Description

About Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village operates in association with the Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s largest history museum.  Meadowcroft, a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest site of human habitation in North America and features a massive, 16,000-year-old rock overhang used by the region’s earliest inhabitants for shelter. Meadowcroft’s 19th century village features a covered bridge, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, church, and two log houses that create a charming country village setting. The 18th century frontier trading post emphasizes the period of European contact and the impact of the fur trade. The 16th century Indian Village includes wigwams, recreated prehistoric artifacts, and hands-on activities related to American Indian agriculture. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is located in Avella, Pa., Washington County, within an hour’s drive of Pittsburgh, Wheeling, W.Va., and Steubenville, Ohio.

 

Job Posting

The Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is currently seeking a fulltime, Assistant Curator of Collections to become part of the dynamic and growing Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

This position will serve two major functions related to the collections and exhibits at Meadowcroft.  In regards to collections, the Assistant Curator of Collections will receive and document all inquiries concerning potential donations or sales of artifacts.  They will be responsible for investigating collection leads, pursuing research of potential donations and making recommendations to the collections leads committee and ensure proper follow-up.  Responsibilities also include taking the lead role in pro-actively collecting in accordance with the priorities of the History Center’s strategic plan and reviewing collections to make recommendations regarding de-accessioning.  Under the direction of the History Center Collections Manager, the Assistant Curator of Collections will care for the collections housed and / or exhibited at Meadowcroft. In regards to exhibits, the Assistant Curator of Collections, using their knowledge of the region’s history, will assist in the planning, research, development and maintenance of Meadowcroft exhibits. The Assistant Curator of Collections will supervise the work of both volunteers and interns.

This is a fulltime position that reports to the Meadowcroft Director and works closely with, and in coordination with, the History Center Collection Manager and other Museum Division Staff.

Requirements

Requirements

This position requires 2 years  minimum experience with a Bachelor’s degree, in history, museum studies, American studies or similar field.  Master Degree preferred.

A knowledge of prehistoric and historic rural life and material culture, visitor studies (demographics and interests of museum visitors) and the understanding of the nature of learning in a museum setting is desired.  The successful candidate will have a thorough knowledge of current museum standards for collections care and management as well as object handling according to museum standards.  This position requires excellent public speaking skills as the Assistant Curator of Collections often represents the entire organization when they speak in public and / or to the media about the collections and the history of the region.  This position requires the ability to work well with the public, other staff members, volunteers and interns.  Must have standard computer efficiency, specifically spreadsheets and the ability to learn new software as necessary.  Experience with Past Perfect or other museum software is a plus.

Application Process

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, including salary requirements and how you learned of this vacancy, and a resume to:

Renee Falbo, Director of Human Resources

Senator John Heinz History Center

1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-454-6357

hr@heinzhistorycenter.org

www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Job Information
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, United States
  • 26763549
  • February 5, 2016
  • Assistant Curator of Collections
  • Senator John Heinz History Center
  • Curator
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 2-3 Years