Front Desk Assistant

Front Desk Assistant– John Paul Jones HousePart -time, SeasonalMemorial Day Weekend – October 31 | approx. 15 hours/week | $16.50/hour

The Portsmouth Historical Society is seeking a Front Desk Assistant to fill a vacancy at the John Paul Jones House Museum on Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. This position is ideal for an engaging and knowledgeable individual with a passion for Portsmouth history, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

Responsibilities:

• Welcome visitors in a friendly and professional manner
• Provide historical context and information about the John Paul Jones House Museum
• Oversee and support volunteers assisting at the museum
• Assist with admissions, membership, and gift shop sales using Shopify (POS system)
• Maintain a clean and organized front-of-house area
• Answer visitor inquiries and provide way-finding assistance for Portsmouth attractions
• Promote Portsmouth Historical Society membership, events, and walking tours
• Manage inventory, restock brochures and shop items, and assist with opening/closing procedures
• Work independently on projects during slower periods

Ideal Candidate:

• Has a knowledge or strong interest in Portsmouth history
• Has experience in a museum, visitor services, or customer-facing role
• Is comfortable with public speaking and engaging with visitors
• Is a self-starter who can work independently and take initiative
• Has basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite); experience with Shopify is a plus
• Can lift up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods

Position benefits:

• Complimentary Portsmouth Historical Society membership with NARM benefits
• Time-and-a-half pay for federal holidays worked (closed on July 4th)

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to director@portsmouthhistory.org by April 30. No phone calls please.

Portsmouth Historical Society is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that history is best preserved and shared when all voices are represented and valued. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, national origin, or any other protected status. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

About Portsmouth Historical Society: The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. Founded in 1917, the Portsmouth Historical Society opened the John Paul Jones House as a museum in 1920. For more than a century, the organization has gathered a diverse collection that fulfills its mission to illustrate and understand the history and material life, broadly conceived, of Portsmouth and the immediate Seacoast area from the seventeenth century to the present.

Today the Portsmouth Historical Society operates two properties, its main building located at 10 Middle Street, and

the John Paul Jones House, located just across the street. In addition to enjoying the museum, visitors can join us on

a walking tour, browse our gift shop, or take part in one of our many public programs.