Curator

Curator, Chicago Maritime Museum

The Chicago Maritime Museum seeks an experienced, energetic and engaging individual to assume the position of museum curator. Applicants should possess a master’s degree in public history, museum management, or a related field as well as a minimum of two to three years’ experience in the field.

The Chicago Maritime Museum, located on the River Level of the Bridgeport Art Center at 35th Street and Racine Ave., opened in July of 2016. The museum offers visitors a chronological walk through local maritime history including the eras of French fur traders, sail and steam-powered vessels, modern commercial Great Lakes freighters, recreational sailing and the Ralph and Rita Frese Canoe Collection. Designed by renowned architect and CMM chairman emeritus, Dirk Lohan, the 10,000-square-foot museum serves as a window into Chicago’s maritime history.

The curator is a key spokesperson for the museum’s collection and its interpretation and will work cooperatively with the volunteer communications director to enhance the profile of the institution in the media. To this end, it is greatly desired that the individual has knowledge and background in maritime and/or Chicago history. The curator is also a key interface to the museum’s other volunteers, who can be called on to support the curator.

The duties of the curator include management of the museum’s ar facts such as its large collection of canoes and small watercraft. The curator will take a lead in planning the installation and presentation of exhibitions as well as oversee the acquisition of new objects, research existing items in the collection, and oversee the internship program.

In addition to collections management the curator will take the lead in shaping the experience of museum visitors, such as focused tours, working closely with the museum’s volunteer education facilitator and docents. The curator will work to develop outreach to the community at large. This will include supporting the volunteer team to work with school groups to develop special events. The curator will also help manage the annual museum fund raiser and solicit grants and donations for exhibits or educational programs.

The salary range for this position depending upon background and experience is between $40,000 and $50,000. To apply please send cover letter, resume, and a list of references to:

Jerry Thomas, CMM Vice-Chair, email: admin@chicagomaritimemuseum.org