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Historical Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elixir Technologies

Curator

New Orleans, LA · On-site

MA in History, Museum Science or related specialty * Minimum of four years' experience in a curatorial role at a history museum, cultural center, or similar institution * Extensive knowledge of the ...

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this ... The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ...

State of Nevada (NV)

CURATOR 2

Carson City, NV · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

The Curator of Education supervises Museum Attendants and volunteers and reports to the Museum ... Conduct field surveys of archaeological, historical, and pre-historical sites, and documents.

Audubon Institute

Curator of Birds

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$67K/yr

General Curator Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full Time Who We Are ... history are maintained, archived and retained according to established record retention schedules.

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Continuous Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History ... The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ...

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Curator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$60K/yr

PhDin textiles, art history, museum studies or related field such as anthropology or material ... curating and installing exhibitions, 5 years of experience supervising others; simultaneous ...

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Historical Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do historical curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a historical curator?

To thrive as a Historical Curator, you need expertise in history or museum studies, research proficiency, and often a relevant master's degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, artifact conservation techniques, and digital cataloging tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for public engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. These abilities ensure the accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts for educational and cultural enrichment.

What is the difference between Historical Curator vs Museum Educator?

AspectHistorical CuratorMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's in Education, History, or related field; often requires teaching or communication skills
Work EnvironmentMuseums, archives, historical sitesMuseums, educational programs, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageHistorical institutions, museums, archivesMuseums, educational organizations, cultural institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in historical preservation and curationLearning about educational roles within museums

The main difference is that a Historical Curator focuses on acquiring, caring for, and managing historical collections, while a Museum Educator emphasizes creating educational programs and engaging visitors. Both roles work within museums and cultural institutions but serve different functions in preserving history and educating the public.

What are some common challenges historical curators face when managing museum collections?

Historical Curators often encounter challenges such as preserving delicate artifacts, keeping up with evolving conservation techniques, and ensuring accurate documentation. Balancing the need for public access with the protection of sensitive items can also be difficult. Additionally, curators must regularly collaborate with conservators, researchers, and educators to interpret and display collections in engaging ways, all while managing limited budgets and resources.
More about Historical Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Historical Curator jobs? Cities with the most Historical Curator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historical Curator jobs? The most popular types of Historical Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Historical Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Historical Curator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Historical Curator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Historical Curator jobs are:
Historical Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historical Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Curator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non-Merit)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/19/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603777
Curator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non-Merit)
Salary
$43,210.08 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY NON-CHAPTER 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Historical Society
Location
100 W Broadway TDCCKH-History Center
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky's Tourism, Arts, and HeritageCabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the KentuckyMilitary History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters witha signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, andmore. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more aboutthe Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov
The Curatorial Associate works to fulfill the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and helps theircolleagues throughout the organization succeed. The Curatorial Associate serves on a highly collaborative teamthat researches, cares for, catalogs, exhibits, and interprets KHS's objects collections so that all projectsand programs elevate what we know about Kentucky history. The Curatorial Associate will process and catalogcollections according to best practices and KHS guidelines. The Curatorial Associate will also assist curatorswith the assessment and research of collections and potential collections. This position also providesstewardship of the agency's object collection so that these strategic assets are preserved and accessible forresearch, teaching, and exhibition purposes. Other duties include assisting Historical Resources colleaguesand volunteers with KHS programming, outreach, and exhibit preparation.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Help to provide stewardship over the KHS collection, including cataloging new acquisitions following KHSprocedures, standards, and guidelines.
  • Improve object records of the KHS collection utilizing PastPerfect database.
  • Work collaboratively with other KHS staff members to enhance the description of objects collections andincrease public access to materials.
  • Research and understand collections and their place in Kentucky history.
  • Promptly and effectively respond toinquiries from both staff and the public.
  • Process and organize new collections to expand and improve educational and research opportunities for thestaff and public.
  • As needed, assist with the packing, moving, storage, and installation of collections items for loans or inpreparation for exhibitions and special displays.
  • Monitor the security, safety, environmental, and structural condition of KHS storage areas, exhibition spaces,and across the KHS campus.
  • Serve on special projects and work teams.
  • Support a variety of KHS outreach efforts.
  • Other duties as assigned.
To see the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
  • Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use.
  • PastPerfect experiencepreferred.
  • Demonstrated facility in public speaking and writing to multiple kinds of audiences.
  • Knowledge of material culture, collections management, artifact care, and museum cataloging practices.
  • Adherence to professional codes of ethics and involvement in museum organizations.
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills. Must be able to manage a project from concept to completion.
This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Senior Curator. This is anunclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is$43,210.08 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. Benefits includehealth and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay,retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter andcurrent resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls are accepted. The deadline for submissions is08/19/2026. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equalopportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexualorientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital orfamilial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance withstate and federal law.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree in history, public history or a related field. Master's degree in museum studies,history, public history, or a similar area of study is preferred.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:(1) year of experience working with object collections in a museum setting
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:Education will substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
This is a 37.5-hour workweek, Monday - Friday, with holidays, occasional evening, and weekend hours.Required to be able to visually inspect the change in the condition of archival documents and collections objects;retrieve collection objects regularly that may weigh up to 40 lbs.; able to regularly bend, stoop, reach toretrieve and store collection objects.Frequent use of a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Erin Kuss at erin.kuss@ky.gov or 502.782.4624.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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