Museum Curator History 2 (Ephrata Cloister)

About the role

Do you have a passion for material culture and archival materials? If you like conducting research, caring for artifacts and archival materials, as well as developing engaging programs and exhibits, then we have the job for you! The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is seeking a skilled, energetic, and experienced Curator to help manage, care for, and interpret the collections and 18th‑century Germanic historic structures at Ephrata Cloister, a four‑time American Alliance of Museums accredited historic site in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Apply today to continue your career at one of the Commonwealth's premier historic sites!

Ephrata Cloister, the site of Pennsylvania's most prominent 18th‑century religious community, is a 28‑acre National Historic Landmark featuring a visitor center, two cemeteries, and 11 historically significant buildings dating to the 18th and early 19th‑centuries. As the Museum's Curator, you will be responsible for the oversight, documentation, and care of Ephrata Cloister's significant collection, including approximately 4,000 artifacts in the permanent collection (furniture, iron, ceramics, textiles, paper, architectural elements), more than 1,050 reproduction and study items, loan collections, library collections, and landscape features such as cemeteries, gravestones and monuments.

Responsibilities

• Collection Management: Handle acquisitions, deaccessions, loans, cataloging, and inventorying of artifacts and archival materials
• Artifact Care: Store, clean, and protect items in the collection and give online access to materials
• Historical Research: Research site history, answer public questions, and establish the background of collection pieces
• Public Interpretation: Prepare and share information that helps visitors understand artifacts and the history of Ephrata Cloister
• Tour Support: Assist with planning and leading special tours focused on unique historical topics

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: One year as Museum Curator, History I (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or One year of curatorial work in any one or more of the fields of History or Decorative Arts, History of Fine Arts, History, or History of Science, Industry, and Technology, and a master's degree in American History, including or supplemented by either a museum studies course at the graduate level recognized by the American Associate of Museums or a museum internship; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Other Requirements: One or more years of full