Archivist & Historian

National Western | Denver, CO

About National Western

We are National Western—an organization rooted in more than 120 years of history and driven by a mission to strengthen American agriculture through education, youth development, and community connection. We are stewards of the Western way of life, grounded in the values of courage, pride, integrity, grit, and loyalty. Each January, we bring this mission to life through the legendary National Western Stock Show—one of the world’s premier Western lifestyle, rodeo, and livestock entertainment events—welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the globe. Beyond the Stock Show, we operate The Legacy, a world-class, year-round destination for events, experiences, and cultural connection in the heart of Denver. We are more than an event—we are a brand that lives at the intersection of heritage and culture, shaping how Western lifestyle shows up in the modern world.

Position Summary

The National Western Stock Show Archivist & Historian serves as the steward of the organization's historical collections, records, memorabilia, photographs, documents, and artifacts. This position is responsible for preserving, organizing, interpreting, and promoting the rich history of the National Western Stock Show and the Western Stock Show Association. The Archivist & Historian collaborates closely with committee members, volunteers, donors, researchers, and the public to ensure the organization's legacy is accurately documented and shared through exhibits, presentations, and educational outreach.

Key Responsibilities

Archive and Collection Management

• Acquire, catalog, organize, and preserve historical records, photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, publications, and digital collections related to the National Western Stock Show, the Western Stock Show Association, and the Denver Stockyards.
• Maintain accurate inventories and archival databases.
• Develop and implement archival standards, conservation practices, and collection policies.
• Assess, document, and recommend acquisitions, donations, and loans of historical materials.
• Coordinate storage, preservation, and digitization efforts to protect historical assets.

Historical Research and Documentation

• Conduct research related to the history of the Western Stock Show Association, the National Western Stock Show and the related Denver stockyards, their events, participants, traditions, and impact.
• Respond to historical inquiries from staff, committee members, media, researchers, and the public.
• Develop written historical content for publications, exhibits, websites, newsletters, and special projects.
• Maintain and expand institutional knowledge and historical records.

Public Outreach and Education

• Prepare and deliver engaging presentations to community groups, organizations, schools, committees, and visitors on the history and legacy of the National Western Stock Show and the evolution of stock exhibitions and stockyards in Colorado and the surrounding region.
• Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for the organization's history and heritage.
• Assist with historical tours, exhibits, celebrations, anniversaries, and commemorative events.
• Support educational programming and community engagement initiatives.

Committee and Volunteer Support

• Work closely with National Western Stock Show committees to identify, preserve, and document historical information.
• Attend committee meetings as needed to provide historical context and expertise.
• Collaborate with volunteers and historical contributors on collection projects and oral histories.
• Assist in identifying significant milestones and historical achievements for recognition and preservation.

Visitor and Public Services

• Field phone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries regarding Stock Show, stockyards, and related history, collections, genealogy, research requests, and organizational heritage.
• Provide courteous, professional, and accurate information to stakeholders and the public.
• Facilitate access to archival materials while ensuring proper handling and preservation.

Exhibits and Special Projects

• Curate historical exhibits and displays that highlight the National Western Stock Show’s traditions, accomplishments, growth, and impact, including themes related to Colorado’s and Western agricultural history and heritage.
• Develop interpretive materials, exhibit narratives, signage, and artifact descriptions.
• Coordinate special historical projects, anniversary publications, oral history initiatives, and digital storytelling efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in History, Museum Studies, Library Science, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in archives, museums, historical societies, cultural institutions, or related environments.
• Knowledge of archival principles, collection management, preservation practices, and historical research methodologies.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Excellent organizational and recordkeeping abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers, committees, donors, and the public.
• Proficiency with database management and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• Master's degree in History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, or a related discipline.
• Experience curating exhibits and educational programs.
• Experience with digitization projects and digital asset management systems.
• Knowledge of Western heritage, agriculture, livestock industries, rodeo history, or Colorado history.
• Experience conducting oral history interviews.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for preserving and sharing historical information.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret historical materials for diverse audiences.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy.
• Ability to independently prioritize work while fostering collaborative relationships.

Physical Demands

National Western Complex is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex where dusty conditions and animals may exist. While performing the duties of this job, work is performed both indoors and outside in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, and rain, on varied surfaces.  

In this role, individuals will experience prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift 25 pounds and access/navigate the National Western Complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Scheduling Requirements

While the schedule for this position is primarily a four-day work week taking place between Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm between the months of February to November, there will be certain occasions in which early morning, late evening, weekend, or holiday availability will be required to perform the essential functions of this position.  

Like almost all NWSS team members, this position will need to be on-site every day during Stock Show, typically for 12-16 hours at a time.  

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a part-time, hourly position. 
• Base compensation starting at $23/hr
• Paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked