Careers

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking a Processing Archivist to join our Historical Resources Division. This position is responsible for the processing and cataloging of archival collections at KHS. Processing responsibilities include the processing, research, description and organization of archival collections according to best practices and KHS guidelines. Cataloging responsibilities include the creation of catalog and metadata records and finding aid for archival collections including manuscript, graphic, map, rare book and rare imprint materials. The ideal candidate brings professionalism, passion, and curiosity to the role.

The Kentucky Historical Society is actively acquiring additions to our collections. The KHS archives include significant manuscript, graphic, cartographic, photographic, ephemeral, digital, and oral history collections.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Processes and catalogs archival collections
• Supports enhanced description and increased access to archival collections
• Provides collections information and expertise to internal and external audiences.

Read the full position description here.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as library management software (e.g., OCLC WorldShare) and collections/content management systems (e.g., PastPerfect, CONTENTdm, Omeka, etc.).
• Strong public speaking and writing skills
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Knowledge of archival standards
• Adherence to professional codes of ethics, collections care best practices/standards, and involvement in field-related organizations.
• Knowledge of Kentucky history preferred. Experience working with diverse community organizations and volunteers.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, public history or a related field. Master’s degree in library science or a related field is preferred.

Experience: One (1) year working in a library special collections or archival setting.

Substitute Education for Experience: additional education will substitute for required experience.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift materials of up to 25 lbs. Must be able to safely handle fragile archival materials.
• Must be able to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for long periods.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

• Knowledge of Kentucky history desired. Experience working with diverse community organizations and volunteers.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Archives Administrator. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $35,713.23 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. The regular work schedule includes a 37.5-hour workweek, and the position will require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours and travel as needed to support the programs and events of the Kentucky Historical Society. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, employer paid leave, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls accepted. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. 

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.

Visitor Services Operations Associate

The Kentucky Historical Society is seeking an Operations Associate to fulfill our mission and help colleagues across the organization succeed. The position plays an integral part in the Visitor Services and Facilities teams. The Operations Associate is cross-trained to serve in all KHS guest services areas, with KHS rentals and special events, as well as some general service needs.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work with Visitor Services to man frontline positions 
• Sell tickets, merchandise, and memberships at museum reception desks, collect payments by accepting cash, check, or charge payments from customers, and make change for cash customers 
• Assist with set-up and clean-up of events and rentals in various facilities within the Kentucky Historical Society 
• Aid with event operations and tech troubleshooting 
• Ensure event spaces and equipment are clean and orderly 
• Provide positive customer experience with fair, friendly, and courteous service 
• Provide quality experiences for the Kentucky History Center and Museums visitors 
• Escort and observe KHS contractors and vendors 
• Assist various departments with moving equipment, objects, and supplies across the KHS campus 
• Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications: 

• Education/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year of experience in customer service, retail, or clerical duties. 
• Communication: Ability to work with the Visitors Services team and Facilities, as well as independently, on several projects concurrently, and must enjoy working with the public. 
• Computer/Other Skills: Basic computer skills, including internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Point-of-sale Altru database system experience is a plus. Must be able to answer, transfer, and operate a multi-line phone system and return calls to guests promptly. Must be able to run a point-of-sale system, process credit card payments, and successfully balance a cash drawer by counting cash at the beginning and end of a work shift.
• Special Requirements: This position works a schedule of Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm with a 30-minute lunch. This position must be able to work occasionally on weeknights, Mondays, or holidays to provide for the needs of KHS. Saturdays and holidays that KHS is open are REQUIRED. Hours are subject to change. 

Working Conditions: 

• Work Environment:  This position shall work across the Kentucky History Center and Museums at the reception desks and in the gift store on a needed basis. Occasionally, this position will work with rental equipment. 
• Physical Demands: Will be required to move tables, chairs, and carts of supplies frequently. May be required to lift or move carts of materials and gift store products. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods and walk several blocks across our campus. May occasionally ascend/descend a stepladder for placement/removal for various tasks. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled 

THIS POSITION IS THROUGH ADECCO. To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adeccousa.com/candidate-privacy. The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, subject to federal contractor requirements and/or security clearance requirements. 

Pay Details: $12.50 per hour 

Call 502-875-0195 to apply!