Historical Records Specialist

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, operating, and interpreting historic railroad equipment while educating the public about the region’s rich railroad heritage. Through active rail operations, archival preservation, and public programming, TVRM connects history with hands-on experiences.

Position Summary

The Historical Records Specialist is responsible for the organization, preservation, and accessibility of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s historical records and archival materials. This role ensures that institutional records, photographs, technical drawings, manuscripts, and related materials are properly cataloged, preserved, and made available to support research, interpretation, restoration projects, and public engagement.

The position works closely with museum leadership, curatorial staff, restoration teams, and researchers to safeguard TVRM’s documentary history and support its mission of preservation and education.

Key Responsibilities

Collections & Records Management

Organize, catalog, and maintain historical records, including photographs, documents, drawings, correspondence, maps, and ephemera

Develop and maintain archival systems, inventories, and finding aids in accordance with accepted archival standards

Establish and implement policies for records retention, access, and preservation

Preservation & Digitization

Assess the condition of archival materials and recommend appropriate preservation methods

Coordinate digitization efforts to improve access and ensure long-term preservation

Ensure proper storage, handling, and environmental controls for archival collections

Research & Reference Services

Respond to internal and external research requests from staff, volunteers, scholars, and the public

Support restoration, interpretation, and educational projects with historical documentation

Assist with exhibits, publications, and grant applications by providing historical research and source materials

Collaboration & Outreach

Work with curatorial, education, and marketing teams to support storytelling and interpretation

Train staff and volunteers in basic archival handling and records procedures

Assist with acquisitions, donations, and transfers of historical records, including donor documentation

Compliance & Documentation

Maintain accurate records of accessions, deaccessions, and rights management

Ensure compliance with museum best practices and ethical standards

Support disaster preparedness and emergency response planning for archival materials

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in history, archival studies, library science, museum studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience working with historical records, archives, or special collections

Knowledge of archival principles, cataloging, and preservation best practices

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers

Preferred

Master’s degree in archival studies, library science (MLIS), history, or related field

Experience with digitization projects and archival management systems

Familiarity with railroad history, industrial heritage, or transportation museums

Experience working in a nonprofit or museum environment

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to handle archival materials safely

Occasional lifting of boxes or materials (up to approximately 25 lbs.)

Work may include time in storage areas with variable temperature and humidity