Hello Mia-

Most historic house and/or history museums are quite happy to employ persons who hold an MA in American History. Over the past 59 years our staff has included professionals holding MAs and PhDs in history, art history and anthropology.  We hired one person who had a Masters in Museum Studies from a prestigious program who considered herself the only "museum professional" ever employed here. She was a complete disaster. She had book knowledge, but she had absolutely no idea how historic house museums work.

Especially since you have some past experience in museums (in addition to your educational background), you should be able to find a museum position. I would look at small museums, archives, state and municipal museums, etc.

You don't say what kind of position you are looking for (programs, curatorial, administrative, etc.), but the AAM does a survey of salaries.

Good luck.


Morris Witten
Executive Director
Taos Historic Museums 

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.

~Lew Wallace (Territorial governor of New Mexico 1878 - 1881)


> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:23:29 -0400
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [MUSEUM-L] questions about certificates/jobs
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> Hello:
> 
> I have been reading through the archives and have some questions about museum jobs and certificates. I know there is no one right answer, but would love to hear opinions from others.
> 
> I have both a BA and MA in American history and have completed two internships during undergrad. I have been working as an admin in an unrelated area for the past few years but really want to get back into a history museum. Do you think obtaining a certificate is worth my while and will help my chances in landing a job?
> 
> I have found two certificates in the Boston area: Tufts Univ and Regis College. Has anyone heard about the Regis certificate? It requires 4 classes and 2 internships. Are there any others in this area?
> 
> What is the average pay range for starting out in the Boston area ?I know of several small museums in the surrounding towns. Do you think there are more opportunities in this general area, or is there more competition?
> 
> Any other info welcome and appreciated.
> 
> Thank you so much!
> 
> -Mia
> 
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