Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Minor.
Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was always artistic and loved to read. I was drawn to history at an early age and was born with the collecting bug. When I went off to college, I studied fine art and literature. After I left school, I didn’t know what I really wanted to do so, needing to support myself, I took the first corporate job that came along.
Through a long series of happenstance, I found myself in document management at a time when companies were in the process of moving from storing records on outdated microfilm technology to computer age digitization. I spearheaded this transition for a couple of companies as a project manager. After this phase, I took on a management position and learned the ropes of administration, organization, hiring staff, working with vendors, and within budget constraints. When my last corporate gig ended I found myself adrift, wondering what I would do next.
My wife asked me what I would like to do and I mentioned my lifelong passion for museums. As fate would have it I saw a listing for an assistant curator at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum that very same day! I called the number listed and arranged for an interview over the phone with the owner, David Karpeles. As it turned out, they were really looking for a new Director for the Jacksonville location and within a couple of weeks, I was offered the position.
I think my educational background in the liberal arts combined with my many years of organizational/management on-the-job training appealed to them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My working life has never been a smooth road, as I found myself working way outside my field of interest for so long. Liberal Arts do not translate to financial security for many people so we take employment that pays bills.
When I took the museum position it seemed like things would come together, that I could merge my passions and interests with the type of work where I would receive payment.
The first couple of years working for the museum were difficult as I had to virtually start the museum over from scratch with the stronger organization while simultaneously learning many new skills, such as public speaking and fundraising. And while the initial obstacles were eventually overcome there are always new struggles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Regional Director of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville. “Regional” because there are 15 museums around the country that exhibit the collection of David Karpeles, who owns the largest private collection of original historical manuscripts in the world.
I run the local museum, which not only showcases his themed manuscript exhibits but also has an art gallery and hosts cultural and private events. In my role as Director, I am in charge of practically everything, which includes, but is not limited to, administrative work, curating special exhibitions and art exhibitions, fundraising, building management, bookkeeping, hiring staff, and public relations.
I am proud of all of the great exhibitions, programs, and events I have been involved in that have contributed to the cultural expansion and quality of life in Jacksonville. According to a recently overheard comment regarding myself, I tend to think “outside the box”. I will take that!
Contact Info:
- Email: kmuseumjax@aol.com
- Website: www.karpeles.weebly.com
