me arts ed

A Maine Treasure!

Bali mask

In an earlier post (Oct. 19th) I mentioned visiting the Wilson Museum in Castine for a Down East Educational Partnership (DEEP) meeting. We were given a special tour by Patty Hutchins, Executive Director, who shared her love of the museum. I highly recommend a visit with your students OR go on your own, you won’t be disappointed. They have a special Lincoln exhibit during November.

The collection of museum items from many places in the world belonged to geologist, Dr. John Wilson. There are some incredible artifacts in the main museum building. Along with the main museum there are three other buildings on the property, The John Perkins House, The Blacksmith House and The Hearse House.

Peruvian whistling jar

Anyway, the Wilson Museum is searching for an Education Director who will develop, implement, supervise and promote the Museum’s educational goals and programs. It is anticipated that this position will begin in early 2010, pending funding. A complete job description is available upon request, email Patty: phutchins@wilsonmuseum.org

Job responsibilities will include:

• develop a close collaboration with area school systems’ educators and administrators;
• plan and implement a set of comprehensive educational programs/services for schools;
• develop all materials for school educational programs and services;
• explore feasibility of research and internship programs for regional High School students;
• develop and offer in-service opportunities for area teachers
• plan and implement after-school enrichment and vacation learning opportunities;
• develop family learning opportunities including those for homeschoolers;
• develop interpretive training for docent staff;
• expand and promote seasonal series of programs which may include lectures, demonstrations and/or hands on activities; and
• collaborate with other Museum and cultural institutions to develop complementary programming and networking of area expertise

Thumb piano

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
The Museum Educator must demonstrate a passion and a lively intellectual curiosity for the diverse natural and cultural objects of the Museum’s collection, i.e. New England coastal life and history, world ethnography, celebrating cultural diversity.

• Graduate degree in appropriate field. Education, Anthropology, History, Museum Studies are most strongly desired
• Demonstrated professional experience in education programming in a museum or other cultural organization
• Demonstrated track record of working with teachers and/or school age children
• Evidence of creative production of original educational materials
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences
• Capable of managing multiple assignments, projects, activities simultaneously
• Ability to be a collaborative team leader and player

Deadline: December 31, 2009

Contact: Patricia Hutchins, Executive Director P.O. Box 196, Castine, ME 04421, directoroffice@wilsonmuseum.org