Open Positions
Position: Pat & Ron Ferris Museum Director
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Assistant Curator
Applications accepted through October 31, 2025.
Job Summary
The Pat & Ron Ferris Museum Director oversees the curation and care of the Cumberland County Historical Society’s Museum Department. The position is responsible for developing and implementing yearly rotating exhibitions, overseeing the Museum’s collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, as well as Museum programming and budgeting for the Museum Department.
Job Responsibilities
● Develop, research, and curate yearly rotating exhibitions.
● Oversee the 3D collection at Cumberland County Historical Society, including the processing, handling, and preservation of the collection.
● Ensure that the Museum Department’s work aligns with the institution’s overall goals.
● Oversee the Museum Department’s budget.
● Work with the Executive Director and Director of Development and Communications to identify sponsorship opportunities for the Museum Department.
● Identify and write grants to support the Museum Department’s work.
● Develop and implement unique and engaging outreach programs to reach new audiences through the Museum’s collection.
● Oversee the Museum Department’s Assistant Curator, volunteers, and interns.
● Supervise the Assistant Curator to care for the Museum’s collections.
● Represent the institution at outside events and activities.
Qualifications
● Master’s degree or higher in museum studies, public history, history, or related field
● Experience supervising staff and volunteers
● Strong communication and writing skills
● Experience with budgeting and financial management
● Experience with grant writing or the grant process
Salary: $50K-$60K/year (depending on experience)
Benefits: Health, dental, and eye insurance, a Simple IRA, vacation, and sick leave.
About Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS)
Located in Central Pennsylvania, Cumberland County is one of the fastest-growing communities in Pennsylvania. The vibrant community is home to an array of outdoor activities and historical sites. Situated in Carlisle, CCHS was founded over 150 years ago to preserve the history of Cumberland County. Today, CCHS is committed to advancing the community’s understanding of the past through the County’s history.
To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to lvarner@historicalsociety.com by October 31, 2025. Applications without both documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Review of applications will take place after the application deadline. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.
The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. This job description is not an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CCHS and the employee.
Volunteer Opportunities
CCHS strives to align volunteer opportunities with current Society needs and initiatives. We find this makes volunteering more purposeful and meaningful for all involved. We also understand that many volunteers lead busy lives and that a rigid volunteer schedule is not always practical for the volunteer. Therefore, keep in mind that getting started with regular volunteer work at CCHS might take some time and experimentation!
Volunteer Application
If the opportunities listed on the form above don’t seem quite right for you, email us at info@historicalsociety.com, and we will put you in touch with an appropriate department to consult about moving forward. In the email, specifically address your interests and your skills and experience.
Depending on your role, we will have a simple form for you to fill out at CCHS once we meet. Volunteers working directly with families and children will need to fill out appropriate federal and state child protection forms.
Internships at CCHS
Local history is replete with events, people, places, and objects that helped shape not only local Cumberland County history but also the history of our state and nation. Understanding and appreciating our past can help us understand the world we live in today. When people walk through the doors at CCHS, they are provided an important link to the past. They encounter artifacts and documents that tell the stories of evolving lives, a changing world, and the ideas and dreams that shaped our country.
Open to all majors, internships at CCHS provide structured learning experiences that contribute to the preservation and sharing of Cumberland County history and heritage. Interns will acquire unique, hands-on professional experience in fields such as research, archival skills, curatorial work, and outreach, along with an understanding of how non-profit organizations operate. A typical internship provides the student with a self-directed project while also being involved in day-to-day operations at CCHS. Projects are determined based on the interests of the student and the needs of the CCHS.
Volunteer Internships in our different departments include:
- Museum
- Outreach / Event Intern
- Social Media Interns
- Retail Interns
- Education / History Camp Interns
- Audio – Visual Interns
- Docents / Visitor services
- Library/Archive Intern
Past interns have researched and written articles for our Journal, created and contributed to exhibits, developed and assisted in programs for students and the public, created finding aids for the collection, organized and cataloged collections and even assisted in History on High the Society’s gift shop or G.B. Stuart History Workshop.
Internship Application
Please send one letter of recommendation or endorsement to CCHS at info@historicalsociety.com or via mail:
Cumberland County Historical Society
21 N. Pitt St.
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attn: CCHS Internship Program
For any questions about internships with CCHS, contact Cara Curtis, Archives and Library Director, at ccurtis@historicalsociety.com or 717-249-7610 x102.