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Historical Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SD Historical Society Foundation

Associate Editor

Pierre, SD · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

About the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of South ...

Posted today

SD Historical Society Foundation

Associate Editor

Madison, SD · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

About the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of South ...

Posted today

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$28K

$50.8K

$69.5K

How much do historical society jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical society in the United States is $50,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Historical Society vs Museum Curator?

AspectHistorical SocietyMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHistory degree, nonprofit experienceHistory, museum studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, community-focusedMuseums, cultural institutions
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, preservation groupsMuseums, cultural heritage institutions
Common Search/ComparisonHistorical Society rolesMuseum Curator roles

While both roles focus on history and preservation, a Historical Society typically operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to local history and community engagement. A Museum Curator manages collections, exhibitions, and educational programs within a museum setting. The two roles often collaborate but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a historical society?

Professionals at historical societies often encounter challenges such as securing funding for preservation projects, managing the proper care and cataloging of artifacts, and engaging the public through educational programs. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on preservation work can also be demanding. Additionally, collaborating with local communities, historians, and other organizations is essential to broaden the impact of the society's initiatives and ensure the accurate preservation of local history.

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

To thrive as a Historical Society Manager, you need a background in history, museum studies, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and experience in archival research or preservation. Familiarity with collections management systems, digitization tools, and grant writing is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong public engagement abilities help you build community support and effectively manage programs. These competencies are crucial for preserving historical artifacts, promoting educational outreach, and ensuring the society’s long-term sustainability.

What is a historical society?

A historical society is an organization dedicated to preserving, collecting, and interpreting historical materials and artifacts related to a specific region, community, or topic. These societies often manage museums, archives, and educational programs to promote public interest in history. Members and volunteers work to document local heritage, organize events, and make historical information accessible to the community. Historical societies play a vital role in ensuring that valuable stories and records are preserved for future generations.
More about Historical Society jobs
What cities are hiring for Historical Society jobs? Cities with the most Historical Society job openings:
What states have the most Historical Society jobs? States with the most job openings for Historical Society jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Historical Society jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Historical Society jobs are:
Historical Society jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historical Society job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,840 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Museum Educator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non Merit)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$32K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/21/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603794
Museum Educator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non Merit)
Pay Grade00
Salary
$32,469.60 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 West Broadway 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
" target="_blank">https://history.ky.gov.
The Museum Educator I will work to fulfill the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society as well as helptheir colleagues throughout the organization succeed. The position plays an integral part on the LearningTeam. The Museum Programs Educator I will work with members of the Learning Team to offer student and publicmuseum programs such as field trips, tours, museum experiences, and events at our three museum sites: theThomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Facilitate experiences and programs for the K-12 student audience
  • Handle day-to-day operations for the school groups during their field trips at our three museum sites,including providing museum introductions, guiding group tours, and leading activities such as Learning Labsacross KHS's museum campus.
  • Work with members of the Learning Team to develop educational materials and programs that promote inquiry-based learning aligned with the Kentucky Academic Standards.
  • Evaluate field trip operations and support efforts to improve student engagement, program efficiency, and useof staff resources to deliver the best experience possible.
  • Implement programs and resources for museum guests of all ages.
  • provide support in the design and implementation of ongoing and special programming at all three museum sites.
  • Assist the Learning Team and other KHS employees with delivering outreach programming across Kentucky atprofessional conferences, historic sites or organizations, libraries and other partner entities.
  • Provide stewardship of KHS resources.
  • Under supervision, coordinate logistics, purchasing, and other deliverables; complete reports and otherpaperwork as necessary.
  • Collaborate with the KHS Marketing Team and outside partners to raise awareness of programs. To see the fullposition description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree in education, history, museum studies, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:One (1) year of professional experience as an educator in a classroom, museum, library, orcommunity center; similar work experience will be considered
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:Three (3) years of experience as an educator in a classroom, museum,library, or community center.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
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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