Careers

Adecco is currently looking for a Visitor Services Associate. The Visitor Services Associate will work to fulfill the Kentucky Historical Society's mission and help colleagues throughout the organization succeed. The position plays an integral part on the Visitor Services team. The Visitors Services Associate serves as an initial point of contact with members of the Society and visitors of the Kentucky History Center and Museums. This position is cross-trained to serve in all KHS guest services areas – the 1792 Gift Store, admission desks at The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Kentucky Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum, and with KHS rentals and special events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet visitors
• 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
• Balance cash drawer by counting cash at the beginning and end of a work shift
• Merchandise sales at 1792 Gift Store
• Answer telephone and direct calls to appropriate KHS staff
• Assist with special or rental events setups
• Provide information/directions to visitors of the Kentucky History Center and Museums on meeting locations, museums, and restroom locations
• Work as a member of the Visitors Services Team alongside other KHS teams to provide quality experiences for the Kentucky History Center and Museums visitors
• Provide a positive customer experience with fair, friendly, and courteous service

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year experience in customer service, retail, or clerical duties.

Communication: Ability to work with the Visitors Services team but also independently on several projects concurrently and must enjoy working with the general public and school groups/children.             

Computer/Other Skills: Basic computer skills, including internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Point of Sale Altru database system experience 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 cash drawer by counting cash at the beginning and end of a work shift.

Special Requirements: This is a part-time position with a work schedule of Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm with a 30-minute lunch. This position must be able to work occasional weeknight, 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 at reception desks at the Kentucky History Center and Museums or in the gift store on a rotating basis
• Physical Demands:  May be required to lift or move carts of materials and gift store products. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods. May occasionally ascend/descend stepladder for placement/removal of gift store sales products.

Competencies/Behavior Dimensions:

• Passion for Kentucky history: Passion for the KHS mission and core values: service, discovery, excellence, authenticity, stewardship. Possess the ability to communicate this passion to others.
• Service Focus:  We value our role in serving the public and work to ensure those services are exemplary.
• Discovery:  We value dialogue, discussion, education and scholarship. We value an organizational culture of discovery that inspires, engages and motivates learners of all ages.
• Excellence:  We value continuous improvement with the goal of excellence. To that end, we place high value on adhering to and shaping professional standards.
• Authenticity: We value integrity, legitimacy, and the power of the authentic. We therefore value research, collections and programs backed by fact.
• Stewardship:  We understand that stewardship is all about what you do with your resources and how you do it. As a result, we value the proper stewardship of Kentucky's historical assets, KHS financial and human resources, and the KHS mission.
• Be inclusive: Give opportunity to the history of all people. Encourage them to share their history and make it broadly accessible
• Be Innovative:  Create new ways to ignite the public's curiosity about history. Maximize the latest appropriate resources to implement them.
• Be Bold:  Don't be afraid to address controversial issues. Don't be afraid to take risks to accomplish organizational goals.
• Be Relevant: Identify the issues that matter today. Demonstrate how history can play a key role in their resolution.
• Embrace Diversity: Commitment to inclusiveness and empowerment. Demonstrates respect, equity and empathy for a diverse community.
• Professional Development: Actively participate in agency-approved internal and external professional development events, as needed or directed by the supervisor.

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

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Click here to apply!

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking an Oral Historian to join our Historical Resources Division. The Oral Historian will work to fulfill the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society and to help their colleagues throughout the organization succeed. The position promotes the oral history program at the Kentucky Historical Society and the initiatives of the Kentucky Oral History Commission.

The Oral Historian works with individuals, organizations, and history professionals to engage people through local and state history, connect with communities, and bring attention to KHS programs and services. The Oral Historian encourages the use of and access to oral history collections at the Kentucky Historical Society and across the Commonwealth.

The Oral Historian supports the administration of the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC), the only commission of its kind in the United States dedicated to providing financial and technical assistance to oral history repositories, oral historians, and community scholars. The Oral Historian assists with the KOHC grant program and serves as a resource for individuals and organizations.

The Oral Historian supports the creation, preservation, and dissemination of oral history projects throughout Kentucky. The position establishes relationships with oral history practitioners and historical organizations across the Commonwealth, offering professional and technical assistance to encourage best practices in oral history creation and preservation. The ideal candidate brings professionalism, passion, curiosity, and positive problem-solving to the role.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

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.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Kentucky Historical Society’s oral history program through acquisition, preservation, and access
• Support the work of the Kentucky Oral History Commission and the twice-yearly KOHC grant program
• Promote and provide advice and training on the creation, preservation, and use of oral history for individuals and organizations across the Commonwealth
• Foster long-term relationships with community partners through existing and new community engagement programs

To see the full position description, please click here.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience – Master’s degree in oral history, folklore or folk studies, public history, or humanity or social science field; Experience with interview-based methodology and fieldwork preferred. Two (2) years of experience working in community engagement and/or cultural documentation, specifically audio; knowledge of audio recording equipment and the standards and best practices in oral history; and experience facilitating workshops and other training.

Communication – Demonstrated facility in public speaking, writing, and communicating with multiple kinds of audiences. Excellent people and presentation skills. Ability to speak with diverse groups of people in both formal and informal settings.

Computer Skills – Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use. Familiarity with audio/video editing software, Omeka, Aviary, Otter AI, and other online platforms preferred.

Special Requirements – Proficiency with commercial audio recording equipment required. A demonstrated proficiency in content archival management systems and audio editing programs and digital audio workstations (DAWS) preferred.

Organization Skills – Must have strong organizational and administrative skills and the ability to work collegially with staff across the organization. Must be able to manage a project from concept to completion.

Work Environment:

• Must have strong organizational skills
• Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion with the highest attention to detail
• Must be able to self-regulate work rate and complete multiple assigned tasks accurately and efficiently
• Must be willing to occasionally travel to off-site programs/events and work some evenings and weekends

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to move audio equipment regularly that may weigh up to 40lbs
• 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 is a plus. Experience working with diverse community organizations and volunteers
• Adherence to professional codes of ethics, oral history best practices/standards, and involvement in field-related organizations

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Director of Historical Resources. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $38,140.08 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday with a 37.5-hour workweek, but the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours 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, 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 Monday, February 24, 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.

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking a Curator of Collections to join our Historical Resources Division. The Curator serves on the team responsible for the acquisition, care, cataloging, and interpretation of collections. The role supports all KHS projects, programs, and activities that elevate our understanding of Kentucky history through material culture. This position actively develops the KHS collection by working with donors and communities and by engaging in contemporary and responsive collecting. The Curator of Collections provides stewardship and intellectual control of the agency’s significant and diverse historical collection—ensuring that these strategic assets are accessible for interpretation, research, and teaching. This position is highly collaborative, often working in partnership with internal colleagues as well as supporting collecting organizations across the Commonwealth. The ideal candidate brings professionalism, passion, curiosity, and positive problem-solving to the role.

The Kentucky Historical Society’s team is actively acquiring additions to our 160,000+ object collection. The KHS’s significant holdings include collections of paintings, textiles and costumes, weapons and militaria, popular culture, political material, furnishings, toys and recreation, domestic life, and occupational/industrial material. 

The Kentucky Historical Society:

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.

Key responsibilities:

• Proactively guide the acquisition, continuous improvement, and stewardship of the KHS object collection.
• Help develop ways in which objects and archival materials can be interpreted and utilized through exhibitions, publications, events, and presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure the ongoing care of the KHS object collection.

The full position description can be found here.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in a museum or history-related institution. Master’s Degree in history, museum studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated facility in public speaking, writing, and communicating with multiple kinds of audiences.
• Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use. PastPerfect experience preferred.
• Must be able to manage multiple, complex projects from concept to completion.
• Special Requirements – Knowledge of material culture and museum cataloging practices. Adherence to professional codes of ethics and involvement in museum organizations.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to visually inspect the change in the condition of archival documents and collection objects; retrieve collection objects regularly that may weigh up to 40 lbs.; able to regularly bend/stoop/reach to retrieve and store collection objects. Frequent use of a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. May occasionally be required to travel in and out of state relating to collections management and accessions.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Chief Curator. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $46,146.72 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday with a 37.5-hour work week but the position will require occasional night, weekend, or holiday hours as needed. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 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 are accepted. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 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.

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) seeks a friendly and detail-oriented individual to book and maintain all KHS program reservations, field trips, and group tours as the Visitor Services Coordinator. While keeping excellent organization of our booking records, this position will offer the opportunity to work with all KHS departments creating and supervising registration platforms, associated documentation, and communications with KHS Members and participants. The Coordinator will also assist with everyday museum operations and front-desk needs, joining a team focused on the organization's front-facing services to its guests across our campus. The Visitor Services Coordinator will report to the Visitor Services Manager.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

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 full American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate visitor service team activities with various KHS departments for up-to-date programming information and disseminate pertinent information to other team members.
• Receive and process via telephone/email/point of sale reservations for individuals, schools, or groups for tours, events, programs, or otherwise and maintain accurate and complete records for such reservations.
• Assist members of the Visitors Services Team and other departments at KHS to provide quality experiences for the guests of the Kentucky Historical Society. Assist with special or rental events as needed.
• Greet visitors and process admissions at reception desks and sales in the 1792 Museum Store.

To see the full position description, click here.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED and two (2) years experience in customer service, retail, or clerical duties.

Reservation Management: Must be able to work with individuals and groups in processing reservations for events, programs, and tours in a detailed manner and maintain accurate records for such reservations.

Communication: Ability to work with the Visitors Services team but also independently on several

projects concurrently. Must enjoy working with the public.

Electronic Skills: Basic computer skills in internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and email usage. Must be able to answer, transfer, and operate a multi-line phone system and return calls to guests on a timely basis. Must be able to manage a point-of-sale system and build reservation platforms with associated software.

Working Conditions:

Work Environment: Ability to organize and complete files and projects on time. Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion. Must be willing to occasionally travel.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit or stand for long periods. Must be able to move around the 1792 Museum Store to assist customers, replace store inventory, and straighten shelves. This requires lifting, reaching high and low with the occasional use of a step ladder. Must be able to maintain consistent movement between KHS campus sites, all within a .25-mile radius in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week with a flexible work week during regular KHS operational hours but must be able to work the occasional evening or holiday to provide for the needs of KHS in its programming and services for its museum and special event guests.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Visitor Services Manager. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $28,653.36 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 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 are accepted. The deadline for submissions is March 10, 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.

Do you want to guide how the public utilizes an important research library? Would you like to build the research collection of a state historical society? The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to run the daily operations of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, which includes extensive Kentucky history and genealogy holdings. This research library is instrumental in meeting the needs of scholars, family history researchers, students, and other members of the public who are looking to deepen their understanding of Kentucky history.

This position provides an important leadership and managerial position on KHS’s Research and Publications team and collaborates with colleagues and patrons to align library activities to support KHS priorities and annual program plans. The Research Library Manager plays a key role in the advancement of the Kentucky Historical Society’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the library, this position keeps reference resources accessible by overseeing reference services, administering our genealogy and family history services, and playing a role in developing library collections. The KHS research library engages thousands of patrons and researchers each year through onsite visitation, outreach, public presentations, mail and email correspondence, phone inquiries, and online visitation. The Research Library Manager plays a pivotal role in establishing and implementing a vision to create a modern research environment that provides easy access to Kentucky’s historical information.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of KHS’s Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, including the training, scheduling, and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers involved in research services.
• Serves on the Research and Publications management team. Helps set team priorities and works to ensure good organizational communication.
• Oversees the conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation of services and programs that address patron needs on subjects including genealogy, primary sources, and local history.
• Ensures the research library staff are prepared to provide excellent service and continuously evaluates the overall patron research experience.
• Ensures the team follows established policies and procedures, modeling best practices for research library operations. Maintains a healthy and safe environment for staff and patrons.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations and makes appropriate adjustments. Establishes and reports metrics and statistics of the library’s operation.
• Provides financial stewardship of the library’s activities, which includes working with agency leadership to establish a team budget, procure products and services, and meet revenue projections.
• Ensures the upkeep of the library’s digital assets, including hardware, software, and subscription services.
• Proactively seeks new collecting opportunities to enhance KHS library collection. Monitors collections development needs based on patron usage and current trends.
• Supervises the KHS Genealogy Librarian to implement genealogy and family history programs, including Kentucky Ancestors Online, genealogy-related social media, public programs, and more.

To see the full position description, click here.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: Seeking a well-rounded professional with experience managing a library or library system. Minimum of three years’ experience in a library and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or another related field is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a knowledge of history and genealogy. Candidate must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and be comfortable speaking in front of groups large and small in both formal and informal settings. Attention to detail, accuracy, timeliness, and project management experience required. This position works Tuesday through Saturday, with some occasional evenings and some travel.

Computer Skills: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, online databases, web publishing software, social media tools, and websites.

Working Conditions: 

Work Environment: Ability to organize files and projects and complete them on time. Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion. Must be willing to work Saturdays, some evenings, and occasionally travel.

This is a full-time, Tuesday through Saturday position located in Frankfort, Kentucky, that reports to the Director of Research and Publications. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $50,760.48 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 401(k), and optional deferred compensation plans.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 5, 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.