Position at Chicago Historical Society

Assistant Conservator for Costumes and Textiles
The Chicago Historical Society

Position Purpose: This Chicago Historical Society is undergoing a
major building renovation and complete overhaul of its exhibition
spaces over the course of the next two years. The long-term
exhibitions on Chicago History and American History are being
recreated while a new Costume and Textile Gallery is being
established. We are seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Assistant Costumes and Textile Conservator in the Department of
Collections and Curatorial Affairs for the duration of this project.
The Assistant Costumes and Textile Conservator will focus on the
conservation needs for the costumes and textiles to be used in the
both the long-term exhibits as well as in the Costume Gallery.  This
project also includes working with a team of collections managers on
the deinstallation of costume and textile artifacts currently on
exhibit, advising on proper storage and housing of costumes and
textiles, and overseeing the reproduction of materials that are too
fragile to be exhibited.

Position Duties:

    *   Perform conservation activities necessary on a wide range of
        costume and textile materials such Civil War flags, early
        American quilts, suits worn by George Washington and John
        Adams, Paul Poiret's Sorbet gown, a large collection of
        Bes-Ben hats, and Abraham Lincoln artifacts.

    *   Assist in the de-installation of the costume and textile
        artifacts in the current permanent exhibits.

    *   Advise on exhibition materials and methods.

    *   Work with the Costumes staff to develop and create proper
        mounting systems for costume materials including mannequins.

    *   Oversee the reproduction of costume and textiles that are
        too fragile to be exhibited or that need to be rotated due
        to the length of the exhibit.

    *   Assess the condition of costume and textile materials prior
        to loan if necessary.

    *   Maintain proper documentation of conservation projects
        including written reports and photographs.

    *   Supervise conservation technicians, interns and volunteers
        as necessary.

Qualifications:

    *   Master's degree from a recognized Conservation program or
        the equivalent experience needed to demonstrate the
        knowledge of conservation principles, practices and
        procedures.

    *   Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative and
        judgment in planning and carrying out the responsibilities
        of the position.

    *   Excellent organizational, written, oral and interpersonal
        skills.

    *   Ability to supervise and manage complex programs and
        projects.

    *   Creative thinking and problem solving skills.

    *   Knowledge of PC computer systems and databases used for
        conservation documentation purposes is required.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive. Benefits include
vacation, sick, and PTO time, as well as choice of insurance.

Term of Position: This position is currently scheduled to end
September 30, 2006.

Please send your letter of application, resume, and the names and
phone numbers of three work references to:

    Director of Human Resources
    Chicago Historical Society
    Clark Street at North Avenue
    Chicago, Illinois 60614
    chshr<-a t->chicagohistory< . >org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
No Phone Calls Please
An Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/D/V


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:32
                Distributed: Saturday, January 22, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-18-32-019
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