Description
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) is a male lineage society with national and international membership. Founded in 1889, its headquarters is on Museum Row in Louisville, Kentucky. SAR is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and promoting education to future generations.
Position Summary
The Curator of Collections and Interpretation is responsible for the public presentation, research, and stewardship of the SAR’s collections. This role bridges collections management with dynamic storytelling, transforming artifacts into meaningful, engaging experiences for students, educators, and the general public. This position is both scholarly and public-facing, with regular engagement in educational programming and direct interaction with students, educators, and visitors.
Responsibilities
Educational Engagement & Public Programming
Serve as an active member of the education team, helping deliver engaging, content-rich programs for school groups and public audiences
Present regularly to K–12 students, educators, and visitors through tours, hands-on experiences, and interpretive programs
Translate historical content and collections into age-appropriate, interactive learning experiences
Collaborate with education staff to develop and refine curriculum-aligned programming
Contribute to teacher resources and digital content
Adapt presentation style and content for diverse audiences, including varying age groups and learning needs
Assist in the creation of digital content, including short-form videos, virtual tours, and interpretive media for the institution’s website and social media platforms
Routinely seek regional/national professional presentation opportunities and deliver presentations featuring SAR collection and mission.
Collections Stewardship
Manage SAR historic artifact/document acquisition programs. Includes seeking and researching potential artifacts/documents available from donors, dealers, and auction houses. Also managing the overall process of seeking funding, managing purchase, and working with other staff to process and catalog new acquisitions.
Work closely with Museum Board to implement the SAR Collections Management Policy regarding the historic collection and preparing for the SAR Education Center and Museum
Assist in maintaining and managing the collections database and records
Ensure adherence to professional museum standards and best practices
Manage incoming and outgoing loans
Interpretation & Exhibitions
Develop compelling, accurate interpretive narratives rooted in the collections
Lead research and content development for permanent and rotating exhibitions
Write exhibit text, labels, and multimedia content for diverse audiences
Collaborate on exhibit design, layout, and installation
Research & Scholarship
Conduct ongoing historical research to support exhibitions and initiatives
Ensure accuracy, authenticity, and inclusivity in all interpretive materials
Collaboration & Institutional Impact
Work closely with leadership, designers, educators, and volunteers
Contribute to strategic planning for exhibitions and collections growth
Assist with grant applications, donor engagement, and institutional storytelling
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Public History, or related field (Master’s preferred) and 5+ years of relevant experience
Proficiency PastPerect collections management databases, research methods, and preventative conservation techniques.
Strong research, writing, and interpretive skills
Knowledge of collections management systems and AAM museum standards
Ability to communicate complex historical content in accessible, engaging ways
Demonstrated experience in public speaking, teaching, or facilitating educational programs for diverse audiences, with the ability to engage K–12 students and general visitors
Ability to occasionally attend committee meetings, programming or events in the evenings or on weekends. Some travel may be required as part of this position.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with exhibition development
Background in and enthusiasm for American Revolutionary-era history
Familiarity with educational programming and K–12 audiences
Grant writing or fundraising support experience
It is often the case that candidates may not have every attribute listed in the qualifications. If you feel this would be a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply.
