The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization.  The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history.  Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. The Registrar actively contributes to the WHS’s mission through managing, maintaining, and preserving the records and documents that establish the legal ownership of historical and archaeological objects in the Wisconsin Historical Society’s collections. This project position will fulfill a federally funded-Maritime Heritage Grant from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior to the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office. This project position is funded for 24 months beginning January 14, 2023, and is expected to end in August 2026.  This position will be located at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Under the direction of the Wisconsin State Archaeologist and working as part of a project team with Wisconsin Historical Society staff and Wisconsin Maritime Museum staff, the Registrar will document and catalog the 10,000+ objects in the Klopp Collection owned by the State of Wisconsin and curated by the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. The Klopp Collection contains artifacts recovered from 42 Wisconsin shipwrecks that took place from 1855-1966. The work will take place at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin with some travel to the Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters in Madison.

The salary will be $25.00 per hour in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04.  The civil service classification is Curator. 

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

This position will require some in-state travel. 

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in the following:

• Experience (or relevant coursework) in proper handling techniques for historic objects and archaeological materials.
• Experience with the use of artifact collections management databases such as Argus, EMu, PastPerfect, or The Museum System (TMS).
• Experience (or relevant coursework) in processing or cataloging of objects.

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:

• Experience with two or more of the following accessioning, processing, or cataloging of incoming object donations in a history museum setting.
• Knowledge of museum collections management and registration standards and methods
• Knowledge of data structures and data standards applicable to artifact collections information.
• Experience with identifying and categorizing mid-19^th through mid-20^th century artifacts.

How To Apply

Apply online via WiscJobs HERE. To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions..

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on June 3, 2024.