Organization
Founded in 1948, SPLIA works with Long Islanders to protect, preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage through advocacy, education, and the stewardship of historic sites and collections. The Society oversees three historic properties, owns and interprets important collections of material culture from the region, spearheads advocacy for Long Island’s historic resources, and maintains well-regarded education and publication programs.
Collections:
SPLIA’s seven decade tradition of collecting Long Islandiana has resulted in what is now recognized as one of the most significant regional assemblages of material culture in New York State. Both diverse and comprehensive, the collections comprise over 3,000 objects and images – from artistic and technological masterworks to functional everyday artifacts – along with archival material and ephemera that are maintained to provide a more complete understanding of the historical experience and cultural development of Long Island. Emphasis is placed on the fine and decorative arts; architecture, regional planning and development; and leisure and recreation with preference given to materials that connect to multiple themes or issues.
Position:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator is responsible for all aspects in the management and interpretation of the Society’s collections, working towards greater public engagement through innovative changing exhibitions, scholarly publications, narrative-rich permanent installations, and related programs. S/he joins a core staff of nine, works closely with the Collections Registrar and the Society’s Curatorial Committee, and will collaborate with other key staff in the planning and implementation of special initiatives including historic house interpretation. The Curator also serves as SPLIA’s collections representative to subject-area researchers and collectors, educational institutions, historical societies and museums, and media contacts. Duties include:

  • Refining SPLIA’s collections through cataloging and assessment; conducting object-based research and making recommendations for deaccessions and acquisitions.
  • Maintaining up-to-date collections policies and overseeing the management of accession files, catalog records, inventories, and databases.
  • Overseeing the physical condition of collections: identifying conservation priorities, planning for treatments, and contracting with professionals as needed.
  • Reviewing offers of gifts and potential purchases to determine acceptance based on alignment with the Society’s collecting priorities.
  • Creating content for all collections-related communications to make them more accessible, visible, and relatable to diverse audiences including SPLIA Trustees, staff, and the general public.
  • Planning and implementation of changing and permanent exhibits (approved by the Curatorial Committee and Board) that highlight and support institutional vison; developing themes, selecting works for display, creating interpretive texts, working with assigned SPLIA staff on installation, and serving as a staff project manager when partnering with guest curators.
  • Developing exhibition catalogs and other publications on salient aspects of the Society’s rich collection.
  • Working with the Collections Registrar to develop virtual exhibits and other content using digitized assets accessed through web-based archives management software.
  • Preparing applications and administrating grants for all collections related-initiatives (e.g. exhibits and interpretive programs, conservation treatments).

Terms:

This is a salaried full-time position with employee benefits: a total of 40 hours per week with some evening and weekend hours required. Candidates must have access to a car and be able to drive to meetings, events, and historic sites throughout the region.
This position requires a self-motivated person with excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to speak in public, and a facility for cross disciplinary thinking and new media technologies. The candidate must have specialized knowledge in American decorative arts and three years of museum-related work experience. Strong research skills and an advanced degree in history, art history, material culture or related field is required. Strong computer skills are also required with particular proficiency in PastPerfect (or similar database management systems), Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative programs. Experience in historic house interpretation, the production of publications, and developing and managing web-based content is preferred. The candidate will also operate effectively both independently and in a team environment.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to:

Curator Search, info@splia.org or
Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities
P.O. Box 148, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Search is open until filled.
For additional information: www.splia.org
NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Per year based on experience.