Missouri History Museum

Curator of Textiles and Costumes Jobs at Missouri History Museum

Curator of Textiles and Costumes Jobs at Missouri History Museum

Sample Curator of Textiles and Costumes Job Description

Curator of Textiles and Costumes

Position Summary: 

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a Curator of Clothing and Textiles. This position is responsible for the curation and interpretation of the textile and clothing collection, which includes household textiles, quilts, samplers, clothing, hats, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. The collection comprises nearly 20,000 pieces spanning more than 200 years of history and is particularly notable for its Katherine Dunham collection and women's fashion of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Curator will be responsible for the acquisition, research and interpretation of artifacts. They will cultivate donor relations, work with lenders, respond to research inquiries, sit on committees that create and maintain policies and procedures, create or contribute work to a rotating schedule of exhibitions, and conduct research on the collection which results in enhanced public access to the collection through catalog records, publications (printed and online magazine, catalogues, blog posts, etc.), and engaging talks for the public. The Curator will write proposals for artifact acquisitions, conservation, and deaccessions.

Essential Functions: 

  • Researches and makes accessible the Missouri Historical Society's clothing and textile collection, working to improve the collections catalog records and online presence
  • Develops and implements a long-term plan for refining and enhancing the clothing and textile collection overall
  • Confers with collections staff on aspects of collection management and conservation including housing and storage, assessing object condition, and setting conservation priorities relating to this collection
  • Develops exhibits, tours, presentations, articles, and publications relative to the clothing and textiles history of the St. Louis region
  • Serves as the content-lead and spokesperson for in-house and traveling exhibitions with relevant themes
  • Fosters relationships with donors as well as other cultural and community organizations and responds to internal and public inquiries about the collection

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Fashion, Textile Studies, History, Art History, American Studies, Museum Studies or related field
  • Minimum three (3) years curatorial experience, preferably working with clothing and textiles
  • Experience with museum collections databases
  • Experience with exhibit development from concept to production, and knowledge of NPS exhibit conservation guidelines
  •  

Skills:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of museum and collection standards and best practices
  • Familiarity and understanding of proper artifact handling
  • Excellent organization skills, follow-through, and attention to detail
  • Excellent research, writing and editing skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects to successful completion on time
  • Team player able to work collaboratively with other departments within the museum
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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