Blog and Newsletter

The Boothbay Railway Village is searching for a creative and energetic individual to join its team as Education Director & Curator. The Museum’s extensive campus is located in the beautiful coastal community of Boothbay, Maine.  The Board and staff have just completed a strategic planning process that describes a new and vibrant vision for the museum. The plan defines public education as the museum’s principle deliverable and envisions a living village museum that engages visitors in a story that has multiple threads about how technologies like steam trains, automobiles, and electricity impacted life for Mainers from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries. 

This exciting new professional museum position of Education Director & Curator will have responsibility for the interpretation program at the Museum, as well as the management and maintenance of the extensive artifact collections. A full job description is available on the Museum’s website at www.RailwayVillage.org. This is a full-time, year-round position with full employer paid health benefits, a generous retirement program as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and the names of 3 references (indicating relation to the candidate, phone number, and e-mail address) to Margaret Hoffman, Executive Director, at margaret@railwayvillage.org.  Paper copies may be sent to Boothbay Railway Village, PO Box 123, Boothbay, ME 04537, but electronic submissions of material are preferred.  No phone inquiries, please.  Review of applications will begin on June 26, 2015. 

 

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore is seeking additional paid staff to train as historical interpreters.

Teachers, actors, history lovers or anyone interested in dressing up in period clothes and pretending to be someone else should apply. Interpreters share history in a fun, humorous yet thought-provoking way with visitors of all ages, creating a memorable museum and farm experience.

The ideal candidate has an outgoing personality, with the ability to engage all types of audiences, especially school groups.  Norlands’ interpreters teach history by doing, using living history techniques to share accurate information about the historical buildings, the Washburn family, agricultural methods and the way people lived in the 1800s.

We are seeking people who are curious about the world, especially the 19th century and the remarkable Washburn family. All training is provided. This is an ideal position for someone looking for a flexible schedule.  This is a part-time position.  Hours worked per week depend on the season and as programs are scheduled.  April – June and September-October are the heavier-scheduled months.

To learn more or to apply, email a letter of interest and resume to Sheri Leahan, director, at norlands@norlands.org.  FMI: visit www.norlands.org.

Pejepscot Historical Society is seeking an experienced, energetic, and creative individual to serve as Museum Services Manager for the Pejepscot Museum and Research Center, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, and the Skolfield-Whittier House, all located in historic downtown Brunswick, Maine.

The Museum Services manager will assist with day-to-day operations of the museums, including opening and closing, greeting and assisting guests, providing assistance to researchers, managing volunteer tour guides, managing summer walking tour program, scheduling and coordinating group tours, and other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and technological skills are required. A background in historical research is also required; a bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in the humanities, along with a strong interest in the questions and issues involved in local history, is highly desirable. A willingness to serve as needed in a small organization is essential.

This position is roughly 35 hours per week from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend and roughly 24 hours per week in the off season of October through May.

During the museum season, the Museum Services Manager will work Tuesdays through Saturdays. In the off season, s/he will work Wednesdays through Fridays. Some additional evening and weekend hours will be required.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to director@pejepscothistorical.org by June 5, 2015.

Freeport Historical Society

Office Manager

·         Part-time, 32 hrs/week May-October; 24 hours per week November-April

·         $11/hour

Freeport Historical Society (FHS) is seeking applicants for the position of office manager.  The position will be part-time, with an increased schedule during the summer months.

The Office Manager reports to the FHS Executive Director and assists both the Executive Director and Collections Manager in a variety of administrative duties, including:

·         Working with volunteers

·         Greeting visitors

·         Arranging logistical details for public events

·         Ordering office supplies

·         Maintaining accurate records and databases.

Successful applicants will possess:

·         Proven experience providing excellent customer service

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, especially Access, plus QuickBooks. 
• Comfort with working in the digital world of the modern office. 
• Experience handling phones and other office machinery
• An ability to multi-task
• The ability to work a flexible schedule as needed, including some weekends.
• A current, valid driver’s licence

A bachelor’s degree and an interest in history are preferred.

The Freeport Historical Society is a non-profit organization in Freeport, Maine dedicated to preserving the town’s past and keeping that past alive in the present.  The Society is a vibrant organization with a key role in the local community.

For more information, consult the FHS website, www.freeporthistoricalsociety.org or call 207-865-3170.  A resume and cover letter should be sent to director@freeporthistoricalsociety.org.

Closing date for applications: June 2, 2015

The successful Development Associate will have a genuinely outgoing personality and a sense of humor.  S/he should promote the mission and programs of the Museum and be a good team player.  S/he will be computer savvy, highly organized, able to multi-task and meet deadlines, and able to create and maintain exemplary filing systems and records.  As the first face and/or voice most visitors and donors will encounter with the Museum, the Associate is expected to be community-oriented with an eye toward the development of the membership, visitation, and financial aspects of the Museum.
Responsible for maintaining and initiating all development records including those pertaining to Membership, Annual fund and Capital Campaign drives. The position is critical to the success of all fundraising endeavors. Knowledge of standard office computer software, spreadsheets, and the use of social media is extremely important. This position requires a willingness to acquire proficiency with PastPerfect, the current development software program in use by the Brick Store Museum.

This position is a part-time (24 hours per week) position with starting hourly wage of $14.25 per hour. The Development Associate may work additional hours during weekends and weeknights, depending on the Museum’s event staffing needs. This position is a term appointment for one-year, with the possibility of renewal after that term.

The position has several components:

DEVELOPMENT

·         Enter all new memberships and renewal information. Generate membership cards and thank you letters.  

·         Enter all donations as they are received and generate thank you letters appropriate for the level of giving and personalized to the specific donor. 

·         Record gifts of cash and checks for the bookkeeper. Make deposits as necessary—usually weekly.

·         Generate reports and current data to use as tools in all membership drives and fundraising efforts.

·         Assist in creating and implementing fundraising and capital campaign events throughout the year.

·         Be an active participant in the Museum’s grant-writing and grant opportunity identification.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Assist the Director and staff in planning, publicizing, and implementing public programs, group tours and special events.   This includes being available for occasional after-hours programs. 

OFFICE SUPPORT

General office support includes greeting visitors, answering phones, and maintenance of office supplies as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, business, finance, or related field; or related work experience. Excellent organizational and communication skills; knowledge of computer databases, and scanning. Experience in nonprofit development and knowledge of PastPerfect preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed under typical office conditions in the museum.  The Development Associate must be familiar with the operation of typical office computer systems and devices, telephones, standard office equipment, and copier/scanners. The work may involve exposure to dust and the ability to lift boxes up to 40 pounds. Noise level is quiet, except for routine interactions during the work day.

 To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to Cynthia Walker, Executive Director, at edirector@brickstoremuseum.org. (or via mail to 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043) by May 27, 2015.

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

http://mainehumanities.org/uncategorized/now-hiring-development-and-communications-assistant/

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Maine Humanities Council (MHC) is a Portland-based nonprofit organization that serves the state of Maine. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people in Maine through literature, history, philosophy, and culture with programs, events, grants, and online resources that encourage critical thinking and conversation across social, economic, and cultural boundaries. Our work connects people through the power and pleasure of ideas, reaching audiences of all economic backgrounds in ways that make a significant difference in their lives.

The MHC is seeking a full-time Development and Communications Assistant to provide support for the fundraising and communications efforts of the organization. In that capacity, this individual will assist with responsibilities that include:

  *   Performing gift entry and acknowledgement process and assist with solicitation process
  *   Assist with prospect research
  *   Assist with preparation for and execution of special fundraising events
  *   Assist with writing stories for fundraising publications; write blog posts and daily social media posts
  *   Assist with board alumni "friendraising" and fundraising efforts
  *   Perform website updates and handle social media schedules
  *   Draft and send press releases
  *   Execute marketing and publicity plans for programs and events
  *   Create postcards for MHC events as needed

The ideal candidate will have:

  *   Excellent organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills
  *   The ability to meet deadlines and maintain organized records with high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment
  *   Superior attention to detail
  *   Sensitivity to confidential information required
  *   Strong writing skills and the ability to adopt different styles depending on needs
  *   Proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database software (Filemaker)
  *   Familiarity with content management systems for websites (WordPress)
  *   Familiarity with social media and online communication tools
  *   Strong interest in the humanities

Basic graphic design skills (Photoshop, Adobe InDesign) and familiarity with an email marketing service (MailChimp) are desired. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

The salary for this position is $25,000 with a benefit package.

To apply, please send a résumé, cover letter, writing sample, and three references to info@mainehumanities.org<mailto:info@mainehumanities.org>. Applications due by 5 pm on Wednesday, May 20th.

Just in time for Preservation Week 2015, NEDCC is pleased to announce the newly revised and expanded version of Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Paper and Media Collections. This free resource provides a basic introduction to the concepts and standards used to build an effective preservation program.

The new edition includes expanded information on caring for audiovisual collections, digital preservation and copyright, and emergency management, and includes activities and readings designed to aid institutions and private individuals performing their own preservation planning. Preservation 101 has a long history as an authoritative and succinct reference for professionals, students, and individuals.

The freely available Preservation 101 textbook is the foundation for NEDCC's interactive online course on general preservation topics. A series of 10 live webinars builds on self-paced study, using assigned readings and other resources to supplement classroom discussion.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRESERVATION 101: http://bit.ly/pres101enews

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Invites You
to Her Federal Grants Workshop for Maine Cultural Organizations


Tuesday, May 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 
(Doors open at 9)

Governor Hill Mansion
136 State Street Augusta

• Meet representatives from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Hear about federal grant opportunities for library, arts, and humanities projects
• Learn how to make your application as competitive as possible
• Free admission
• Coffee and pastries served

Please register by Friday, May 1, by emailing Andrew.Colvin@mail.house.gov.

Penobscot Marine Museum is seeking an Assistant Store Manager for the 2015 season, mid-May

to late October. This position will handle daily museum operations including admissions,

museum shop and membership sales, security, light housekeeping, and opening and closing the

museum. The Assistant Store Manager will be the lead staff person on weekends working with

museum interpreters to ensure the smooth operation of the museum, including answering

questions, directing inquiries to the correct department and managing the security system.

Position Description and Responsibilities include:

 assist visitors

 sell admission tickets

 promote membership

 operate cash register

 provide general information about the museum to visitors

 straighten and refill merchandise

 light cleaning

Qualifications

Ideal candidates possess:

 excellent public speaking skills

 mature and outgoing personality; must love talking with people!

 self-starter

 ability to solve problems independently

 interest in education, history, or museums

 outstanding customer service skills

 ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and manage several tasks

simultaneously

 reliability and professional appearance

Previous experience in retail or customer service preferred. The position is part time seasonal

and does not include benefits. The work schedule will vary in accordance with the program

schedule and will include weekends and holidays.

PMM is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating the maritime culture of the

Penobscot Bay Region and beyond through collections, education and community engagement.

The Museum houses superb collections of marine art, historic boats, scrimshaw, ship models and

19th export items as well as over 100,000 historic photographs. Our seaport village campus

comprises a National Register of Historic Places district along with modern purpose-built exhibit

and storage facilities. Museum programs take place year round, with the busiest time being mid-

May to Mid-October when the campus is open to the public.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional

references to, Assistant Store Manager Search, Penobscot Marine Museum, PO Box 498,

Searsport, ME  04974 or via email to skettell@pmm-maine.org.