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Museum Archival Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Newfields

Associate Director of Education

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... Archives to support learning across the Newfields campus. Central to the position is expanding the ... Museum of Art, The Garden, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, Lily House, and Miller ...

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Museum Archival information

What is a museum archival job?

Museum archival jobs involve the preservation, organization, and management of historical documents, artifacts, and records within a museum setting. Professionals in these roles ensure that valuable collections are properly documented, stored, and maintained for both research and public display. They may also assist with cataloging new acquisitions, digitizing collections, and supporting exhibitions by providing access to archival materials. These positions require strong attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and often a background in history, library science, or museum studies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum archivist?

To thrive as a Museum Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and a relevant degree such as library science, history, or museum studies. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, cataloging standards (like DACS or MARC), and preservation techniques is essential. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial to ensure the accurate preservation, accessibility, and interpretation of valuable museum collections.

What are some common challenges faced by museum archival professionals in preserving and digitizing collections?

Museum archival professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the preservation of delicate artifacts with the need for public access and digital documentation. Handling fragile or deteriorating materials requires specialized techniques and careful environmental controls. Additionally, digitization projects can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, often requiring coordination with curators, IT staff, and external vendors. Staying updated on evolving best practices and technologies is crucial for ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility of collections.

What is the difference between Museum Archival vs Museum Collections Manager?

AspectMuseum ArchivalMuseum Collections Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in history, library science, or archival studiesRequires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fields, often with collections management certification
Work EnvironmentArchives, storage rooms, and research areas within museums or archivesExhibition spaces, storage, and administrative offices within museums
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreserving, organizing, and cataloging archival materials and documentsManaging and maintaining museum collections, including acquisition, documentation, and display

While both roles involve handling museum materials, Museum Archivists focus on preserving and organizing archival documents, whereas Museum Collections Managers oversee the broader management of museum collections, including artifacts and exhibits. Both require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Are museum archivists in demand?

Museum archivists are in moderate demand, with employment opportunities driven by the need to preserve and manage historical collections. Job growth is steady but can vary by region and institution size, often requiring skills in digital archiving and familiarity with archival management software.

How do I get into museum archival?

To become a museum archivist, typically a bachelor's degree in history, library science, or a related field is required, with many positions preferring a master's degree or specialized training. Skills in cataloging, preservation, and familiarity with archival management software are important, along with experience through internships or volunteer work in archives or museums.

Is it hard to become a museum archivist?

Becoming a museum archivist typically requires a bachelor's degree in history, library science, or a related field, with many positions preferring a master's degree or specialized training. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and developing skills in cataloging, preservation, and archival software can also be important for entry into the field.

What degree do I need to be a museum archivist?

A museum archivist typically needs a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in library or archival science, along with skills in cataloging, preservation, and the use of archival management software.
Museum Archival jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Archival job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Registrar for Exhibitions

Indianapolis Museum of Art/Newfields

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Registrar of Exhibitions

Reports To: Registrar of Exhibitions 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: 46,000 - 55,000

Essential Job Functions 

  1. Manage small-scale exhibitions; coordinate gallery rotation logistics: 
  • Prepare and coordinate installation and deinstallation paperwork and plans and review contracts for small-scale exhibitions. Coordinate with the Registration, Curatorial, Conservation, Design, Interpretation, and Installation staff. 
  • Manage the gallery rotation process and coordinate gallery rotation logistics. Prepare rotation documents, coordinate rotation reviews, and manage scheduling of gallery rotations. Coordinate with Registration, Curatorial, Conservation, Design, Interpretation, and Installation staff. 
  • Coordinate packing and shipping of works of art for small-scale exhibitions and gallery rotations, including departmental paperwork and scheduling notifications. 
  • Receive and release works of art. 
  • Process entering and exiting works of art for small-scale exhibitions and gallery rotations. Produce condition reports and ensure that art is tagged, measured, digitally photographed, and properly stored. 
  • Collaborate with Conservation staff on the tracking of light sensitive artworks in the galleries. 
  • Attend, participate in, and/or manage scheduling, logistics, and team meetings. 
  • Document the entirety of each project for the Museum Archive and close out hard-copy and electronic files upon completion of the project.  
    • Coordinate and book fine art shippers according to established protocols and within project parameters.  
    • Maintain finance records using the available technology such as the Museum’s purchase ordering system and registration ledger or collections database management system.  
    • Coordinate and assist with local pickups and deliveries of works of art. 
    • Accompany works of art as a courier domestically, internationally, and with traveling exhibitions. 
    • Participate as a team member for the Emergency On-Call Program, which sometimes requires working limited periods outside of the normal museum schedule for after-hours emergencies. 
    • Comply with Transportation Security Administration policies and regulations, including reoccurring testing, monthly recordkeeping, cargo screening, preparation of paperwork, and retention of records. 
      • Maintain the collections database (EMu) and electronic records for all small-scale exhibitions, gallery rotations, public installations, and incoming loans.  
      • Assist with the production of collections management reports and participate in interdepartmental training sessions for the collections database.  
      • Create, manage, and maintain records in the collections database, input data, consistently address data clean-up, and reconcile discrepancies related collections records.   
      • Assist with general museum-wide support for database users. 
        • Process and negotiate incoming loan agreements and review contracts for permanent collection loans in coordination with Curatorial and Registration. 
        • Prepare and execute related Registration paperwork such as temporary receipts, outgoing memorandums, re-entry memorandums, loan agreements, and insurance, for entering and exiting works of art. 
        • Coordinate fine art packing and shipping and receive and release works of art. 
        • Process entering and exiting works of art for incoming loans. Produce condition reports and ensure that art is tagged, measured, digitally photographed, and properly stored. 
        • Coordinate courier arrangements for incoming loans, including airfare, accommodations, travel, and per diem. 
        • Document the entirety of the loan and close out hard-copy and electronic files upon completion of the loan period.  
        • Coordinate with Registration colleagues to reconcile outstanding, incomplete, or inaccurate records. 
        • Digitize active loan records and record loan history in the collections management database. 
        1. Department Support: 
        • Assist with addressing requests from the Museum’s collections inquiry mailbox, from the public, information desk, and other staff while utilizing appropriate resources.   
        • Perform as a staff liaison and to be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the public.   
        • Prepare, process, update, maintain, and distribute departmental records, budgets, reports, schedules, inter-departmental forms, and memorandums.  Compose and type routine correspondence and make copies.  
        • Collaborate with the Registration and Installation staff to produce and maintain the weekly Registration Department Schedule.   
        • Provide department-related support as needed.   
        • Be available to work limited hours outside of normal museum hours for after-hours emergencies and/or artwork shipments. 

        Educations and/or Experience (please use bullet points)  

        • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; Master’s degree in Art History or Museum Studies is preferred.  
        • Three – Five years related experience and/or training is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

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