Western Reserve Historical Society opens search for Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles
Lead Gift from WRHS Museum Advisory Council makes funds available.
The Museum Advisory Council (MAC), an auxiliary of the Western Reserve Historical Society voted unanimously to support WRHS’s nationally ranked costume and textile collection with the Museum Advisory Council Costume Collection Endowment Fund. With the fund in place, WRHS will open a search for the Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles.
“The Museum Advisory Council has a legacy of fundraising to support the Western Reserve Historical Society for more than 60 years,” says Marjorie Comella, MAC President. “We are pleased to direct one of the MAC funds to support this significant part of the museum collection. We consider this to be lead gift and encourage the community to continue their support.”
“This is great news for the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing,” adds Cindy Halle, wife of the late Chisholm Halle. Chisholm Halle was the President of the Halle Brothers. Co. Department Store from 1966 to1973 and a trustee of the Western Reserve Historical Society. “This gem needs a leader. The Collection and Historical Society are deserving of a new chapter!”
The Chisholm Halle Costume Wing at the Western Reserve Historical Society, named for Chisholm Halle, houses 40,000 garments, quilts, and textiles from 1750 to the present. It ranks among the top ten collections of its kind in the United States. The collection is international in scope and contains both historic and contemporary designs, including mass-produced, ready-to-wear, couture and one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution. It was founded nearly 150 years ago, in 1867, to preserve and tell the story of Cleveland and the region. Today, WRHS engages the community through one of the country’s finest collections relating to the American experience.
“Preserving and providing greater access to our nationally ranked costume and textile collection is a top priority for this organization. We are indebted to the Museum Advisory Council for this generous gift that will allow WRHS to engage a professional curator to steward and interpret this collection,” explains Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO.
The search for the Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles will open in Fall 2015. A full job description will be posted online at www.wrhs.org. Inquiries should be directed to WRHS Human Resources, info@wrhs.org.