The Homesteader Museum is searching for a new registrar and collections manager. The current registrar and collections manager has turned in her notice of resignation and the Park County Commission agreed to maintain the position.

But not just anybody can fill the bill, according to Brandi Wright, the director and curator of the museum.

“It’s specialized,” Wright said, adding, “People go to school for this, and there is kind of a lot to it. It can be pretty intense.”

On top of the preferred qualifications — a bachelor’s degree, database experience and museum experience — the registrar is expected to work intensively with donors who offer items to the collection. The registrar lists and catalogues new donations and adds them to PastPerfect, a software program for museums. That person is also responsible for acknowledging the gift, creating an appropriate deed of gift for the donor, and recording all the information associated with the item. Then each item must be numbered, cataloged and photographed.

The registrar also oversees documentation of the collection and loans, both digital and paper documents, and keeps a computerized database of the collections.

Once an item is obtained and properly cataloged, it has to be cared for, including making sure storage of any item is appropriate. 

Not only does the registrar make sure collections can be found and are in good shape when they are pulled out of storage, he or she must also work with the curator — in this case Wright — to plan exhibits, and provide research and collections management for those displays.

As if that isn’t enough, the registrar/collections manager has a significant amount of interaction with visitors in the form of greeting them and perhaps assisting with tours. Special events and public program development and assistance is on the list as well.

“There is an emergency response plan,” Wright said, in case of a disaster or damage at the museum.

“We have to know where each item is at all times. The registrar oversees the entire collection, even items that are out on loan,” she said.

Anyone interested in the registrar/collections manager position is welcome to contact the museum by calling 307-754-9481. The Homesteader Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It closes at 2 p.m. on Saturday and remains closed on Sunday and Monday.