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Welcome to the Tennessee Association of Museums


  • 03/15/2024 4:56 PM | Tennessee Association Of Museums (Administrator)

    Job Description

    Full-Time Interpreter

    Reports to: Director of Education, Interpretation, & Outreach

    Status: Full Time (37.5 hours per week, Tuesday-Saturday) $15.00 an hour starting rate. Opportunities for raises and advancement. Job performance reviews conducted yearly.

    Summary of Position: Educate the general public about the history of Travellers Rest. Responsibilities include upholding the museum rules concerning the care and safety of the visitors, house, collection, and other cultural resources at the site. Duties may involve working outside of normal working hours.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Be the face and voice of Travellers Rest Historic House Museum Inc.
    • Lead guided house tours and provide information on Middle Tennessee history. Assist the Education Department as needed with education programs throughout the academic year and summer camp programs as needed.
    • Continue to learn more about the history of Travellers Rest and its inhabitants through research and projects.
    • Assist in social media marketing and promotion.
    • Open and close site (includes handling of alarms, locks, POS, and monies).
    • Provide answers to visitors’ questions, both in-person and via telephone.
    • Prompt arrival.
    • Operate credit card machine and POS system.
    • Keep Visitor’s Center clean (dusting, sweeping, straightening, stocking, etc.). If time allows, assist the Education Department with making supplies for programming. Be familiar with rental procedures and policies for customers.
    • Conduct guided house tours for rental groups after hours as needed.
    • Assist third party rental groups as needed.
    • Maintain updated information on bulletin board outside Visitor’s Center.
    • Promote and sell Travellers Rest merchandise.
    • Other duties may be required.

    Competency

    • Speaks clearly and effectively in positive and negative situations.
    • Demonstrates respect and sensitivity to cultural differences.
    • Demonstrates ability to effectively balance task-oriented and process-oriented duties. Continues to build on knowledge and skills.
    • Demonstrates ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
    • Be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of extensive standing, walking, use of fingers, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
    • Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
    • Communicates changes effectively.
    • Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 50 lbs. Qualifications:
    • Must be over the age of 18.
    • Must have high school degree or equivalent, college degree preferred.
    • Must have above average communication and organizational skills.
    • Must be able to multitask, think outside the box and troubleshoot problems. Must have the ability to work with all types of people of varying ages and backgrounds. Must be flexible with time and have the ability to tolerate interruptions.
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

    Benefits:

    Health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid holidays and vacation time available after a 90-day probationary period.

    To Apply: interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Andy Blair at andy@historictravellersrest.org


  • 03/13/2024 4:39 PM | Tennessee Association Of Museums (Administrator)

    ASLAN FOUNDATION EUGENIA WILLIAMS HOUSE DIRECTOR 

    Salary Range: $90-98k

    ABOUT THE EUGENIA WILLIAMS HOUSE: 

    Built in 1941, noted Houston architect John Fanz Staub designed the Eugenia Williams House overlooking the  Tennessee River. The Aslan Foundation purchased the home to preserve this regional and national treasure and  make it available to the public. 

    In March of 2025, the twenty-four acres overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River and the Great Smoky  Mountains will be open to the public through a series of trails on the grounds and cultural programming in the  main building. Guests will engage in cultural programming produced by Knoxville’s cultural institutions,  including tours, lectures, small exhibitions, and intimate performances. Eugenia Williams House Cultural  Partners include the Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, Big Ears  Festival, Knoxville Garden Club, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Knox Heritage, East Tennessee Historical  Society, and Knoxville History Project. The property will also be available for private celebrations. The Eugenia  Williams House will be operated and funded by the Aslan Foundation. 

    ABOUT THE ASLAN FOUNDATION: 

    The Aslan Foundation works to strengthen the Knoxville community through grantmaking, Foundation projects,  and public-private partnerships. Its funding priorities include arts and culture, historic preservation, animal  welfare, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and advancing livability in Knoxville. The Eugenia Williams  House is one of the Aslan Foundation’s charitable projects to further the Foundation’s mission of preserving  beauty, advancing livability, and supporting cultural assets in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

    ABOUT THE EUGENIA WILLIAMS HOUSE DIRECTOR POSITION: 

    The Eugenia Williams House Director manages all aspects of the Eugenia Williams House in close partnership  with the Aslan Foundation Executive Director. The Director is responsible for facilitating mission-driven use of  the buildings and grounds while preserving the property’s natural and built environments. The Director  supervises the Eugenia Williams House Associate. The Eugenia Williams House team is supported by the  Foundation’s administrative and property staff, including a dedicated Eugenia Williams House Property  Manager and Assistant. The Eugenia Williams House Director is exempt, with full benefits and a Tuesday  through Saturday workweek. 

    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

    • Strategically plan and deliver the Eugenia Williams House program in line with the Eugenia Williams  House Business Plan and the mission and goals of the Aslan Foundation. Service to the public must be  balanced with a focus on long-term sustainability and strategic decision-making. 

    • Serve a diverse public through: 

    Providing access to the beautiful grounds and extraordinarily designed buildings.

    Facilitating high-quality, accessible Cultural Partner programming through clear communication  and positive relationship building. 

    Sharing the historical significance of the property, including programming, on-site interpretation,  and maintaining a small archive. 

    Providing a place for life’s celebrations through private rentals. This activity is intended to  supplement the Foundation’s support of the Eugenia Williams House. 

    Balancing public use with a preservation-first mindset. 

    • Establish ambitious short and long-term performance measurement goals and tracking procedures to  measure the Eugenia Williams House impact on visitors and Cultural Partners. 

    • Act as an ambassador with the Eugenia Williams House’s neighbors and the Greater Knoxville region. 

    • Create an annual communications plan and work with contractors as needed to meet performance  measurement goals. 

    • Work with the Aslan Foundation’s property team to serve the public while preserving the property’s  natural and built environments. The buildings and grounds must be maintained at a high-quality level. 

    • Develop, manage, and be accountable for program budgets, actively monitoring expenditures and  reviewing variances where they arise. 

    • Develop, for day-to-day administration, specific documents, policies, and procedures. 

    • Effectively manage the Eugenia Williams House Associate and closely partner with the Foundation  team. 

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE 

    • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of three years in a leadership position related to  cultural programming, museums, or events. Nonprofit experience preferred, especially in the arts and  historic preservation. 

    • Experience managing a physical site with a risk management mindset. 

    • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and planning skills with a passion for service. • A minimum of three years of supervisory experience with a collaborative team approach. • At least three years of experience with budget management, marketing, and operations. • Interest and experience in making programming accessible and inclusive. 

    • Schedule flexibility for evening and weekend events focusing on program goals and work-life balance. • The ability to hike one to two miles at a time, traverse steep slopes, and lift up to 30 lbs. 

    To Apply: 

    Candidates can apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to info@aslanfoundation.org


  • 02/29/2024 9:06 AM | Tennessee Association Of Museums (Administrator)

    HBCU Radio Preservation Project Radio Preservation Graduate Internship 

    About the Internship: 

    The HBCU Radio Preservation Project, a multi-year effort to foster an ethos of preservation atHBCU radio stations, is pleased to announce the establishment of an Internship in RadioPreservation. 

    The HBCU Radio Preservation Project seeks to provide learning opportunities and mentorshipfor graduate students who aspire to be archivists from diverse backgrounds andunderrepresented populations. We believe that varied representation of experiences,perspectives, and cultures is critical to our project and to the archival/preservationprofession. 

    The project has established a summer semester position for a graduate student to workalongside the project field archivist and other staff from the NEDCC, assisting in preservation ofmaterials at the radio stations located on HBCU campuses. The intern will gain real-world,practical skills in audio preservation and oral history by participating in a broad range ofactivities supporting collaboration between the radio stations and the institutional archives ontheir campuses, with a focus on project-based learning with clear outcomes. 

    Responsibilities: 

    • working with the project field archivist, archival fellow, and team members from the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), the Margaret Walker Center, and others to assist HBCU radio stations and their institutional archives with preservation of materials

    • research, transcription, and preparation of metadata for a small but growing collection of oral history recordings housed at the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University in Mississippi accurately transcribing oral history interviews using a voice-to-text application (Trint or other app); 

    • creating database records; 

    • researching and helping identify and assess the archival value of materials; • processing of collections, including physical arrangement (sorting, boxing, labeling); • inventorying and describing of materials; 

    • creating collection guides and other basic finding aids; 

    • communicating with project team members. 

    Qualifications/Requirements 

    • Current graduate student in a public history|archives program or 

    equivalent 

    • Coursework/experience in archival work 

    • Interest in digital/audio preservation 

    • Knowledge of oral history as a preservation tool 

    • Strong organizational skills and attention to details 

    • Excellent communication and time management skills 

    • Ability to work independently; ability to take direction; willingness to ask questions • Ability to work in a digital environment; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications 

    About the Project: 

    Through a grant from the National Recording Preservation Foundation, in the summer of 2019project director Jocelyn Robinson began administering a survey to the 29 existing radio stationslocated on Historically Black College/University (HBCU) campuses to begin ascertaining if thesestations had historical materials and what preservation needs they might have, with the WYSO Archives, a division of Miami Valley Public Media in Ohio, serving as the administrative hub for the project. 

    Through 2021-22, the initial survey blossomed into the HBCU Radio Preservation Pilot Project funded by the Mellon Foundation to work with a small number of the radio stations and their institutional archives/libraries to plan and design a larger implementation project. With technical expertise provided by the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), this pilot project provided audio and digital preservation training, disaster planning, reformatting, collection assessment, and other support to the participants. The overarching goal of the ongoing project is to foster an ethos of preservation at HBCU radio stations in concert with the institutional archives on their campuses. 

    Not only is the HBCU Radio Preservation project an example for the HBCU community, it is amodel of practice to be shared with college and community radio stations throughout thecountry. Radio preservation has been long neglected, and such projects are vital to the

    development and continuation of this important work. As we move toward implementation in2023 and beyond, subsequent phases will include: (1) education and training, in which post grad fellows and graduate interns are afforded early career work experiences supervised by the project’s roving archivist; (2) multi-platform learning experiences including NEDCC-led courses/workshops in audio preservation, digital preservation, disaster preparedness and WYSO-led training in oral history and using historical media in content creation; (3) preservation, which includes collections assessments performed by the roving field archivist and also reformatting historical media, with access made possible through the American Archive of Public Broadcast (AAPB); and (4) public history praxis, including an oral history project, an annual symposium held on a different HBCU campus each year, and multiple seasons of a 6-episode podcast featuring interviews, oral histories, and reformatted media. 

    Time Commitment and Compensation: PT to FT hours, $20/hr during summer semester (up to 16 weeks at 40 hours per week depending on successful candidate’s academic calendar). This may be a hybrid|remote position. 

    Computer/software and professional development and travel funds will be provided, as willmembership in SAA, OHA, and other appropriate organizations. 

    To Apply: 

    Submit the following topjefferscoly@wyso.org

    1. Cover letter explaining how an internship fits the applicant’s educational program and career goals; 

    2. Current resume; and 

    3. Letter of recommendation from the head of the educational program in which the applicant is enrolled. The letter should clearly state the program’s internship requirements, if any, including the number of hours required to successfully complete the internship. 

    Application deadline is March 22, 2024 for May start date. 

    The HBCU Radio Preservation Project and Miami Valley Public Media value people of all races,colors, national origins, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ages, abilities,and religions. BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged toapply.



  • 02/02/2024 7:53 AM | Tennessee Association Of Museums (Administrator)

    SITE MANAGER, CHESTER INN STATE HISTORIC SITE & MUSEUM SCOPE 

    Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Site Manager is responsible for all aspects  of running the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum (CISHSM). Such responsibilities  include visitor relations, volunteer training, collections management, exhibit development, and  program administration. The Site Manager is responsible for managing the collections,  maintaining proper collections record keeping, and accessing, cataloging, inventorying, and  monitoring additions to those collections. Additionally, the Site Manager is responsible for researching, planning, and developing regular, rotating exhibits on pertinent historical topics.  Coordinating with the Executive Director and relevant museum personnel, the Site Manager will  participate in concepting, developing, and initiating educational and outreach programs for the  museum, including traveling exhibits. The Site Manager shall inform and advise the Executive  Director and the Board of Trustees on the current state of the collection and historical site,  including conservation needs, environmental conditions, storage, feasibility of exhibition or  collections movement, and direct care of the artifacts. The Site Manager will provide appropriate  training for volunteer docents and manage scheduling. The Site Manager will also be responsible  for regularly cleaning the museum and for preparing the space to participate in Town of  Jonesborough events. Furthermore, the Site Manager will create educational programs and  materials based around the artifacts in the museum, for school groups and general visitors. K-12 programs and materials will be appropriate for various grade levels and align with state and local  history education standards, as well as museum best practices. 

    Please note, this job involves weekend working hours and working hours that extend after 5:00  pm. Regarding physical demands, this position requires regular standing, walking, sitting,  talking, and hearing while performing the duties of this job. The employee must occasionally lift  and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

    Work is seasonal with 20 hours per week from January to February, 25 hours per week from March to April and from November to December, and 28 hours per week from May to October. Compensation begins at $11.50 per hour, with the possibility of additional future compensation  based on performance and the organization’s budget. 

    SITE MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES 

    1. Responsible for collections management and care; 

    2. Responsible for security and maintenance of the historic site; 

    3. Responsible for training volunteer docents; 

    4. Responsible for coordinating with volunteer docents to create a monthly; calendar/schedule for staffing the CISHSM; 

    5. Responsible for appropriately cleaning artifacts on display, as well as the museum’s public spaces; 

    6. Responsible for working with school groups, visitors, and the general public;  7. Responsible for collaborating with other organizations and institutions.  

    INTERPRETATION 

    1. Plan and implement all permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as interpretative programs, in alignment with the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum’s mission; 2. Responsible for research activities; 

    3. Provide tours of CISHSM and, when possible, the town of Jonesborough; 4. Write articles pertaining to exhibits and events at the CISHSM for the Heritage  Alliance’s quarterly newsletter, The Link, and website;  

    5. Write press releases and other materials for new exhibits and programs;  6. Create and share appropriate written content for the museum’s Facebook page;  7. Create and promote appropriate videos for the museum’s YouTube channel. 

    QUALIFICATIONS 

    An advanced degree or course work in museum studies, history, heritage tourism, and /or Public  History is desirable. Work experience should include museum employment and familiarity with  standard museum operation procedures, as well as exhibit development, interpretive principles,  

    material culture principles, and collections care. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and  creative, able to maintain existing programs as well as conceive, develop, and execute new ones.  We seek a creative, outgoing candidate who possesses strong writing and people skills. It is  essential that the Site Manager have experience and skill interacting with the general public, as  they are often the first face that many people interact with when visiting Jonesborough, TN. 

    HOW TO APPLY 

    Send your resume, cover letter, and two letters of reference to Mr. Fred Counts, Board President,  at info@heritageall.org. Application materials are due by 5:00 pm EST on Thursday, February  17, 2024. For more information, you may call the office of the Heritage Alliance at 423-753- 9580 or visit our website at www.heritageall.org



  • 01/21/2024 11:11 PM | Tennessee Association Of Museums (Administrator)

    Museum Assistant, Historic Ramsey House

     

    Status: Part-time, 24 hours per week, $11.00 per hour

    Historic Ramsey House (HRH), located near Knoxville, Tennessee, is seeking a Museum Assistant. Built in 1797 for Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey, the HRH stone house was once called the “finest home in Tennessee'' and boasts architectural features uncommon on the East Tennessee frontier. Today, over 100 acres of original farmland are preserved, providing a unique backdrop for interpreting HRH residents, where the Ramsey Family greatly impacted the civic, educational, and cultural landscape of Knoxville and her Volunteer State. 

    HRH is a chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. Additional information about HRH is available at http://www.ramseyhouse.org

    The Museum Assistant reports to the Executive Director of HRH and is responsible for assisting with all aspects of operations which include but are not limited to: 

    • Opening and preparing for conducting daily tours for visitors, as wells as school groups and special events

    • Checking, answering and forwarding emails as needed, and answering the phones

    • Coordinating Volunteer assignments, and ensuring special events / tours are staffed properly

    • Conducting Gift Shop sales, and assisting with all shop operations

    • Advertising events to newspapers and community calendars

    • Assisting with research and learning the history of HRH Residents, customs of the time period, and artifacts

    • Assisting in all aspect of preparing, breaking down and running events

    • Helping clean all HRH Structures (bathrooms, mopping, sweeping, de-cobwebbing, etc)

    • Assisting in archiving Ramsey House collections and preservation of said collections 

    • Maintaining a professional demeanor and presentation as one of the public faces of the Museum

    • Performing other duties as assigned

    A Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in history, museum studies, education, or related field; however, the search committee will consider applicants with relevant experience.  The successful applicant will also be creative, energetic, self-directed, an adept planner, deadline-oriented, and comfortable representing HRH in various public settings. Required proficiencies include Google Suite, social media platforms. Experience using Square, Omeka and Fareharbor is a plus.

    TO APPLY: 

    Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, three professional references, to director@ramseyhouse.org. Deadline for consideration is Friday, February 2nd, 2024. However, interviews will begin immediately upon receipt of a qualified applicant. No calls please.



PO Box 330984   Nashville, TN 37203   (615) 495-3354   tnmuseums@gmail.com

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