CURATOR
MISSION STATEMENT
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is committed to interpreting the history and culture of African Americans who contributed to the rich history of Maryland. Through its collections, programming, and advocacy, the museum engages and educates our shared communities.
BACKGROUND
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture opened in June 2005, in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The 82,000 square foot building houses 10,000 artifacts showcasing 400 years of Maryland African American history and culture. The museum is the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about African American Marylanders. As the gateway to history through living culture, the museum showcases groundbreaking collections, exhibitions, performances, public and educational programs for all ages, and bridges the gap between the past and the present.
The Lewis is the second largest African American museum on the East coast.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Curator will work with The Lewis’s Interpretation, Collections, and Education team reporting to and working with the department director who serves as Chief Curator. The Curator works to develop exhibitions throughout the museum. The Curator is responsible for originating, researching, and developing exhibits at The Lewis. Working with the Registrar & Collections Manager and director, the curator will support acquiring and deaccessioning works, managing donation offers, cultivating donors, and other departmental duties as needed. The Curator will support the development of initiatives that engage the community with the museum’s collection.
Primary Responsibilities
- Research specific people, places, and events related to the history of Maryland African American History and Culture in support of the museum’s exhibitions and programs.
- Connect with local partners in promoting The Lewis Museum and cultivating community support.
- Originate, research, and develop exhibitions for the museum.
- Assist in planning and budgeting for exhibitions.
- Maintain project and exhibit schedules and help the team meet exhibit deadlines.
- Identify loan exhibitions that are cost-effective and relevant to Maryland.
- With the Director of Interpretation, Collections, and Education and the Collections Committee of the Board, cultivate donors, handle donation offers, identify objects for acquisitions and deaccession projects, and conduct object research as needed to make an informed recommendation.
- Draft exhibition texts and ID labels according to an approved museum process.
- Move, lift, carry, and otherwise handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Assist in the Lewis Museum’s rewriting of policy and procedural documents as necessary.
- Work with the Development staff to provide content to grants as needed.
- Serve as primary staff to the Collections Committee.
Skills and Qualifications
- 3-5 years in a curatorial setting
- M.A. degree in American History, American Studies, Gender Studies, African American or Africana studies, Museum Studies, Art History, Curatorial Studies, or a related discipline
- Experience conducting research in the subject areas of American and/or African American History for a museum setting or equivalent public audience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite desired.
- Knowledge of Past Perfect collections database a plus.
- Experience with museum policies and practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and solid interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team required
- Well organized and attention to detail required
- Must be a motivated self-starter
This is a full-time position with the State of Maryland benefits. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: arthur.brown2@lewismuseum.org No phone calls, please.
$68, 000 – $70,000
Categories: Job Postings