Manager of Historic Costuming

Position Title: Manager of Historic Costuming
Reports to: Director of Interpretation Operations
Direct Reports: Lead Interpreter, Historic Costuming;
Costume Interns & Volunteers
Hours/

Schedule:

Year-round, full-time (2,080 hours), non-exempt position. Weekends are regularly required. Preferred schedule Tuesday-Saturday. Evenings occasionally required.

About Us: Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art (700 pieces) and 19th‑century clothing (4,000 pieces).

The Manager of Costuming is responsible for the overall operation of the costume shop, outfitting of interpretation staff, volunteers, and guest actors in 19th-century clothing, and supervising all costume shop technicians and volunteers, as well as the upkeep, repair, cleaning, storage, and inventory of all costumes and historic clothing. The Manager of Costuming must have the capacity for historical research for and the design and construction of historical reproduction clothing using both modern and historic techniques.

These responsibilities should be approached with a community engagement mindset – one that values and respects the voices and identities of colleagues, both year‑round and seasonal, volunteers, and visitors.

• Responsible for the efficient operation of the costume shop, including:
• Outfitting all interpretation staff, volunteers, and guest actors in historically‑appropriate reproduction clothing spanning from 1800‑1870 for programming and special events throughout the year, including scheduling and executing fittings
• Maintenance of the GCV&M‑owned inventory and shop, including clothing inventory, equipment, fabric, and other shop supplies
• Research and documentation related to costuming to ensure historical accuracy
• Creation and enforcement of costuming guidelines, including training interpreters on maintenance of all issued costuming
• Patterning and construction of new costumes from start to finish

• Creation and maintenance of the department budget
• Managing shop equipment, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement
• Supporting other departments as needed, including education, community engagement, and development needs
• Developing and conducting workshops as scheduled
• Other duties as assigned

• 3-5 years of experience in maintenance and construction of reproduction of historical clothing and/or theater costumes
• Demonstrated ability to pattern, fit, and complete historical costuming using both modern and historical construction and sewing skills
• Demonstrated historical research skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability including those with varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities
• Previous experience in staff supervision, mentoring, and training
• Demonstrated ability to complete work on time and within budget
• Flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and assignments

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk up to 1‑3 miles a day in all types of weather and terrain
• Ability to perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Pay Range: $20.00–$21.00 per hour

How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and include both a cover letter and resume.
Please include a sample of created garments, including pictures and/or videos.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and…