Montpelier Museum Educator/Specialist

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a leader in historic preservation and manages several museums, historic sites, and programs that commemorate and celebrate the region’s rich history. The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, which serves a diverse population in an area that is steeped in African American history and culture, has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a national leader chronicling and curating, celebrating and connecting the lived experiences of people from the African diaspora – past and present - who have significantly shaped our county and country.

The Department seeks an energetic Museum Education Specialist to join our team at Montpelier House Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Under the leadership of the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff provide insightful and inspiring interpretations of the full lived experiences of those people who once resided at this 1783 former plantation.

Increasingly, Montpelier Museum’s interpretive focus is on the lives of the nearly 170 people who were once enslaved at the site. Staff are re-imagining the visitor experience to be more inclusive and accurate, building a descendant network and engaging local communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to lean into themes of equity, diversity and inclusion – demonstrating how the past continues to impact the present.

The museum educator will be able to play a role in upholding the NHRD’s four strategic pillars:

• Pillar 1: Enhance the Visitor Experience: Quality & Quantity

• Pillar 2: Leave a Legacy: Transforming Education into Activism

• Pillar 3: Strengthen Inclusivity, Diversity and Belonging

• Pillar 4: Act with Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Trust

• In cooperation with the education team, research, develop, implement, and evaluate programs for diverse audiences, including school, adult, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families.

• For school programming, incorporate Maryland education curricula, pre and post visit materials, and seek museum-school partnerships with Prince George’s public schools in the immediate community/area of Laurel.

• Assist with writing, editing, proofreading research reports and interpretative text signage.

• Assist with creating and implementing interpretative educational programs based on the site’s history and collections with emphasis in incorporating and honoring the struggle and contributions of the enslaved.

• Design graphics and write content for publications, brochures, fliers, and posts for marketing - print and social media (Website, Facebook, Instagram, blogs).

• Assist with recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of interns/volunteers.

• Coordinate tour bookings.

• Responsible for daily museum operations on weekdays and weekends, this includes opening and closing the museum, cleaning, and processing point of sale transactions.

• Help with planning the yearly calendar of events by researching and selecting speakers/performers/artists and keeping accurate records of attendance for all programs to complete and submit reports.

• Assist with outreach to area universities, educators, senior communities, tourism related businesses, non-profits, and other community organizations.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, education, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the applicant's ability to plan, manage, supervise, and implement/facilitate public programs.

• Be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings.

• Experience with customer service, point of sale software, and cash handling.

• Successful candidates will be self-starters who have some experience in informal or classroom teaching, familiarity with k-12 curriculum and STEAM programming.

• Be able to lift 25lbs.

• Have a valid driver's license.

• The position is part-time with flexible hours, 25 to 30 hours per week. Hours vary according to the programming schedule.

• A background investigation will be completed prior to hiring.

• Position is a good fit for recent college graduates to gain professional experience/development through varied training opportunities.

• Located near mass-transit, although the ability to drive is a plus.

• Free parking.

• Position does not qualify for benefits, except for some sick leave.