Curator of Collections and Interpretation

Curator of Collections and Interpretation
York W. Bailey Museum and Archives
St. Helena Island (Beaufort County), South Carolina, USA

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The historic Penn Center, Inc. on St. Helena Island (Beaufort County), SC is the site of the former Penn School, founded in 1862 by Northern abolitionists and missionaries as one of the first schools for freed slaves. In 1971, Penn Center opened the York W. Bailey Museum to interpret and preserve the history of African American Sea Island culture. The archival collection is one of the foremost collections of African American history in the country. The 50-acre campus of 20 historic buildings on the Penn Center site was designated a National Historic Landmark district in 1974, one of only three in South Carolina.

Penn Center, Inc. is seeking applicants for the position of a full-time Curator of Collections and Interpretation for the York W. Bailey Museum and Archives. The Curator reports to the Director of History and Culture and is responsible for all aspects of the supervision, management and operation of the museum. He/she will also be responsible for the development of permanent and temporary exhibitions, curriculum development, program evaluations, museum acquisitions, conservation and preservation activities, and public programs and events. The Curator will also share responsibility with the Director of History and Culture for developing and managing all grants, fundraising activities and professional partnerships that support the Penn Center’s mission. Overall, the Curator will provide the vision and leadership necessary to promote long-range strategic planning for the future sustainability of the museum.

Minimum qualifications:
This individual should have expertise in African American or Sea Island history. He/she should have experience in museum education program development; have familiarity with current museum educational technology and practices; possess strong organizational skills; have experience in grant writing and fundraising; and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Three to five years experience working with museums, historic sites, preservation organizations, or related experience is preferred. Masters degree or equivalent in museum studies, education, historic preservation, history, architectural history, liberal arts, or related field required.

Send resume, cover letter and three references. Email to info@penncenter.com or mail to the attention of Bernie L. Wright, Executive Director, Penn Center, Inc., P.O. Box 126, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. Posting will be open until filled. Website: www.penncenter.com.

Contact information: (843) 838-2474.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job. This job posted by MERC from May 30 through August 29.