Archivist and Assistant Curator, Wistariahurst Museum, (Holyoke, MA)

Posted May 13, 2026

Description

Provides for the care of documents and memorabilia for the collection, catalogs, maintains documents, memorabilia and captures/preserves the city’s history, maintains and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas. Performs all other related work as required.

Responsibilities

Supervision Scope: Exercises independent judgment and initiative in the evaluation, accessioning and care of the museum’s historical collections and in the development of historical programming. Performs a variety of responsible functions in accordance with state statutes and local bylaws.

Supervision Received: Works under the general administrative direction of the Director of Wistariahurst Museum and in accordance with applicable provisions of the City ordinances. This position meets with the supervisor on a weekly basis.

Supervision Given: No supervision given to other employees. Supervises and trains volunteers and interns in archival procedures. Develops and delegates tasks, monitors and inspects work progress, and provides direction and correction as needed.

Advances the knowledge of the City’s history, promotes awareness and appreciation of the city’s history through research, writing, public speaking, publications, projects,
exhibits, and displays; additionally prepares classroom aides, guides, workshops and training.
Oversees all collections, monitors and determines appropriate maintenance for archive collections; annually reviews disaster plans by consulting with emergency management departments, board members, staff, volunteers and vendors; implements security procedures.
Designs, edits and prepares various printed material for professional production, assists with web content related to historical aspects of the museum and archives.
Serves as a liaison among the City’s museums, libraries, and historical and cultural institutions, and with similar outside groups, to encourage historical coordination, produce public programming, provides archival advice and aids in the preservation of historical collections.
Maintains a reference library of historical information in a central database for the city; serves as a central reference point for inquiries and information.
Speaks publicly at academic institutions, professional conferences, local organizations, libraries and historical societies.
Establishes policies and procedures on the formal acceptance of donations and determines acceptance by gift or purchase of historical artifacts, papers, photographs.
Compiles information for archive and museum policy development; collaborates with board and staff to create and establish policies and implements policy procedures.
Facilitates the collection and preservation of photographs and documents to be donated and interpretation of objects, to the city collections.
Coordinates recruitment, training, and assignment of volunteers for historical projects. Obtains contributions and grants to carry out these duties.
Works with all city departments having archival documents to maintain and preserve all relevant historical documents and materials.
Develops, designs, edits and implements evaluations of historical programming and
utilizes feedback to improve programming to meet audience expectations.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Qualifications

Education, Certification, Licensure and Experience:
Masters Degree in Library Science or related field; two or more years working in a library, archive or museum with emphasis on collection management, preservation, public history, and exhibit planning and management. Experience with historical research. Experience with public speaking and writing publications and related material, Volunteer management experience.

Comprehensive knowledge of collection management; museum and archive protocols for preservation, access and use; exhibit planning; disaster planning; policy development; copyright use; and, provenance.
General knowledge of Holyoke, MA and American History.
Knowledge of the applicable state and local laws and regulations relative to historic sites and collections.
Knowledge of PastPerfect database and/or content management systems.
Must be able to work independently, demonstrated ability to formulate goals and objectives and to establish and maintain effective contacts with a variety of groups and organizations, manipulate and analyze data, direct the work of others, communicate effectively and efficiently verbally and in writing at all times, and work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Grant writing and fundraising skills.
Excellent volunteer relations.
Strong customer service skills.
Skills in operating above mentioned equipment.
Proficient computer skills including desktop publishing.
Strong written and oral skills.
Must demonstrate creativity as it relates to educational and public awareness collateral.

Hours and Compensation

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status: Exempt (salary)
Employment status & Hours: Regular Full-time employment, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Salary/Pay rate: $55,975.16 (minimum) up to $74,027.15 (maximum) per year (GRADE – 9, AFSCME)
Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Optional Vision and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

How to Apply

Visit the following address to see the full listing: https://www.holyoke.org/documents/archivist-and-assistant-curator/

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]