As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Battles of Trenton in 2026, the Old Barracks Museum (OBM) in Trenton, New Jersey is looking for a Curator to help reinvigorate our curatorial, exhibition, and collections programs for 2026 and beyond.

For over a century, the OBM has focused on preserving the stories and objects of the eighteenth-century Barracks and the Battles of Trenton. While we will continue to expand our understanding of the Barracks’ military history, we are widening our story to reflect our 19th- and early 20th-century history, including a focus on the women who originally preserved and interpreted the Barracks. As we strive to balance this more complete and complex narrative, the Curator will play a central role in building the collection to support these interpretive targets, shaping and implementing a new slate of long-term, special, and digital exhibitions, and establishing a renewed collections management program.

The Old Barracks Museum, an AAM accredited historic site, preserves the history of this iconic building, including its place in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and early historic preservation efforts. We offer daily interpretation of the site, unique programming, exhibitions, and a full calendar of special events. We welcome over 12,000 school children a year from every county in New Jersey, and visitors from across the country and around the world.

Curator (FT), Old Barracks Museum

Job Description

The Curator is a full-time position responsible for the administration and oversight of the Old Barracks Museum’s collection, conducting collections research, and developing new physical and digital exhibits. The Curator supervises the part-time Archivist and works under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Interpretation & Curation to achieve their responsibilities and goals.

Responsibilities of the Curator

●       Manage and maintain proper storage procedures and conditions for the museum’s collection.

●       Catalog acquisitions and create accession and object records.

●       Arrange and manage incoming and outgoing loans.

●       Manage and maintain collection documentation, including the Re: Discovery database.

●       Conduct research on artifacts in the collection, including the history of the 1758 building.

●       Plan and execute physical and digital exhibits.

●       Supervise the part-time Archivist.

●       Identify preservation projects and assist the Development Manager in writing relevant grants to accomplish those projects.

●       Oversee and manage the use of grant funds in conjunction with Assistant Director, CFO, and Development Manager.

●       Work directly with contractors on preservation projects.

●       Network and partner with other curatorial museum professionals and groups on curatorial projects.

●       Assist with events throughout the year as necessary.

●       Oversee maintenance of exhibits.

●       Write promotion material, such as “Curator’s Corner” for email blasts and Facebook.

●       Facilitate donations and purchases of relevant items for the collection.

●       Interview and supervise curatorial interns and volunteers.

●       Act as a liaison with the State of New Jersey in case of emergency and general maintenance of storage areas and collections.

●       Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

●       Master’s Degree in museum studies, American culture, American history, or related field.

●       Three to five years’ experience in curation, exhibitions, and/or collections.

●       One to two years’ of supervisory experience is a plus.

●       Able to alternate between working collegially and independently.

●       Able to work with external colleagues and the general public.

●       Able to oversee concurrent projects and supervise part-time and auxiliary staff.

●       Able to foster positive professional relationships with external vendors, contractors, and consultants to help the museum meet its mission.

●       Excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and problem-solving skills.

●       Experience with collections in historic structures preferred.

●       Able to lift 50 pounds.

Salary & Benefits

●       40 hours per week, Monday through Friday and special events as needed.

●       Salary range $55,000 to $61,000, plus full medical and dental benefits and retirement plan.

●       Paid time off and holidays.

Please send your resumé and cover letter to Mark A. Turdo, Assistant Director of Interpretation & Curation at mturdo@barracks.org.