Archivist (Part-Time), Wellesley Historical Society (Wellesley, MA)

Posted January 9, 2026

Summary

The Wellesley Historical Society seeks a detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative museum professional to serve as its Archivist. This position plays a vital role in preserving, organizing, and providing access to the Society’s historical collections, ensuring that Wellesley’s documentary and material heritage is cared for according to professional archival standards.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Exhibits and Collections, the Archivist is responsible for the stewardship of the Society’s archival and special collections and for supporting research, exhibitions, and public access.

Collections Management

• Maintain physical and intellectual control of all Wellesley Historical Society collections,
  including archives, photographs, maps and plans, library materials, textiles, works of art,
  objects, entomology, and audiovisual materials.
• Manage accessioning, cataloging, processing, rehousing, labeling, and storage of
  collections in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
• Evaluate and determine the suitability of proposed acquisitions in collaboration with the
  Executive Director and Director of Exhibits and Collections.
• Develop, update, and maintain collections-related policies and procedures.

Collections Care & Preservation

• Monitor environmental conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, and light
  levels.
• Maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
• Conduct historic housekeeping of objects, storage areas, and exhibit spaces.

Records & Information Management

• Maintain current archival and collections management files, both physical and digital.
• Enter and manage archival and collections data in collections management system
  (PastPerfect).

Research & Access

• Respond to research inquiries and facilitate access to collections for staff, researchers,
  educators, and the public.
• Support exhibitions, educational programs, and publications through collections research
  and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience working with archival or museum collections.
• Knowledge of archival principles, collections management, and preservation standards.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and researchers.
• Proficiency with collections management software and general computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate training in archival studies, library science, museum studies, or a related field.
• Experience working with a broad range of materials, including photographs, manuscripts,
  and textiles.
• Familiarity with PastPerfect or similar collections management systems.
• Experience supporting exhibitions or interpretive projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to reach overhead, climb ladders, and navigate stairs as required for collections
  care and access.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

• Part-time position with flexible scheduling.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Paid vacation.
• Wellesley Historical Society membership with North American Reciprocal Museum
  (NARM) privileges.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to: [email protected].

About the Wellesley Historical Society
The Wellesley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Wellesley. Through exhibitions, public programs, speaker series, and walking tours, the Society fosters appreciation of the town’s heritage and connects local history to broader regional and national stories.

Learn more at www.wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.