Associate Curator- Fort Laurens

Ohio History Connection; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio History Connection is seeking an Associate Curator for Fort Laurens, a two-year, full-time temporary position in Bolivar, OH. The role focuses on interpretive planning, research, and object selection to develop engaging narratives for the Fort Laurens site.

The Associate Curator will collaborate with Curatorial, Archaeology, NAGPRA staff, Tribal partners, and community stakeholders to present accurate, nuanced history while overseeing collections processing and exhibit development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in history, public history, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies or related field with 3–5 years of experience.
• Experience in curatorial work, exhibit development, collections research, or archaeological collections processing.
• Ability to interpret complex histories with cultural sensitivity and multiple perspectives.
• Strong project coordination, timeline management, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deinstall, document, and store collections items currently on exhibit.
• Develop interpretive content, exhibit text, and visitor experiences.
• Collaborate to identify exhibit narratives and ensure accuracy and sensitivity.
• Conduct historical research using primary/secondary sources and artifacts.
• Process archaeological collections per Ohio History Connection standards.
• Coordinate with staff and Tribal Nations and stakeholders for consultation and engagement.

Skills

Historical research

Public history interpretation

Project coordination

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in history/public history/archaeology/museum studies

Tools

Collections management software

Job description

Summary

The Associate Curator, Fort Laurens is a two-year temporary position responsible for supporting the reinterpretation, exhibit development, and collections stewardship work associated with the Fort Laurens museum project. Working collaboratively with Curatorial, Collections Management, Exhibits & Interpretation, Archaeology, NAGPRA staff, Tribal partners, and community stakeholders, this position will contribute to interpretive planning, conduct historical and collections-based research, select objects for exhibit, develop interpretive content, and process archaeological collections associated with the site. The position plays a key role in ensuring that the history of Fort Laurens is presented in an accurate, engaging, nuanced, and culturally sensitive manner.

Position: Associate Curator

Status: Full time, temporary

Contract duration: 2 years

Location: Fort Laurens, Bolivar, OH

Salary: $23-30 per hour

Essential Functions

Exhibit Development and Interpretation

• Work with Collections Management, and in consultation with Tribal Nations, to deinstall, document, and store collections items currently on exhibit.
• Contribute to the interpretive planning process and collaborate with project staff to develop exhibit concepts and visitor experiences.
• Collaborate with the Exhibits & Interpretation team and the core project team to identify and refine exhibit narratives for the renovated museum.
• Conduct historical research using primary and secondary sources, archaeological artifacts, collections records, and related documentation.
• Select collection items for inclusion in exhibits and interpretive installations.
• Research and identify original, reproduction, loaned, or fabricated objects needed to support exhibit narratives, working within established OHC acquisition, loan, and procurement processes.
• Partner with the Exhibits & Interpretation team to present the story of Fort Laurens in an engaging, accurate, and nuanced manner.
• Develop exhibit text, object labels, digital content, and other interpretive materials for diverse audiences.
• Participate in exhibit planning, design review, installation, and evaluation activities.

Archaeological Collections Management

• Process, catalog, inventory, and document archaeological collections associated with Fort Laurens in accordance with Ohio History Connection standards.
• Coordinate with archaeologists, NAGPRA staff, collections managers, and registrars staff to ensure proper preservation, storage, NAGPRA compliance, and access to collections.
• Conduct collections-based research to support exhibits, publications, educational programming, and public interpretation.
• Maintain accurate records within collections management systems and project databases.
• Assist with rehousing, conservation assessment, and long-term stewardship of archaeological collections generated through ongoing archaeological investigations.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Participate in consultations with Tribal Nations and other stakeholders regarding collections, interpretation, and exhibit development.
• Build strong relationships with community members, local historians, historical organizations, researchers, volunteers, and cultural leaders to ensure multiple perspectives inform interpretation.
• Represent the project through presentations, workshops, public programs, public archaeology events, tours, and other outreach opportunities that deepen visitor engagement and create opportunities for dialogue around collections and the site.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for staff, stakeholders, researchers, and visitors.

Collaborative Leadership

• Work closely with project leadership, OHC leadership, the Exhibits & Interpretation team, external consultants, Tribal partners, and project collaborators to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide expertise in integrating historical accuracy with innovative exhibit design practices.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Track project milestones and prepare reports for museum leadership.
• Incorporate visitor and community feedback into exhibit and program planning to ensure relevance and impact.

Required Education & Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in history, public history, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field, plus three to five years of relevant professional experience.
• At least three years of experience in curatorial work, exhibit development, collections research, archaeological collections processing, or a similar role in a museum, cultural institution, archaeological organization, or public history setting.
• Experience conducting research using primary and secondary sources, collections records, and/or archaeological materials.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex histories with cultural sensitivity, historical accuracy, and attention to multiple perspectives.
• Strong project coordination skills, including the ability to manage timelines, track deliverables, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written, verbal, and public communication skills.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Ohio history, Revolutionary War-era history, military history, historical archaeology, Indigenous histories, or the history of the Ohio Country is preferred.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience developing projects, exhibits, collections initiatives, or research in collaboration with Tribal Nations, descendant communities, or other culturally affiliated stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring or working collaboratively with community members or volunteers.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement, public history, or collaborative interpretation is preferred.
• Experience developing exhibits, including conducting research, writing text, and item selection and installation.
• Experience curating and managing a collection of historical items in a museum or related institution.
• Understand basic project management processes, including planning, setting timelines, and completing deliverables.
• Experience with collections management software.

Required Competencies

• Ability to build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations, descendant communities, and other stakeholders.
• Work independently, with, and in support of a team of curators, NAGPRA staff, collections managers, and registrars to complete work; demonstrate potential to set priorities and appropriate boundaries in order to fully focus on projects with clarity and a feeling of accomplishment.
• Proven ability to communicate historical and archaeological content to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with a high degree of initiative, prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work well with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated interest in public history, archaeology, site interpretation, and the preservation of and access to collections.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment (aligned with organizational best practices) in internal and external communications.

Ohio History Connection is an equal opportunity employer.

All prospective employees are required to undergo a fingerprint background check processed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI) in accordance with the Volunteer Children's Act. Additionally, prospective employees will also submit to a drug test. Both will occur after the offer of employment is accepted. The results of the background check and drug test are not immediate disqualifiers to employment and are reviewed in accordance with Ohio History Connection policies and procedures. Inquiries must be directed to the Human Resources Director at 614-297-2390 or via email at [e-mail].