Jobs and Internships

Overview

Maine Maritime Museum is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to connecting people to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways and their global reach. Since this history includes different backgrounds, perspectives, and voices—and because our museum welcomes visitors from around the world—our institution is firmly committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. If you believe museums play a vital role revealing the past, informing the present, and shaping the future, we invite you to join our team. You will join us on the beautiful banks of the Kennebec River, on a twenty-acre campus where collaboration and creativity are encouraged.

Position Summary

The 2024 Sandra D. Rapp Curatorial Intern will join Maine Maritime Museum’s Curatorial Department to advance initiatives to collect, preserve, and share Maine’s maritime stories. Reporting to the Curator of Collections, and working closely with other curatorial staff and volunteers, the Rapp Intern will experience wide-ranging curatorial activities that enhance access and engagement with the museum’s collections and exhibitions. The internship will provide an understanding of best practices in collections stewardship through care and documentation of a diverse collection of cultural heritage objects, as well as support development of exhibitions throughout galleries and a campus of historic structures. As part of an immersive learning opportunity, the Rapp Intern will also take part in inter-departmental collaborations and staff enrichment opportunities

Specific Duties

• Support development of exhibition checklists through collection surveys and research
• Object cleaning, transport, and rehousing
• Photography and processing of image files using photo-editing software
• Database entry in adherence to established metadata standards
• Collaborate closely with the Curatorial Department to participate in assigned projects, meetings, and initiatives

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or Graduate coursework in History, Art History, Museum Studies, or related discipline
• Excellent written and organizational skills
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with close attention to detail
• Ability to work independently or in close collaboration within a team
• Desire and openness to learn new skills and methodologies
• Previous experience in museum collections environment a plus

Terms & How to Apply

Internships are hourly positions and will not exceed 40 hours/week for a period of 8 weeks in June and July. Compensation for this opportunity is $16/hr and includes off-site housing, at no cost to the intern. Transportation to and from the museum is not provided. Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@maritimeme.org with the subject line “Sandra D. Rapp Curatorial Internship.” Review of applications will begin March 11, 2024.

Maine Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

The Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center in Skowhegan, Maine, is seeking a part-time, seasonal Curatorial Assistant. The Curatorial Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of Skowhegan History House & Research Center and activities associated with the care, maintenance, and research of the permanent collection. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and Curator, the Curatorial Assistant is responsible for a range of technical and administrative tasks associated with the collection including: object and archives handling, cataloguing, records management, research inquiries, and visitor tours of the museum and research center. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant assists with exhibition preparations, programs, and events and is responsible for opening and closing the museum on designated workdays.

Ideal candidates have prior experience in a museum or historical setting, attention to detail and problem-solving skills, experience in handling historical artifacts, art collections, and archival materials, effective communication and interpersonal skills, comfort interacting with a variety of people, working knowledge of Microsoft Office and PastPerfect 5, and a Bachelor’s degree in art history, public history, museum studies, or related field of study.

This seasonal and part-time position begins in late May and ends in mid-October. It is a minimum of 24 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Additional hours may be available occasionally.

For the detailed job description, please download it from the History House website here.

To apply, email cover letter, résumé, and two letters of recommendation in one continuous document to psaeon2@gmail.com. Please use the subject line “Curatorial Assistant.” No phone calls please.

 Museum Director – L C Bates Museum 

Good Will-Hinckley 

Hinckley, ME 

Good Will-Hinckley is seeking the right person for our Museum Director Position. This position oversees the general operations of the L. C. Bates Museum and the museum services including the museum building, collections, Hinckley Archives, outreach programs and nature trails. 

Requirements of the Museum Director: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required, College level work in museum studies or related field desirable, master’s degree preferred. 
• 2 – 5 years of knowledge and experience in general museum operation. 
• Organizational skills and ability to work with students and the public. 
• Satisfactory reference and background checks. 
• Must have a valid Maine driver’s license and be fully insured. 

Benefits of the Job: 

• Annual salary range $45,000 - $50,000 
• Generous PTO and paid holiday schedule 
• Medical, Dental, LTD and Life 
• Maine State Retirement and 401k 

Responsibilities of the Museum Director: 

• Oversee all aspects of museum operations including museum educators, volunteers, special event programming, acquisitions, historian, and volunteer coordination. 
• Provide supervision and performance evaluations for museum educators. 
• Work with the GWH Board sanctioned Museum Committee to develop long term plans and goals for the museum. 
• Oversee cultural collections and archives for the Good Will-Hinckley community. 
• Work with VP Director of Development in monthly meetings on museum marketing, fundraising, and potential grant opportunities. 
• Assist in the development and management of the trail system. 
• Keep track and maintain museum artifacts and records. 
• Create and distribute monthly LC Bates newsletters. 
• Plan, schedule, and conducts tours to school, library and outreach programs. 
• Plan, schedule and advertise the Summer Camp Programming. 
• Manage the museum store to include ordering inventory and daily cash reconciliation with the finance department. 
• Create and implement Museum Orientation for all new hires and Volunteers. 
• Assist Chief Financial Officer in all financial information for the museum and handle funds in accordance with Good Will-Hinckley with grant management, procedures, and protocols. 
• Meet monthly with Chief Financial Officer. 
• Train museum educators to provide services for school presentations, Museum tours, Summer Camp Programs, and work in the store. 
• Create and schedule monthly presentations to GSLC students. 
• Bi-weekly check-ins with Chief Operating Officer. 
• Ensures that all museum rules are followed. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. 

The Patten Free Library, located in Bath, Maine, is a private non-profit library that serves the City of Bath and the Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich.  (Total population served is app. 15,279.)

Job Summary:

This 30-hour per week position is responsible for managing the Sagadahoc History & Genealogy Room including developing and maintaining its collections, services, and programs, providing reference services, supervising volunteers, and managing the Library’s art collection.

 Responsibilities:

• Assist patrons in the use of the collections.
• Develop, arrange, describe, and preserve archival collections in multiple formats in accordance with accepted standards and practices.
• Develop and implement procedures for the acquisition, processing, cataloging, digitization, and preservation of archival materials. 
• Catalog items and collections in Minerva and collection management software.
• Create finding aids using contemporary tools in accordance with accepted standards.
• Appraise potential collection additions and make recommendations for acquisition of new collections and de-accessioning of existing collections.
• Develop programming that provides educational enrichment and promotes collections, including the Town History Series.
• Supervise and train interns and volunteers.
• Maintain equipment and software.
• Participate in library planning, including budgeting for the department and maintaining statistical information on usage.
• Enhance professional knowledge by regularly reviewing professional literature and attending meetings and workshops.
• Serve as a liaison to and limited support for the Bath Historical Society.
• Assist and advise the Director with the composition and implementation of library policies. May serve on Board and/or library committees.
• Participate and cooperate with other department heads and the Director in achieving the overall objectives and goals of the Library.
• Participate in Library fundraising activities.

 Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics

• Working knowledge of archival principles, policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of research techniques required for genealogical, architectural, and local-history queries.
• Working knowledge of technology as it relates to services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working effectively within a team and with individual staff, patrons, volunteers, and donors. 
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and self-directed.

 Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Library Science with an emphasis in archives management or experience in the same and a working knowledge of genealogy as well as a strong interest in local history. Experience cataloging archival materials.  Research, speaking, and reporting skills required, while an interest in the fine arts is desirable.

Conditions of employment

Some weekend hours may be required.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Hourly Rate: $23.16-$25.16 depending on experience.

Benefits: Sick, vacation, and holiday time; partial health insurance benefits.

 

How to Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Lesley Dolinger, Library Director, at lesley.dolinger@patten.lib.me.us.  Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Start Date: Beginning of March, 2024 or as soon as possible after that.

Wilson Museum

Castine, ME

Internship in Museums Studies, Public History, and Anthropology

The Wilson Museum in Castine, Maine is seeking an intern for the summer of 2024. Located on the shores of Penobscot Bay, the Wilson Museum is an eclectic small museum with collections, exhibits, and programs that range from geology to local history, European prehistory to living history, cultures in North America and around the world, and more. This internship is intended for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students and will be project-focused. The museum will work with the intern to identify a project that meets both the strategic goals of the museum and the student’s interests and academic requirements.

Examples of projects:

• ·         Creating an interactive, searchable database of our local cemetery records.
• ·         Developing a new tour for our ca. 1763-1783 historic house.
• ·         Designing new living history programming.
• ·         Developing outdoor learning experience(s) for our 5-acre campus.
• ·         Collections research on un- and under documented collections.
• ·         Exhibit development and design in collaboration with culturally-connected communities.

The intern will also be encouraged to participate in other museum work, both internal and external. Additional paid shifts as a docent will also be available if interested.

Compensation: A stipend of $2,500 will be provided, and housing on the museum campus is available. The Wilson Museum will work with your academic program to provide academic credits where applicable, and students who will be getting academic credit for their internship are preferred. Dates and total time commitment are flexible, with the primary onsite work taking place June through August.

This internship at the Wilson Museum is made possible by the Patricia L. Hutchins Internship Endowment Fund.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jgray@wilsonmuseum.org. Applications will close on March 1, 2024.

 Job Title:       Museum Education/Interpretation Internship                  

                                        Reports to:   Education Director

                                        Job Terms:    Non-Exempt, 35 hours per week, May-August

                                        Updated:      December 2023

 

The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport Maine seeks a full-time education/interpretation intern for summer 2024. This internship will provide hands-on work experience in the daily operations of a medium-sized museum, including activities in different departments and working as a member of the front line staff. This internship will include professional development field trips to other museums (in-person or online) and participation in an intern cohort. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

 

·       Participate in the intern cohort

o   Assist with and lead programming

o   Submit articles for enews

o   Conduct evaluations with visitors

o   Contribute posts and videos to social media

o   Assist with projects in different museum departments

o   Attend weekly intern meetings and intern field trips to other museums

o   Complete an internship project related to the intern’s skills and interests and adapted to their education level

·       Engage with visitors

o   Welcome visitors and answer questions

o   Learn written guided tours and lead scheduled guided tours

o   Lead groups of children (scouts, field trips, etc.) through exhibits

o   Assist or lead children’s crafts and programs

o   Lead two week-long children’s day camps

·       Contribute to a positive, safe, and tidy work environment

o   Work as part of a team and staff buildings/give presentations solo

o   Respond to security and/or safety concerns

o   Perform minor housekeeping in exhibit buildings, including sweeping, vacuuming, and monitoring pests, as needed

·       Additional duties may include

o   Covering the gift shop, including selling admissions, gift shop sales, and answering the phone

o   Conducting research

o   Other duties as assigned

Internship Length and Dates:

·       35 hours per week May 11^th (negotiable) through August 10th

o   Plus paid training hours in May that can be remote

·       Work some evenings, most Saturdays, and July 4th

 

Qualifications:

·       Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate program or graduate program in museum studies, history, public history, education, theater, material culture, or related field

·       Coursework in history, education, and/or performing arts preferred

·       Interest in museums and/or maritime history

·       Experience working with children

·       Experience working with the public

·       Excellent computer skills

·       Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Gmail, Facebook, Zoom, YouTube, and Instagram

 

Compensation

·       $15.25/hour paid biweekly

·       PMM will provide private, on-site housing for a small fee

 

Penobscot Marine Museum includes 12 buildings on a 3 ½ acre campus and it is open seasonally. In 2024, the Museum will welcome school field trips starting May 13^th and will be open to the public three days a week starting Memorial Day weekend and 5 days a week in July and August. July will include 4 weeks of children’s day camps plus weekly drop-in children’s activities. Other summer events will include two evening programs, monthly participation in Searsport Art Walks, visits to the local library, plus tabling at area festivals. The education/interpretation intern will be heavily involved in planning and running all of these activities as well as regularly staffing buildings and leading tours and demonstrations.

 

Review of applicants will begin February 15th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcripts (official or unofficial) as .pdfs to Penobscot Marine Museum education director Jeana Ganskop at jganskop@pmm-maine.org. The hiring process will include one round of Zoom interviews. Candidates invited for an interview will be asked to provide a list of references.

 

Have a question about the experience? Not sure how to apply? Want to find out more? Join Jeana and previous interns in a Zoom info session at 7pm on Tuesday, January 23^rd.  Click here to register.

Location:         Bristol, Maine

Type:               Quarter-Time

Application Deadline: 1/7/2024

About Old Bristol Historical Society

The Old Bristol Historical Society is an institution committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of Bristol, Maine. As a non-profit organization, we are on a mission to make Bristol’s historical legacy accessible to the community and beyond. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Director to join our team and lead our efforts in fundraising and achieving strategic priorities. This is a quarter-time position with future growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

●      Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure financial support for OBHS’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives.

●      Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.

●      Manage donor databases and fundraising campaigns to maximize contributions.

Facilitating The Organization’s Ability to Meet Its Strategic Priorities

●      Open the historic mill as a public site and cultural museum.

●      Become the pre-eminent repository of the region’s historical records and serve as the go-to resource for historical research and information.

●      Foster community engagement through year-round educational programs and events.

●      Complete the restoration of the OBHS’s campus grounds.

●      Expand outreach and collaboration with local and regional partners and institutions.

●      Work with the Board to build the governance, operational and financial infrastructure to support these initiatives.

Staff Management and Operational Oversight

●      Oversee the organization’s independent contractor staff.

Board and Stakeholder Relations

●      Work closely with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates on progress and financial status.        

Qualifications

●      Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including grant writing and donor cultivation.

●      Strong leadership and organizational skills.

●      Knowledge of historical preservation, cultural heritage, or museum management is a plus.

●      Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

●      Familiarity with Bristol, Maine, and its historical significance preferred.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience for a quarter-time position.

Application

If you are passionate about preserving history, building connections within the community, and leading fundraising efforts for a dynamic historical society, we invite you to apply. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to www.oldbristolhistoricalsociety03@gmail.com.

The Old Bristol Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Saco, Maine

 

Are you a dynamic, visionary leader with a passion for libraries, museums, and historical buildings? Do you have a desire to work with the Board and Community to re-envision the future of the Dyer Library and the Saco Museum 10-20 years down the road? If so, this is the career opportunity of a lifetime!

 

The Dyer Library (DL) and the Saco Museum (SM) are in the City of Saco less than 20 miles from Portland, ME, and 2 hours from Boston. The mission of the two institutions is to serve the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the residents of Saco and neighboring communities. Saco’s population of 21,000 is expected to grow by 20% over the next 5 years. The DL/SM has a $1 million annual budget and employs 7 full-time staff, 13 part-time staff and many volunteers. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, receiving support from the City of Saco and donors.

 

Key responsibilities of the Executive Director include providing transformative and transparent leadership for all stakeholders; participating in strategic planning and goal setting with the board of trustees and then working to achieve set goals; overseeing and participating in all areas of administration, finance, fundraising, public services, stakeholder relations, acquisitions, and marketing; working with the finance committee to prepare and administer the budget; and performing the usual duties of a manager including recruiting, hiring, developing, motivating, and evaluating staff.

 

Desirable qualifications include an MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited school (preferred) with a minimum of three years of leadership experience working in a library, museum, or other  non-profit organization; knowledge and experience in fundraising, including grant management; strong written and verbal communication skills; a leadership style that is both cooperative and inclusive; and familiarity with historical buildings and structures that require careful attention.  A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully meet the position requirements will be considered.

 

Interested applicants should apply with a cover letter and resume to the Hiring Committee via Laurie Bouchard, HR Consultant, laurie@lbouchardllc.com.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pejepscot History Center in Brunswick, Maine, owns and operates the Pejepscot Museum and Research Center, the nationally-recognized Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, and the Skolfield-Whittier House. The History Center has been in existence since 1888. It has owned its two historic house museums since the early 1980s. They are open from May-October for scheduled guided tours and year-round for private tours and other events.

The History Center operates under a dynamic strategic plan and in recent years has won praise for connecting local history to issues of contemporary relevance.

The new full-time position of OUTREACH MANAGER involves aspects of development, visitor, and volunteer services. As such, it offers a range of ways to be engaged with and impact a busy, three-museum local history organization and its constituents.

Components of the position include general site management of the PHC headquarters and Skolfield-Whittier House; member and donor services; oversight of volunteers and scheduling of house museum docents; visitor services and reception; promotion and publicity; and assisting with a variety of projects and events for current and new audiences.

Ideal candidates for the position must enjoy dynamic, small-team workplaces and be comfortable working on a range of tasks on any given day. They are hospitality-oriented, organized self-starters, excellent with details, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills. Given the many and diverse audiences this position interacts with, an outgoing, welcoming, and patient disposition is crucial. Creativity is key, and a good sense of humor is always appreciated.

Experience working in museums and/or similar visitor-oriented environments, is strongly preferred, as is a background in history or one or more aspects of outreach as defined above. A bachelor’s degree is required. Experience with constituent databases is extremely important. PHC uses Little Green Light for its member/donor database.

This non-exempt position is full-time, year-round at 37.5 hours per week and reports to the Executive Director. Benefits include PTO, holidays, and a health stipend. The daily schedule shifts during the “visitor season” (May-October) to accommodate Saturday open hours. Some evening and weekend hours are required year-round as part of the weekly schedule and/or for programming and special events. Some flexibility for remote work beyond the required on-site hours. Pay rate: Range starts at $23/hour and is dependent upon experience.

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume to Larissa Vigue Picard, Executive Director, director@pejepscothistorical.org. Email applications only. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start date is flexible but goal is to have someone in the position in early January. Please indicate availability.

Detailed Roles and Responsibilities:

●        Development & Marketing:

o   Manage Little Green Light constituent database: enter gifts, send acknowledgements, segment donor mailings, run reports

o   Manage annual and other appeals and membership recruitment and renewals in conjunction with director

o   Draft development pieces for PHC website, print and e-newsletters, social media, other promotion

o   Build relationships with business partners in conjunction with director

o   Liaison with Development Committee to develop agenda, provide reports

o   Develop materials for fundraising activities and events in conjunction with director; attend events

o   Assist with some grant writing

o   Manage calendar listings for programs and events

o   Develop promotional pieces such as posters and brochures, or work with vendor to produce such materials

●        Visitor Services:

o   Manage front-of-house responsibilities during open hours, putting visitor needs first

o   Open/close headquarters, update signage and messaging as necessary;

o   Manage phones and direct calls as needed

o   Process both online and in-person ticketing process for historic house museum tours

o   Process sales in the museum shop; update museum shop inventory; regularly update displays

o   Schedule and invoice school, private, and group tours

o   Track attendance at house museums, exhibitions, programs, etc.

o   Maintain website to ensure accurate information and online registration process

o   Manage event and program registration

o   Attend events as needed

●        Volunteer Management:

o   Promote volunteer opportunities to recruit new volunteers

o   Meet with volunteers, assess interests, and find meaningful projects for them at PHC and as docents at the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum and the Skolfield-Whittier House

o   Maintain ongoing communication with all volunteers

o   Organize trainings for new and returning volunteers

o   Manage the docent schedule for historic house museums

o   Organize volunteer appreciation eventsand arrange continuing education activities

Note:

●        Must be able to carefully handle collection items of varying sizes and weights

●        Must be able to ascend/descend staircases that are sometimes steep or narrow

●        Must be comfortable working in an open/public office environment and on a small staff team

The Colby College Museum of Art currently holds more than 900 artworks by the artist Alex Katz, along with associated archival materials that make up the Alex Katz Collection. In addition, the museum has a related collection of approximately 500 artworks—ranging from American and European modernism, to folk art and contemporary art—acquired through gifts from the Alex Katz Foundation, which was established in 2004 by the artist.

Reporting to the Head Curator and working with the curatorial team and others associated with the Colby Museum and its Lunder Institute for American Art, the Katz Curator envisions and implements the research, presentation, interpretation, publication, and collection-care initiatives for the Alex Katz Collection and the Katz Foundation Collection at the Colby Museum. In this capacity, they are a key contributor to the museum’s exhibition and publications as a whole. They also work dynamically, consistently, and responsively with the artist, his representatives, and other stakeholders to further the study and knowledge of Katz’s work and the diverse circle of historical and contemporary artists represented in the Katz Foundation holdings.

For more information about the position and to apply please visit: 

https://colby.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ColbyCareers/details/Katz-Curator_R0000571