Museum Educator – Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
About Historic Hudson Valley (HHV): Historic Hudson Valley is a Westchester-based cultural non-profit that welcomes visitors to five National Historic Landmarks. The Education department of HHV offers an array of school programs, public tours and programs, and digital offerings for audiences that include K-12 teachers and their students; families seeking weekend leisure activities; and a diverse array of heritage tourists. HHV has a national reputation for groundbreaking on-site interpretation and award-winning digital content in the content areas of Northern colonial and New Nation enslavement, regional women’s history, and storytelling.
HHV has several openings for seasonal, Part-Time Museum Educators at Sunnyside, the home of author Washington Irving. Ideal candidates will be committed to sharing accurate, inclusive, historical content with a wide array of audiences.
About the Job: Museum Educators are expected to perform the following core tasks:
- Tell the people-focused stories of HHV’s historic sites through thought-provoking and accurate tours, K-12 field trips, and public programs
- Deliver meaningful content on the history of Washington Irving, his literary works and influence, and his family life, with clarity and sensitivity
- Perform all interpretive duties, either in reproduction historic clothing or appropriate work clothing, as assigned
- Perform all necessary physical tasks associated with interpretation, following a period of training
- Be responsible for the safety of the visitor and the security of the collections when on tour
- Be an active member of an engaging team of historians and educators who thrive in an environment of exploration and continued learning
- Show flexibility in adapting tour content to accommodate visitor interests, accessibility or language needs
- Serve as a positive representative of Historic Hudson Valley to the general public, consistently conveying a sense of warmth, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of work
Requirements:
Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the arc of American history and an awareness of the intersection of racial equity and social justice- Participate in approximately 50 paid hours of training, practice and auditions
- Be available to give school and public tours on weekends and holidays throughout the summer and fall
- Have strong storytelling and communication skills, and the ability to give tours to visitors with varying interests, abilities, and ages
- Demonstrate good customer service skills
- Ability to solve problems and make decisions under pressure
- Ability to speak additional languages a plus
- Willingness to dress in reproduction historic clothing (provided)
- Must be able to arrange or provide for own transportation to and from HHV’s historic sites; please note that public transportation can be difficult in the area
role.
More about this job
- This is a part-time, seasonal position which runs from July to December
- Regular weekend and some holiday and evening hours are required
- Museum Educators are asked to work a specific number of hours at other, seasonal HHV events (Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, etc.)
- This position reports to the Philipsburg Manor & Sunnyside Program Manager
- This position is a busy, fast paced job that requires someone who is comfortable walking long distances, up and down stairs, and over uneven outside terrain in all weathers
- Pay is $21/hr
Historic Hudson Valley values representation and is committed to a workforce that exemplifies acceptance across race, gender, age, ability, religion, and identity. A sense of belonging in our workforce is an integral part of our history and culture; honoring all voices of the past and present is central to our mission and our impact.
Alternate forms of application will be considered, including video resumes, visual cover letters, or other ways of expressing your qualifications and interest. If you require specific accommodations to complete your application, please contact the Hiring Manager, Rob Yasinsac, at [email protected].
Employees of Historic Hudson Valley enjoy additional benefits such as a generous discount in the Museum Shop, opportunities to participate in enrichment activities, and free or discounted admission to a variety of museums and historic houses in the area.
To apply to the position please visit: www.hudsonvalley.org/employment
