Museum Curator

The Delaware Historical Society is seeking dynamic, open-minded, and enthusiastic individuals to join the interpretive staff of the Read House & Gardens, its National Historic Landmark campus in New Castle. Museum interpreters guide visitors through the 14,000-square-foot mansion and lead youth and adult educational programs. As the public face of the Read House experience, interpreters play a central role in fulfilling the Delaware Historical Society's mission in New Castle. Applicants should be comfortable speaking in front of groups of various sizes and should demonstrate a desire to work with and around children, as well as to engage with a diverse audience and multiple historical perspectives and interests. This position is part-time and offers flexibility in scheduling; hours are assigned based on program bookings. Weekend and (less frequently) evening hours may be required. Individuals from various backgrounds looking to share their passion and knowledge of art, history, and culture are encouraged to apply. Interpreters at the Read House & Gardens may work concurrently at the Delaware History Museum in Wilmington but must undergo a separate application process.About the Organization:The George Read II House & Gardens comprises a 14,000-square-foot mansion built between 1797 and 1804 and formal gardens added in 1847–48. As an outstanding example of Philadelphia federalstyle architecture, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2017. George Read II was the first U.S. Attorney for Delaware, and his father was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as a governor, U.S. senator, and chief justice in Delaware. Under the stewardship of Phillip and Lydia Chichester Laird in the 20th century, the house and grounds became a model of the colonial revival movement and appeared widely in American lifestyle and design publications. The Delaware Historical Society assumed ownership of the site upon Lydia Laird's death in 1975 and undertook a state-of-the-art restoration and furnishing campaign during the 1980s. The Read House is situated in New Castle, Delaware, adjacent to the First State National Historical Park and overlooking the Delaware River. In addition to the RH&G, the Delaware Historical Society oversees the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, Delaware History Museum, DHS Research Library, and Willingtown Square in downtown Wilmington. It strives to reach culturally diverse audiences through inclusive programming, exhibitions, and site interpretation.Responsibilities:Conduct tours and educational programming at the Read House & Gardens. This includes walkin tours on weekdays and weekends, adult group tours, school fi eld trips, and assistance during public programs and special events.Provide excellent customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for museum visitorsMaintain educational spaces, equipment, and suppliesContribute to the development and implementation of educational programs and resourcesWork with the Read House & Gardens Education Coordinator and Visitor Services Associate to foster a welcoming and inclusive visitor experienceEnsure welfare and safety of visitors and provide security for collectionsAssist in other related tasks as directedQualifications/Skills: High school diploma (bachelor's degree preferred, with experience in history or a related discipline)Interest in situating the Read House within local, national, and global history, including a willingness to continually expand and refi ne your understanding of historical conceptsComfort speaking in front of groups, answering questions clearly and directly, expressing concepts effectively to museum visitors, and interacting enthusiastically with people of all ages, educational levels, and backgroundsAbility to navigate stairs, stand or walk for extended periods of time, and lift average-weight objects of up to 25 poundsWillingness to learn, apply, and refi ne new teaching methodologies, especially object-based approachesEffective interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a teamComfort with classroom technologiesPositive attitude, an open mind, and flexibilityThe Delaware Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Delaware Historical Society is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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