About Boscobel
Overview
The mission of Boscobel House and Gardens is to engage diverse audiences in the Hudson Valley’s ongoing, dynamic exchange between design, history, and nature.
Boscobel opened as a nonprofit museum sixty years ago. Built between 1804 and 1808, it was originally the dream house of wealthy Loyalists. By the 1950s, after falling into disrepair, it was demolished. Preservationists saved as many architectural fragments as possible and reassembled them fifteen miles north, where the Neoclassical mansion was restored back to—and even beyond—its original grandeur. Boscobel was saved as a beautiful piece of art.
Now an esteemed Historic House Museum containing one of the finest collections of decorative arts from the Federal period, Boscobel offers admission to 68 acres of our grounds, featuring lush gardens and a woodland trail. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Boscobel directly overlooks Constitution Marsh toward the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, showcasing dramatic views of the Hudson River.
Learn More About the HouseStaff
Our team of dedicated experts
Jennifer Carlquist
Executive Director and Curator
Jennifer Carlquist is a 30-year museum professional celebrating historic landscapes, buildings, and interiors; their contents; and contexts; as powerful tools for community engagement. She joined Boscobel as Curator in 2015, creating the award-winning exhibitions Hudson Hewn: New York Furniture Now (2016), Make-Do’s: Curiously Repaired Antiques (2017), and as Executive Director has launched free exhibitions in the Visitor Center, digital tour options on the grounds, an annual Chamber Music Festival, a Community Tree Initiative, and led major site improvements including a 5,000-sq ft seasonal program Pavilion, ADA upgrades, and a Native Meadow.
A recognized field leader, Ms. Carlquist lectures on museum practice and design history, and has served on advisory and grants panels for the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, Preservation League of NYS, Victorian Society Summer Schools, and the Attingham Summer School. She holds a certificate in Museum Management and is a graduate of the Cooper-Hewitt’s M.A. Program in the History of Design and Curatorial Studies, the University of Minnesota.
Abby Addams
Communications and Marketing Manager
Abby Addams leads all marketing and communication efforts at Boscobel, overseeing media relations, social media strategy, graphic design, external communications, advertisements, and strategic partnerships. Abby brings over six years of public relations agency experience across the fine arts, design, and lifestyle categories, having worked with a variety of distinguished organizations including The Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Acquavella Galleries, Chairish, The City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places, RISD Museum, Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, among others.
Abby received her B.A. in Art History and Communications from Manhattan College. She lives locally and is on the board of the Croton Arboretum.
Martha Pearson
Development Director
Martha Pearson leads Boscobel’s fundraising activities by fostering relationships with individual, foundation, government, and corporate supporters. She joined the staff after nearly two decades of successful fundraising in Manhattan’s performing arts sector, as well as other arts and community-focused organizations. Previous freelance clients include Origin Theatre, New York Irish Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Libraries Without Borders. Martha served in leadership and key development roles at Irish Repertory Theatre, where she oversaw all development operations and campaigns; La MaMa, a world-renowned experimental arts presenter on the Lower East Side, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), a multi-disciplinary arts presenter with an annual operating budget of over $50 million. A native of Toronto, Canada, Martha attended NYU, where she received a Master’s degree in Performance Studies from Tisch School of the Arts. She also holds a B.A. in Drama from Queen’s University (Kingston, ON). Martha lives locally with her family and is an active community volunteer.
Riley Richards
Assistant Curator
Riley Richards is a historian of American decorative arts and material culture. She supports the interpretation, care, and growth of Boscobel’s historic collection and period rooms. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in Art History and is a graduate of the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture. Riley formerly served as the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Curatorial Intern in American Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she assisted with the exhibition Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore and Tiffany & Co. and curated rotations of design drawings from Louis C. Tiffany and Tiffany Studios. Riley’s current research interests revolve around the making, use, and meaning of nineteenth century ceramics and glass in local communities.
Amber Stickle
Director of Audience Engagement and Programs
Amber Stickle joined Boscobel with an an impressive toolkit for project management, program development, financial administration, and event planning. She spent 15 distinguished years as Director of Recreation and Parks for the Town of Philipstown, overseeing the acquisition, launch, and management of a 35,500 square-foot community center, a variety of sports fields, and multiple parkland sites within the community. Amber has collaborated with countless local schools, organizations, and citizens to provide learning and recreational opportunities for children, adults, and senior citizens.
Amber holds a B.A. in Public Administration and Policy with a concentration in education from SUNY Albany, and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Marist College. She is currently a member of the Melzingah Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and Senior State Vice President for the New York State chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.
Angie Tocci
Event Manager
Angela joins Boscobel with ten years of experience designing and executing thousands of memorable, meaningful events, and 20 years as a social services professional. She is fiercely committed to making magic happen for her clients, be they wedding couples or individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Angela has an MBA from Mercy College, a National Certification in Event Planning from New York Institute of Art and Design. She is a Beacon resident and mother of two: daughter and Great Dane. Angela enjoys hiking, breathtaking views, shopping, and centering herself through her books, yoga, and crystals.
Board Members and Annual Report
Board Members:
Mr. Arnold S. Moss, Co-Chair
Mr. Alexander Reese, Co-Chair
Mr. William J. Burback
Mr. Gilman S. Burke, Esq.
Mr. Henry N. Christensen, Jr.
Ms. Susan Davidson
Ms. Allegra Driscoll
Mr. Aaron Mair
Mr. Frederick H. Osborn III
Gov. George Pataki
Mr. John Sadlon
Ms. Maria Stein-Marrison
Ms. Margaret Tobin
Careers
Executive Assistant
Boscobel seeks an Executive Assistant (EA) to provide critical organizational and communication support. This position performs a broad range of tasks for the Executive Director, Development Director, and museum as a whole, with a particular emphasis on administrative support, board engagement, and fundraising.
The Executive Assistant reports to the Executive Director and is the ED’s primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders in person, via phone, email, and post. Exceptional communication, organization, time management, and software/tech savvy are essential. The right candidate will be a service-minded problem-solver, performing duties with accuracy, timeliness, and discretion.
The EA is a full-time position averaging 35 hours/week, primarily onsite. All Boscobel employees are expected to work certain holiday, evening, and weekend programs throughout the year including the patron parties, holiday Twilight Tours, Independence Day concert, and other events as needed.
Responsibilities
Administrative Operations
- Manage the ED and board calendar including internal and external meetings
- Draft, fact-check, and proofread ED correspondence to a polished, professional standard
- Assist with ED travel arrangements, reimbursement requests, etc. Prepare travel-related host gifts/thank-you’s, and meeting materials
- Serve as liaison to the museum’s management team internally and externally: receive guests, field incoming calls and emails, etc.
- Update, distribute, and file board and staff memos, lists, etc.
- Draft correspondence, memos, etc. for ED revision/signature
- Maintain/replenish office files, supplies, and equipment
- Support onboarding process for new hires
- Manage office services such as phone systems, mailing services, coordinate IT support
- Organize support as needed from staff and volunteers for special events and projects
- Pick up/deliver supplies, meeting materials, refreshments, guests, etc. as needed
Governance
- Coordinate Board of Directors and committee meetings (producing/distribute agendas and related materials, confirm attendance, arrange all logistics including technical arrangements, meals, etc.)
- Regularly update trustees about upcoming opportunities, deadlines, etc.
- Record and maintain board minutes and other records
Fundraising/Donor relations
- Process donations, record and maintain donor information, and generate correspondence and reports using Boscobel’s Altru database, a Blackbaud Customer Relations Management software
- Ensure data integrity by entering/maintaining accurate information in a timely fashion. Manage constituent and donation entries to ensure courtesy, consistency, prompt acknowledgment and reporting ability, and accuracy in all records
- Review and offer solutions to any data or other errors found such as duplicate entries,
- missing information, incorrectly entered donations and more.
- Assist ED and Development Director with fundraising appeals and acknowledgements
- Coordinate logistics and prepare materials for prospect/donor meetings
- Provide support at fundraisers and other programs, including name tags, greetings, etc.
- Assist with tracking philanthropic opportunities, prospect research
Qualifications/Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Exceptional communication skills via phone, mail, email, and in person
- Proven technological proficiency with online calendar, meeting, and file-sharing technologies including MS Office, Google, and Microsoft 365, etc.
- Familiarity with using a database for point-of-sale, customer management, or fundraising
- Excellent time management skills, ability to multi-task
- Eagerness to learn and work independently and collaborate as part of a team
- Ability to maintain a highly professional, positive, and flexible mindset and demeanor
- Discretion with sensitive and confidential matters
- Experience/interest in development and/or nonprofit management is preferred
- Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
Salary and Benefits for qualified applicants
- Salary range: $20-$24 per hour depending on experience
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- Generous 401k retirement plan
- Paid time off, including annual vacation, sick leave, personal days, and museum holidays
- Staff discount in museum store
- Access and free admission to numerous museums and cultural institutions
- Professional development opportunities
Boscobel is committed to diversifying its audience and workforce. Veterans and candidates of any gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural background are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to development@boscobel.org.
ApplyFacilities Technician
The Facilities Technician (FT) is responsible for supporting site stewardship, security, and programming in accordance with Boscobel’s strategic goals and institutional values. The FT plays a key role in the museum’s operations, public service, and sustainability.
Facilities Techs reports to the Facilities Manager and works collaboratively with staff colleagues and vendors. They support programming by providing set-up and other services to other departments, guests, and clients; and are responsible for following policies, procedures, and using equipment and technologies that achieve the highest possible standards in safety, stewardship and sustainability, and professionalism. The position is a non-exempt, full-time position averaging 40 hours/week, with at least one weekend day/evening onsite per week. All Boscobel employees are expected to work periodic special events throughout the year, including certain holidays.
Specific duties to be performed:
Gardens and grounds stewardship
- Mow, trim, prune, weed, deadhead, and water trees and plants, mulch, fertilize, plant, etc., safely and effectively using the equipment/materials provided
- Remove litter, fallen leaves, invasives, cuttings, branches, debris, etc.
- Keep drives, paths, and other areas clear of ice and snow
- Alert management to hazards and potential (dangling branches, flooding, pests, poison ivy, etc.)
- Welcome, support, and monitor site volunteers, guest experts, vendors, etc.
Building/vehicle/equipment Maintenance
- Maintain a clean and safe workplace including in Boscobel vehicles
- Dust/wash/polish surfaces, sweep and mop floors, clean toilets, remove garbage/recycling, etc.
- Make minor building repairs such as malfunctioning doors, etc.
- Keep light fixtures and security/safety devices in working order by changing bulbs/batteries
- Maintain strictest standards for pest control (mice, wasps, feral cats, etc.)
- Know how and when to use appropriately shut-offs/restarts for essential systems site-wide: water, electricity, HVAC, security, lighting, wi-fi, etc.
- Welcome and support site volunteers, guest experts, vendors, etc.
Program/Guest Services Support
- Politely enforce Visitor Guidelines and site perimeters, and support fellow team members, program partners, and outside vendors in doing the same
- Shield guests as much as possible from potential noise, mess, disruption, and harm from groundskeeping and other maintenance activities
- Provide set-up for programs, meetings, etc. (chairs, tables, av equipment, decorations, etc.)
- Maintain amenities such as restrooms, seating, signage, trash receptacles, golf cart, etc.
- Politely direct and/or escort guests to parking, Visitor Center, program spaces, etc.
General Duties
- Understand and implement emergency response including guest/staff injuries, power outages, disruptive/violent behavior, fire, storms, etc.
- Maintain equipment and vehicles as directed (refuel, clean, appropriately store/organize/label, replace parts, bring in for service, alert management to malfunctions, etc.)
- Make pick-ups/deliveries in provided vehicles
- Perform opening/closing procedures for buildings and site
- Other duties as required
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate equipment such as snow blowers, tractors, lawn maintenance equipment, power tools, etc.
- Must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. Work entails moving about the 112-acre site, extended periods outdoors in all weather conditions, working in areas only accessible by stairs or ladders, and the ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds in dead weight
- Must be service-oriented with guests, colleagues, volunteers, tenants, and other stakeholders
- Must be able to uphold the museum’s dress code and other policies, procedures, and Core Values
- Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
Compensation and Benefits for qualified applicants:
- Hourly rate range of $18.00-$21.000 depending on experience; occasional overtime available
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- Generous 401k retirement plan
- Paid time off, including annual vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- Staff discount in museum store
- Access and free admission to numerous museums and cultural institutions
- Professional development opportunities
Boscobel is committed to diversifying its audience and workforce. Veterans and candidates of any gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural background are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Facilities Manager Kevin Cancel at kcancel@boscobel.org.
ApplyGuest Services Associate
Guest Services Associates (GSAs) are responsible for welcoming every guest graciously, providing exemplary and proactive sales service, and encouraging all guests to enjoy and support the museum. GSAs play a key role in onsite educational and revenue-generating programming, while providing support for all museum departments.
GSAs must demonstrate the highest level of courtesy and inclusivity; be knowledgeable about the museum, its programs, and products; communicate effectively with guests, callers, and fellow staff; remain calm under pressure; and resolve occasional conflicts to ensure an exemplary visitor experience.
This position is part-time and reports directly to the Manager of Guest Services. GSAs must be available to work weekend days and occasional evenings; be comfortable with handling cash and the responsibilities that entails; be able to efficiently operate a Point-of-Sale system, PC computer, telephone, and copy machine. They must have sufficient mathematical skills to make change, compare the cash receipts at the end of the day to cash register totals, calculate attendance figures, etc. Experience in retail or hospitality industries, and fluency in foreign languages are welcomed attributes.
Specific duties to be performed:
● Staff the Gatehouse, Guest Services Center Front Desk, and other Point-of-Sale (POS) locations throughout the site.
● Greet visitors and guests warmly and exhibit exemplary customer service and inclusivity.
● Understand the programs, membership levels, merchandise, and discounts offered by the museum; and proactively promote them.
● Operate the Altru POS effectively so that attendance and sales are accurately entered throughout the day.
● Open and maintain a cash drawer.
● Restock brochures, gift shop etc. in the Visitor Center.
● Keep the gatehouse and front desk area clean and tidy.
● Provide information about the area to guests, including directions to nearby restaurants, accommodations, other attractions, etc.
● Answer incoming phone calls and redirect as needed. Collect, respond to and/or redirect e-mail and voice mail messages.
● Monitor walkway as guests enter the grounds.
● Alert the Facilities staff of equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs, as well as potential security threats
● All other duties as required
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to communications@boscobel.org.
ApplyBoscobel is committed to diversifying its audience and workforce. Veterans and candidates of any gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural background are encouraged to apply.