Madison Museum

Here Ye! Here Ye!

We are looking forward to the Madison History Museum that will open in the Old Courtroom of the East Wing of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building in 2027.  The museum will tell stories about the history of the town and its people.  There will be some interactive exhibits with audio and video pieces.

Watch this space for further information as the plans progress to bring the museum to fruition.

The following are ways you can contribute to this exciting new Madison History Museum.  We would appreciate receiving artifacts that may be hiding in your home that will help tell the story of Madison.  Read our Policy for Donation to Collections to see if your item would benefit the story of Madison.  You can volunteer by donating to our collection and/or by participating in the Oral History Project. 

            The Madison Historical Society seeks a part-time Director for a new museum: The Madison History Museum. The successful candidate will be an active participant in the planning of museum exhibits and programming along with a notable professional museum designer and members of the Madison Historical Society. The society is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1922.

            The Borough of Madison traces its history back to the arrival of the first European settlers in 1715. Its citizens participated in the Revolutionary War and every subsequent war. In the late 19th century, Madison was known for magnificent estates and for the rose industry. From the middle of the 20th century, it is a suburban town but with some significant differences.  This very historic community deserves a museum dedicated to its history. The museum will be within the historic borough hall, the Hartley Dodge Memorial, which is on the national, state and local historic registers. This space is currently undergoing renovation, and the museum is scheduled to open in Fall 2027.

            Once the museum is finished, the part-time Director will administer the museum in collaboration with the Madison Historical Society. This role requires a hands-on approach and a passion for local history, combined with strong administrative, fundraising and public relations skills.

Key Responsibilities

·       Operations: Manage the day-to-day operations, including museum collections care, facility maintenance, budget and administrative tasks.

·       Collections and Exhibits: Guide the professional management of the museum’s artifact collection in collaboration with the society’s Collection Custodian. Oversee the development of permanent and temporary exhibits focused on Madison’s history, such as “Millionaire’s Row” and the “Rose Era.”

·       Community Engagement: Serve as the public face of the museum, fostering strong relationships with community partners, local schools and universities. Develop and implement engaging educational programs and public events.

·       Marketing: Create and manage communication strategies, including the museum’s website and social media, to increase public awareness and visitor engagement.

·       Development: Work with the Madison Historical Society in funding the museum.

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree required, a master’s degree in history, Museum Studies, or a related field preferred.

·       Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in museum or non-profit management.

·       Knowledge of “museum best practices” for collections management and exhibition development. Knowledge of Past Perfect is desirable.

·       Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

·       A strong passion for local history and a commitment to serving the Madison community.

Position Details

This is a part-time position, approximately 20-25 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that may include some evenings and weekends for events. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. 

How to Apply

Submit a resume and a letter of interest outlining your relevant experience and a vision for the Madison History Museum to DirectorapplicationMadisonNJ@gmail.com.

The Madison Historical Society is an equal-opportunity employer