What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curatorial Apprentice position at Filoli Center?
Step Into History: Become our 2026 Curatorial Apprentice!
Are you a history buff with a knack for organization? Do you dream of getting hands-on with early 20th-century artifacts? Filoli is looking for an energetic, detail-oriented 2026 Curatorial Apprentice to help us preserve, catalog, and share our incredible story.
This isn't your average "sit-behind-a-desk" apprenticeship. For the next year, you’ll be working directly with a massive, diverse collection—think furniture, textiles, fine art, and architecture—while gaining the kind of resume-building experience that only a world-class historic house museum can provide.
The Mission: 2026 Archival Deep Dive
While you'll assist with the daily hum of the museum, your primary "North Star" for 2026 will be evaluating and organizing the Filoli archives. You will spend your residency:
Modernizing History: Scanning, cataloging, and updating our database to make 150 years of history accessible to the world.
The Big Sort: Identifying what to keep, what to digitize, and how to house historic materials (pre-1975) so they last another century.
Influencing Policy: Collaborating with our Curator to revise archive management policies and presenting your findings to the Board.
The Essentials
Length of Apprenticeship: 1 year
Pay: $28.00 per hour and eligible for benefits.
Schedule: Full-time (30–40 hours/week). Generally Monday–Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm with flexibility for some evening and weekend events.
Location: Woodside, CA. Please note: Housing and public transportation are not available.
What a Week Looks Like
Typically, you’ll be with us Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends for our special events like Summer Nights or Holiday programming.
The Independent Project: Researching and executing the archival deep dive that leaves a lasting mark on the museum.
Hands-on Care: Assisting with conservation, packing, and moving heavy furniture or delicate art.
Collections Support: Updating the Proficio database, photographing objects, and performing "high-stakes" dusting of exhibit items.
Team Spirit: Working alongside our Learning, Facilities, and Visitor Services teams to keep the museum running beautifully.
Are You the One?
We aren't just looking for a student; we’re looking for a future colleague who is:
Curious: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college.
Tech-Savvy: Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and (ideally) collections databases.
Culturally Minded: Someone who views diversity and equity as essential assets to a modern organization.
Physically Capable: You’ll need to be comfortable on your feet, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting/moving items up to 50 lbs.
A Self-Starter: You can take direction when needed but aren't afraid to work independently on complex tasks.
Bonus Points: Previous museum experience or a background in decorative arts is a huge plus, but a passion for the work and a "can-do" attitude are what truly matter.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to interact with every corner of a professional collection. You’ll gain experience in archival management, registration, and curatorial work that will set you apart in the museum field. Plus, you’ll do it all in a collaborative, supportive environment where your voice and your work actually matter.
Ready to make history? Apply today!
Filoli Recruitment
Filoli is an equal opportunity employer committed to a racially equitable and inclusive
Salary : $28