collections-archives-asst

Collections & Archives Assistant Dumbarton House, a Federal period historic house Museum in Georgetown, seeks a part-time Collections & Archives Assistant to assist in the collections management of the Dumbarton House Museum collection and the archives of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). Dumbarton House, headquarters of The NSCDA, offers visitors an opportunity to enhance their appreciation of early American history.

Dumbarton House accomplishes this with its decorative and fine arts collections and archives through tours of the Museum and offers additional interpretation through private rental events, temporary exhibits, school and scout programs, and adult educational programs throughout the year.

Position Description: The Collections & Archives Assistant (CAA) will participate in all aspects of registration and collections & archives management activities for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America at Dumbarton House. The CAA will assist the Collections & Facilities Manager in a variety of tasks, among them are recordkeeping (physical and digital), object handling, object housing, housekeeping, inventory, conditioning, and research.

Schedule: •

21 – 25 hours per week (Monday through Friday)

Duties: Collections: • Assist in the maintenance of object and archival collection records (manual and electronic), including acquisition, accession, provenance, condition, location, and other records; • Assist in the movement of objects into and out of the period rooms, galleries, and collection storage; • Track and update location of objects into and out of period rooms, galleries, and collection storage when necessary; • Assist with general collections care including: cleaning, conditioning, numbering, etc.; Archives: • Update object records in PastPerfect; • Ensure that all Dumbarton House/NSCDA archival material is properly processed and housed in the Archives Room; • Assist in development of NSCDA archives finding aid; • Recommend and implement enhancements to archives conservation and storage of records;

HEADQUARTERS & MUSEUM, THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20007-3071  (202) 337-2288  dumbartonhouse.org

Qualifications Needed: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in museum education or related studies.

Minimum of one year museum registration experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; Knowledge of terms related to the decorative arts; Experience with preventative conservation and object handling; Knowledge of accepted museum registration, collection management, and loan practices, procedures; Experience with collection management databases (PastPerfect a plus), cataloging standards, and controlled vocabularies; Must be technically literate, including experience with digital photography and the processing and management of digital media; Must be organized, detail oriented, articulate, and self-motivated; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Proficient in Microsoft Office software (outlook, word, excel), and willingness to learn.

Ability to continuously stand or walk.

Ability to bend, climb stairs and lift frequently.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.

Ability to squat occasionally.

Compensation: • •

$16 per hour (non-exempt) Position offers transit and sick benefits

To Apply : •

Send cover letter and resume to Jerry L. Foust at collections@dumbartonhouse.org.

HEADQUARTERS & MUSEUM, THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20007-3071  (202) 337-2288  dumbartonhouse.org