Curator

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

$85K — $90K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge in History, American Studies, Archaeology, or related field with a focus on the 18th century and Virginia history.
  • Experience utilizing material culture to interpret historical narratives of the American Revolution.
  • Familiarity with best museum practices in collections management, exhibition development, and artifact handling.
  • Proven ability to conceptualize and write research articles and exhibition content.
  • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively in diverse teams and stakeholder environments.
  • Commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in historical narratives.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research and interpretation of historical content with an emphasis on diverse perspectives.
  • Oversee curatorial duties for the museum's permanent galleries, including content development for updates.
  • Support development of special exhibitions through research, writing, and artifact identification.
  • Conduct collections development, including acquisitions, deaccessions, and loans.
  • Provide historical expertise to support exhibitions, publications, and partnership initiatives.
  • Develop and deliver educational programming and lectures to enhance museum engagement.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and external experts on various research initiatives.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Engagement with a wide audience through educational programming.
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of staff and subject-matter experts.
  • Access to a rich collection of historical artifacts in a prominent museum setting.
Full Job Description
Curator

Job no:
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Categories: Educational and Media Services

Title: Curator

State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preserv III

Hiring Range: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00

Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Location: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Agency Website: jyfmuseums.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Lead curatorial research, scholarship, and interpretation of historical content for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, with an emphasis on diverse perspectives and the legacies of the American Revolution.

Provide curatorial oversight of the museum's permanent galleries, including research and content development for gallery refreshes.

Support the development of special exhibitions through historical research, exhibit writing, image and artifact identification, and development of related educational resources.

Participate in collections development, including recommendations for acquisitions, deaccessions, loans, and appropriate use of historical and archaeological materials.

Conduct research and provide historical expertise to support exhibitions, programs, publications, staff initiatives, donors, and external partners.

Develop and deliver lectures, staff training, educational programs, and other public and professional programming that expands access to and understanding of the museum's collections and history.

Collaborate with curatorial colleagues, internal departments, external partners, and subject-matter experts on exhibitions, interpretation, collections, and research initiatives.

Support collections access, digitization, documentation, and responsible stewardship of artifacts in the Commonwealth's permanent collection and on loan.

Contribute to peer review of public-facing content and assist with educational materials, lesson plans, and other interpretive resources.

Maintain professional standards for historical research, collections stewardship, confidentiality, and collaboration, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of History, American Studies, Archaeology, or a related field- preferably supported by advanced coursework-with a focus on the 18th century, Virginia history, and the American Revolution and its legacies.
• Knowledge of and experience using material culture to interpret the history of the American Revolution and its legacies today.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best museums practices including but not limited to collections management, exhibition development, acquisitions, and object handling.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, research and write articles, exhibition content, and interpretive materials.
• Ability to work effectively on teams with all levels of staff and stakeholders with diverse perspectives, experiences and areas of expertise.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion as it relates to broadening the historical narrative.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to meet multiple deliverables with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, database software and tools, as well as museum industry software such as collections management systems.

Preferred

Significant expertise in exhibition planning and development.

Previous professional experience in museums, material culture, research, or related field.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Lee Ann Shelhorse

Phone: 757-253-4553

Email: [email protected]

Advertised: 02 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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