Collections Manager and Registrar, Hingham Historical Society, (Hingham, MA)

Posted January 29, 2026

Job Description:

The Collections Manager & Registrar is responsible for the professional stewardship, organization, and care of the Hingham Historical Society’s collections, archives, and library. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position works closely with the Board Collections Committee and key volunteers to oversee accession and deaccession decisions, registration, cataloging, documentation, movement, safekeeping, storage, and conservation management of artifacts and archival materials. This role is ideal for a highly organized, hands-on museum professional who enjoys building systems, maintaining accurate records, managing multiple priorities, and advancing best practices—while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collections Stewardship & Documentation
   • Responsible for day-to-day stewardship and care of the Society’s collections, archives, and library
   • Create and maintain accurate physical and digital object records following professional best practices
   • Coordinate object photography and ensure images and records are properly organized and accessible
   • Research and resolve items not properly catalogued and incomplete records
   • Ensure that newly catalogued items are researched and described to a degree appropriate to their significance—supporting valuation, interpretation, and future decision-making
2. Registration, Accessioning, and Cataloging
   • Manage monthly Collections Committee meetings and sub committee meetings
   • Manage all artifact acquisitions, including receipt, accessioning, condition reporting, and cataloging
   • Maintain consistent registration practices and documentation standards
   • Track object movement and location, ensuring clear custody and accountability at all times
3. Loans and Deaccessioning
   • Manage incoming and outgoing loans, including:
     • Generating and administering loan agreements
     • Completing incoming and outgoing condition reports
     • Tracking insurance, transportation, rights, reproduction permissions, and credit lines
     • Maintaining complete correspondence and documentation files
   • Coordinate artifact deaccessions, including recommending items for deaccession, tracking required documentation, and managing final disposition logistics
4. Storage, Handling, and Conservation Coordination
   • Oversee safe storage and environmental practices, including organization of existing collections storage spaces across our three properties
   • Coordinate conservation needs, treatment proposals, and vendor/contractor work as appropriate
   • Support planning and preparedness for the Society’s upcoming transition to purpose-built archives and collections storage, including improving systems now that will translate smoothly to a future move
   • Support planning and preparedness to transition the Heritage Museum’s 3rd Floor Reading Room to the Hingham Historical Society Library and Reading Room once Collections staff and current Archives storage have relocated
   • Work with the Executive Director to pursue grants for Collections stewardship
5. Internship, Volunteer, and Staff Management
   • Supervise the Society’s innovative internship program:
     • During the academic year: oversee 2–5 high school interns Tuesday -Friday working in collaboration with the Museum Educator
     • During the summer: oversee two graduate-level interns working in collaboration with Old Ordinary Committee Chair and Internship sponsor
     • Provide training, clear work plans, hands-on supervision, and project-based learning opportunities
   • Supervise a part-time Archivist
   • Coordinate work with weekly archives volunteers, contractors, and interns
   • Help train new staff so they understand the collections function, layout, policies, and procedures
6. Exhibitions, Programs, and Institutional Support
   • Contribute to the preparation and installation of a multi year exhibition schedule, including object selection, documentation, handling, and installation support
   • Assist the Executive Director with research requests connected to programming, interpretation, and institutional priorities
   • Support Development and Membership efforts as needed for donor events involving collections and archives
   • Work closely with the Historic Preservation Administrator at the Town of Hingham and the Local History Librarian at the Public Library on shared programs and displays
7. Digital & Public-Facing Collections Storytelling
   • Help broadcast and promote collections work through contributions to the Society’s website, blog, newsletter, and other channels
   • Provide collections-based content for social media
   • Expand the reputation of the Collections by pursuing publication of articles that communicate that the richness of the Society’s holdings and the relevance of Hingham’s history
8. Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is detail-driven, proactive, and excited to build on strong existing
collections momentum while helping lead the Society into its next phase of stewardship
and storage planning.

Required / Strongly Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework in museum studies, public history, archives, or library science preferred
• Demonstrated experience with collections management practices, registration, cataloging, and documentation systems
• Facility with database software (PastPerfect experience strongly preferred)
• Highly organized and dependable, with excellent time management and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and a professional approach when collaborating with volunteers, interns, donors, and researchers
• Self-directed and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, nonprofit environment
• Positive, can-do attitude and comfort working as part of a small team
• Appreciation for Hingham and its history is a plus
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend events as needed

Hours and Compensation:

This is a full-time (35 hours/week), on-site position based in Hingham. Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, with occasional evening or weekend hours required for select events or special projects.

$24 – $28 per hour depending upon experience Benefits include paid vacation and holidays, plus support for professional development for qualified employees.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with APPLICATION – COLLECTIONS MANAGER & REGISTRAR in the subject line.