The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) seeks a full-time Program and Curatorial Assistant to assist with collections management, research, exhibit preparation, program planning and operations, and volunteer coordination.

The position is ideally suited to an enthusiastic and self-directed individual who is comfortable handling diverse responsibilities in a small organization and eager to develop skills in all areas of museum management. The successful candidate will receive training and increasing responsibility over time.

Located in Bethel, Maine, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and interpreting the history of western Maine and northern New Hampshire. MBHS operates two museums, the Museum of Regional History and Mason House Museum, and a research library and archives, the Huntoon Research Center.

Position Title: Program and Curatorial Assistant
Status: Full-time, salaried, non-exempt
Normal schedule: 35 hours per workweek, with occasional additional hours as needed, up to 40 hours per workweek
Salary Range: $40,000-45,000 / year
Reports to: MBHS Executive Director / Curator
Posting Date: September 1, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Expected Start Date: January 1, 2027

Position Summary

The Program and Curatorial Assistant (PCA) is responsible for assisting the Executive Director and MBHS working groups with a variety of task related to programs, exhibits, and collections. The position will also serve as a volunteer and working group coordinator.

Direct Reports

The position does not supervise other staff members but does coordinate volunteers and interns.

Functions and Responsibilities

The position has responsibilities in five main areas, as well as general responsibilities shared with other staff members.

(Percentages are approximations; actual distribution of duties varies throughout the year.)

Collections Registration and Projects (30%)

• Accessioning and tracking donations to the collections
• Completing collections projects

Research Assistance (10%)

• Assisting members of the public with research
• Assisting with research for MBHS programs, exhibits, and publications

Exhibit Preparation (10%)

• Assisting with the design and planning of exhibits
• Assisting with installing and deinstalling exhibits

Program and Event Planning and Support (20%)

• Helping to develop program and event ideas and plan events
• Assisting with setup, running, and clean-up of programs and events

Volunteer and Working Group Coordination (20%)

• Supervising volunteers and interns
• Serving as a member of and assistant/clerk to all MBHS working groups related to program and curatorial work

General Museum Operations (10%)

• Participating in organization-wide meetings, and board-related activities upon request
• Helping to keep MBHS’s public and non-public spaces organized and presentable
• Staffing front of house and running the museum shop, as needed
• Giving tours of the Mason House Museum period rooms, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field such as history, museum studies, or library studies.
• A passion for history including interest in ordinary people and everyday life.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong time management, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and multi-task
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• A friendly attitude and enjoyment of working with the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in a related field, such as a Master of Library Science or Master of Arts in History.
• Experience conducting genealogical research.
• Experience working or volunteering at a historical society, history museum, or historic site.
• Familiarity with the history and geography of western Maine and northern New Hampshire.
• Experience with PastPerfect Museum Software.

Working Condition and Physical Demands

The position is mainly performed on-site at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s campus which includes two large historic homes, the Mason House and the Robinson House, and the smaller Twitchell Education Center. Some work may be performed remotely with the approval of the Executive Director.

As the position may sometimes entail driving to other locations to pick up items that are being donated to the collection or to set up for off-site events, the successful candidate should have reliable, independent transportation.

Work requires standing, sitting, walking, ascending and descending staircases, balancing on stools, climbing step ladders, and pushing, pulling, and lifting objects and boxes. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. with or without assistance and reach above one’s head. Work requires fine motor skills and the ability to write small and legibly on objects, sew labels onto textile objects, and handle delicate artifacts carefully.

Compensation and Schedule

This position is full-time, salaried and non-exempt. The position will be paid a fixed salary of $40,000–$45,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The salary compensates the position for all hours worked up to 40 in each workweek; however the normal expected schedule is 35 hours per workweek with occasional additional hours. Work exceeding 40 hours requires advance authorization, will be granted only in exceptional circumstances, and will be compensated in accordance with applicable overtime law.

The employee must ordinarily be present during public hours, which vary throughout the year, and may occasionally include Saturdays. During peak season, the museum is typically open to the public for 15–20 hours per week. Remaining hours may be scheduled flexibly in coordination with the Executive Director, provided the employee records all hours worked and fulfills assigned responsibilities. Occasional nights and weekends will be required for special events.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Application Process

E-mail cover letter and resume to wchapman@bethelhistorical.org. All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 1, 2026.

Applicants will be notified by mid-October if they are a finalist for the position. Interviews with finalists will be scheduled in October and November. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, but this may be adjusted slightly based on the successful candidate’s availability.