Curator of Public History
The Tampa Bay History Center is seeking a full-time Curator of Public History. This position serves as the main public historian for the museum. As such, the position is responsible for giving talks, gallery tours, walking tours, adult learning programs, media appearances, and other history-related outreach within the walls of the History Center and in the broader community.
The Curator of Public History also assists in the development of exhibitions and in the creation of textual, photographic, and artifact components for both temporary and permanent exhibitions, the History Center’s social media channels (including the museum’s blog), and History Center publications (both in gallery and for broader public distribution). The Curator of Public History will also conduct oral history interviews on an as-needed basis. As this position is part of the collections and curatorial department, the Curator of Public History will work with others in the department on exhibit installation and de-installation and, on occasion, within the collection’s area. This position also has the opportunity to curate exhibits in the History Center, for outreach purposes in other venues, and in the History Center’s various satellite locations, to further the goals of the museum’s strategic plan and its mission.
The position works directly with the Director of the Touchton Map Library, the Director of Curatorial Affairs, and other museum program staff in developing long-range plans for temporary exhibitions, potential changes and updates to the permanent galleries, and on plans for the collection of artifacts, ephemeral materials, documents, and other materials as these directly relate to the mission of the TBHC.
Qualifications and experience
- Master’s degree in history with an emphasis in Florida history; Ph. D. preferred
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the museum or academic field; 3-4 years of which are in the curatorial department or similar administrative experience in academia
Technical or administrative knowledge
- Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Good working knowledge of museology terminology and practices.
- Ability to acquire new skills as they may be deemed appropriate.
Special skills and/or abilities
- Excellent professional ethics as stated in museum accreditation guidelines.
- Ability to accomplish goals while working with numerous priorities.
Compensation
Annual salary: $80,000
Application instructions
Please email your resume with the subject line: “Curator of Public History” to msteijlen@tampabayhistorycenter.org. No phone calls, please.
About the Tampa Bay History Center
We’re a nationally accredited history museum dedicated to telling Florida’s stories in compelling and accessible ways. Our marketing team is focused on expanding the museum’s digital reach by creating content that is strategic, audience-centered, and grounded in storytelling.
Our mission is to discover, preserve, and learning from our region’s past to inform our common future. We envision an enhanced appreciation of Florida’s history through engaging exhibitions, educational programming, and public outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Tampa Bay History Center maintains an equal employment opportunity policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. This applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment including hiring, probation, training and development, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits and termination. This ensures fair employment practices at the Center and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Benefits
- Medical, dental (PPO plan), vision, life, and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Parking is provided at no cost during work hours
- Membership in the American Alliance of Museums
- Reciprocal museum admission benefits
- Discounts at the museum store or café