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History Museum Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Landover, MD · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Learn more about this agency Duties Help The ...

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$49K - $64K/hr

Experience * Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or similar. * 1-3 years professional experience working in a modern and contemporary art museum, gallery, or academic setting.

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History Museum information

What is a history museum?

History museums are institutions dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting artifacts, documents, and other materials related to human history. They provide visitors with insights into past events, cultures, and significant figures through curated exhibitions and educational programs. History museums often feature permanent and temporary displays, interactive exhibits, and public lectures to engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of historical developments. They play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and making history accessible to people of all ages.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for staff working at a history museum?

Staff at a history museum often divide their time between engaging with visitors, conducting research on collections, and assisting with educational programs or exhibitions. Daily tasks can include cataloging artifacts, preparing displays, leading tours, and collaborating with curators and educators to develop new content. Depending on the size of the museum, you may also help with marketing, event planning, or community outreach. The role requires flexibility and teamwork, as priorities can shift quickly based on visitor needs or upcoming events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a history museum curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a History Museum Curator, you generally need a background in history or museum studies, often supported by an advanced degree and relevant curatorial experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibit design software, and conservation techniques is typically required. Strong research abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help curators engage audiences and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills are essential to ensure the preservation, interpretation, and public appreciation of historical artifacts and narratives.

What is the difference between History Museum vs Archivist?

AspectHistory MuseumArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Archival Science, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseum exhibits, public engagement, educational programsArchives, records management, preservation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, educational organizationsLibraries, government agencies, historical societies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in history preservation and educationManaging historical records and documents

While both roles involve working with historical materials, a History Museum focuses on curating exhibits and educating the public about history, whereas an Archivist specializes in preserving, organizing, and managing historical records and documents for future access.

How to become a history museum historian?

A history museum historian typically needs a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's degree or higher. Relevant skills include research, writing, and knowledge of archival tools, and experience gained through internships or volunteer work is valuable. Advanced positions may require a doctorate and strong expertise in specific historical periods or regions.

Is it difficult to get a job in a history museum?

Getting a job in a history museum can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in history, museum studies, or a related field. Experience through internships or volunteer work is also valuable, and positions may require knowledge of collections management, research skills, or public engagement.

What are popular job titles related to History Museum jobs in Reston, VA?

For History Museum jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching History Museum jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for History Museum jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for History Museum jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most History Museum job openings:

History Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various History Museum job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)

Parsons Corporation

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
The GEOINT History Program Specialist - Mid, is responsible for the development and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual supports the operation and maintenance of the Customer history archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate Customer's history to Customer's employees and public affairs mission both internally and externally. Duties include content development and execution, museum support, and Historical Research Center archiving and curation.
Duties Include:
  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating Customer's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.

  • Historical Research Center Archiving: Archival processing, customary basic preservation procedures, inventorying and entering records metadata, assisting in collaborative efforts with Customer Records Management and the National Archives. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials while providing reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Answer and receive external phone/email inquiries and ability to conduct the background research to generate a response.

  • Historical Research Center Curation: Record processing for artifacts and assistance with the inventorying and enforcing accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer custody. Ensuring measurement and metrics are accurately recorded. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Assist the Program Manager and Customer Historian on Customer's history audit including attending meetings, working with auditors, and performing curation inspections as required. Work deaccessions forms and reports for items along with managing the removal process from start to finish.

  • Customer Museum Support: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, and any museum specific communications about Customer history program. Provide guided tours of the museum and exhibits.

Required Skills:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field. 1-year experience in the career field of curation or a certificate from an approved technical curatorial program in museum management required.

  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 5+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.

  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.

  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.

  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.

  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
  • Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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