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News & Events

August 25, 2026

Registrar (Museum)

byDavid Grabitske

Part-Time  20-25 Hours per week
Location: Cultural Heritage Center | Pierre, South Dakota
Salary: $21 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Now is an exciting time to join the museum team. The recently renovated Cultural Heritage Center is the home of South Dakota history, where the stories, people, and places that shaped our state are preserved and shared. On July 1, the State Museum welcomed visitors to three newly completed exhibits, with additional exhibits opening in the months ahead.

Under the direction of the Museum Director, the Registrar will support the physical management of approximately 35,000 objects in the South Dakota State Historical Society’s collection. Working closely with the Curator of Collections, Curator of Exhibits, and Curator of Interpretation, the Registrar will help ensure that artifacts are properly documented, cared for, accessible, and available for exhibitions, research, and education programs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Manage the museum's artifact database (Collector Systems)
  • Catalog and document incoming donations
  • Housing or rehousing artifacts and general artifact handling 
  • Coordination of incoming and outgoing loans including all relevant paperwork 
  • Maintain and revise (as needed) the museum’s collections management policies 
  • Maintain the museum’s physical environment, including downloading environmental monitoring data and pest management throughout museum areas

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, or a related field
  • Detail-oriented and with a high degree of accuracy
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with staff

Position Details

The position is administered by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising partner of the South Dakota State Historical Society. This is not a State of South Dakota position.

Benefits include:

  • Paid vacation leave
  • Paid sick leave
  • Paid holidays 
  • 5% employer match - 403(b) retirement plan
  • Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to:

David Grabitske
Museum Director
South Dakota State Historical Society
900 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501

Apply at https://bit.ly/museumregistrar 

Applications will be accepted through September 8, 2026, or until the position is filled.