensure this content remains easily accessible on the project’s website www.gardnerlibrary.org. Second, the chosen candidate will help supervise the use of the Society’s state of the art digital audio and video recording studio, also designed to capture history-related content for the Gardner website.

Potential candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, History or related degree and significant experience working with archives, special collections and digital content management. Knowledge of data structure standards and born digital collections encouraged. Comfortable with website content management and certain aspects of web-design also encouraged.  

Job Duties: Under the supervision of the Executive Director

·         Works closely with the Librarian in the execution of duties

·         Consults with the Society’s Business Manager regarding the use of technological equipment and technology challenges and opportunities related to the project

·         Works closely with the Society’s Gardner Digital Library Committee to ensure the ongoing success of the project

·         Coordinates, oversees and schedules volunteers & interns helping with the project

·         Catalogs, arranges, stores and otherwise organizes all project content according to standards and best practices in the industry

·         Supervises responses to inquiries (telephone, fax, e-mail, mail) relating to the project

·         Submits reports of the status of the project to the Librarian and Executive Director

·         Coordinates public outreach and marketing of the project to encourage community involvement with the Gardner project

·         Maintains organized lists and progress reports related to participants using the Gardner studio.

·         Monitors the use of the studio and all other project-related equipment

·         Secures vetted content from staff and project Committee members and uploads Committee-approved content to the Gardner website according to established procedures and guidelines as approved by the Librarian, Committee and Executive Director

·         Assists in any other activities related to the project where deemed necessary by the Librarian or Executive Director

Other Qualifications:

           

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Knowledge of research tools and methodology
• Strong knowledge of computers and other digital devices
• Knowledge of library principles, practices and procedures
• Self-directed and highly motivated
• Highly organized
• Willingness to be trained to operate Gardner studio equipment & software where a knowledge gap may exist
• Experience with Microsoft software and products 

START DATE:

July 21, 2014 or before

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resumé and contact information for three references no later than May 30th to execdirector@historicalsociety.com. Attached documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF formats. No phone calls will be accepted.

National Endowment for the Humanities: Small Museums Webinar Tomorrow

NEH Small Museums Webinar

NEH is offering a webinar on Wednesday April 23th at 4pm ET that will give more information about grants for small and mid-sized museums and cultural institutions. They will use stories of previous grantees to share information on Preservation Assistance Grants, NEH On The Road (a traveling exhibition program), grants from NEH’s Division of Public Programs, and state humanities council exhibitions.

Some of the examples we may discuss include:

• The Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society in Seattle, WA received a Preservation Assistance Grant to store thousands of drawings that detailed naval architecture.
• The Rokeby Museum in Vermont received Planning and Implementation grants to create an exhibition on the Underground Railroad.
• The Missouri Humanities Council collaborated with the Missouri State Museum to create a traveling exhibit, the Civil War in Missouri.

Register for the webinar here. Please share this announcement with anyone who may be interested in attending.