Internships At NMAAHC

Internships with the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) are a unique opportunity to participate in the making of a new museum. Interns complete projects using the resources of NMAAHC and other Smithsonian Institution museums and offices. Internships are an opportunity for students to assist in the building of the museum's collections, exhibitions, and programs and to meet professionals in the museum field. Projects vary by department. Most projects provide interns with museum practice and program development experience; some projects are research oriented. Internships are offered based upon the availability of professional staff. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

• Students who are currently enrolled in an academic program, as well as individuals who have recently completed studies.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).
• Ability to work a minimum of twenty hours per week. Internships with NMAAHC are unpaid.
• Funding is available on a competitive basis from the Office of Fellowships and Internships.

Academic Credit

The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. Applicants are encouraged to initiate arrangements for credit with their college or university. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.

Internship Sessions

Internships occur during the summer, fall, and spring from 10 to 15 weeks, beginning June 1, September 15, and January 15. Start dates and duration are flexible and arranged in coordination with the supervisor.

Application Deadlines

• Summer Internships, March 15
• Fall Internships, July 15
• Spring Internships, October 15

Applicants interested in combining an internship at the NMAAHC with a paid intern through the Minority Internship Program, Native American Internship Program, or James E. Webb Internship for Minority Undergraduate Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students in Business and Public Administration must submit an application by the deadline for these programs. For more information, see http://www.si.edu/ofg/intern.htm#iofg.

Internship Projects

Office of Curatorial Affairs Internship Projects

Cataloging and Meta Data

Interns assist the Registrar and Collections Managers on projects to create catalog records for and enhance records in the Museum’s Collection Information System, TMS, and for the Digital Assets Management System (DAMS). Tasks may involve creating inventories of collection items or digital assets; conducting research on collection items and on makers, authors, and artists of collection items; drafting content for TMS core fields; entering data into TMS; assisting with production of a guide to data and content standards; and assisting with reviewing records for accuracy.

Collection Preservation

Interns assist the Registrar and Collection Managers to process collections and prepare them for storage. Tasks may involve photographing collection items; assisting with condition reports; cleaning and numbering collection items; and assisting with rehousing and placing collection items in storage units.

Curatorial

Interns assist Curators and Historians with tasks related to collection acquisition, exhibitions, and specific research topics. Tasks may include conducting research for and preparing acquisition proposals; conducting research and assisting with the planning of the Museum’s pre-building and inaugural exhibitions; and conducting research on collection items and specific research topics.

Education Internship Project

The intern will assist the members of the Education Department staff in one or more of the following areas: public programs, teacher and student programs, publications, audience evaluation, and technology and exhibition research. The intern must have solid computer and research skills, demonstrated initiative, and the ability to work independently.

Exhibition Design and Development Internship Project

The intern will assist in the planning and development of the museum’s ten inaugural exhibitions as well as pre-opening changing exhibitions at NMAAHC’s gallery located within the National Museum of American History (NMAH). Duties may include design research and planning, review and tracking of design deliverables (drawings, specifications, samples, etc.), visiting and critiquing exhibitions in other DC museums, assisting with the installation of changing exhibitions as NMAH, and meeting with suppliers and manufacturers of design-related products and services.

The intern will work closely with and be supervised by the NMAAHC Chief of Design.

Media Relations Project

The intern will assist the Media Relations Officer in all facets of a busy media office. Under supervision, the intern will write press releases and media advisories. The intern may be given some writing assignments for the Smithsonian employee newspaper, the Torch. Other support duties include compiling mailing lists, faxing and copying press releases, maintaining media files and producing press kits. The intern must have solid computer and research skills, demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently.

Digital Content & History

The intern will assist in the planning and development of the museum's web, social media and mobile technology. Duties may include writing for the NMAAHC blog and social media, researching best practices for digital history initiatives, and developing specific digital history and culture projects. Internships may focus on upcoming exhibits, development for the inaugural exhibits, or on-going projects. The intern must have solid computer and research skills, a background and interest in digital history, demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently.

Duration

Part-time, 3-6 month intern projects will take place throughout the year. Specific start and end dates and hours will be determined by the intern supervisor and the intern. This is an unpaid internship.

Location

Internships will take place at the National Museum of African American History and Culture office at Capital Gallery, SW., accessible by Metro Yellow/Green & Blue & Orange Lines.

Background Investigation

An internship appointment is conditional, subject to your successful completion of a pre-appointment background investigation for a non-critical, sensitive position.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Smithsonian online application system. Paper applications will not be considered

Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:

• Internship program application form
• Academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
• Personal essay (use this to tell us how the internship will advance your academic/career goals)
• Two letters of reference

Essential Tips for the Online Application:

• Do NOT submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e. transcripts, personal essay, resume). Once submitted you cannot upload or change anything within the application.
• An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a .pdf or .jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.
• Make sure that you click the "Send Email" button. This triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading the reference letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.