We are currently accepting Summer 2024 applications for the NMAH Internship Program.
Spring 2024 applications for the NMAH Internship Program are now closed. Spring intern selections have been sent out. Spring internships should expect to start at the beginning of February, and internships can last through mid-May.
Descriptions for Summer 2024 projects for the NMAH Internship Program are posted below. Applications must be submitted through SOLAA and are due by Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 12 PM EST. Summer intern selections should be made by mid-March. Summer internships should expect to start at the beginning of June, and internships can last through mid-August.
Internships may be posted on a rolling basis. To get updates about new internship opportunities as they are posted, you’re encouraged to sign up to our recruitment mailing list using this form.
NMAH internships may be fully in-person, virtual, or hybrid (part in-person, part virtual); details are included in the individual postings for each internship opportunity.
Summer 2024 Internships
Archival, Collections, and Curatorial Practice
- Archives Center Internship
- Collections Management Internship
- Curatorial and Collections Internship: Automobile History and Collections
- General Application for Public History: Collections, Curatorial, and Digital Access and Archives
Public Programming, Community Outreach, and Museum Education
- Education & Outreach Internship
- Experience Design Internship
- Program in Latino History and Culture Internship
- Website Content Management Internship
- General Applications for Public History: Education and Experience
Public Affairs, Editorial Services, and Event Planning
- Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs Internship
- Editorial Services Internship
- Special Events Internship
Operations, Design, and Exhibition Services
- Exhibition Design Internship
- Graphic Design Internship
- General Applications for Operations: Building Renovation and Exhibition Services
- General Applications for Operations: Management and Museum Services
Not sure if NMAH is the right fit for your professional learning goals? You can also check out other internship opportunities all over the Smithsonian!
Archival, Collections, and Curatorial Practice
Archives Center Internship
During this internship, the intern’s primary duty will be to assist Archives Center reference staff in varied aspects of reference service, including: answering public inquiries by telephone, e-mail, and in person, performing background research as needed; taking charge of the reference room during brief absences of the regular staff, assisting researchers as needed, and assisting staff in paging and re-shelving collection materials.
Other duties as assigned may include scanning archival materials and assisting the Archives Center staff with archival processing. Intern(s) will perform collection processing and/or cataloging activities in collaboration with the Archives Center’s processing coordinator. Tasks include performing research in order to write introductory texts for finding aids, arranging and re-housing collection materials, and describing materials for finding aids. The intern will receive instruction in processing techniques, archival description, the use of ArchivesSpace for electronic cataloging, and collection care, and will gain experience in conducting varied types of research. Training provided. Attention to detail required.
There are no specific courses at this point that are needed, but interested applicants may want to consider volunteering in their college/university archives or local historical society to gain some exposure to the archival profession. There are many facets of archival work that include: building custom enclosures such as boxes and sink mats; processing collections (arranging and describing); digitizing photographs and other documents and managing digital assets; assisting researchers in our public reading room; creating EAD finding aids using ArchivesSpace; researching, designing, and preparing small exhibits. Digital asset interns at NMAH's Archives Center are trained to work with a variety of systems such as ArchivesSpace (collections management system) and Opentext (digital asset management system). Working knowledge of excel spreadsheets is useful, but training is provided for all aspects of an interns project.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to teach interns the skills required in varied aspects of reference service and to learn from Archives Center reference staff.
Status: In-person
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Better understand how to analyze a reference inquiry
- Better understand how to locate information using a variety of systems
- Better interact with people and provide the excellent customer service
- Learn how the Archives Center describes, arranges and catalogs archival collections
- Enhance their understanding of collection management tools such as ArchivesSpace
- Assist in the digitization and cataloging of collection materials.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Work collaboratively and independently
- Follow detailed instructions
- Be flexible
- Answer public inquiries by telephone, e-mail, and in person
- Perform background research as needed
- Take charge of the reference room during brief absences of the regular staff, assisting researchers as needed, and assisting staff in paging and re-shelving collection materials
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Attention to detail
- Interest in working with researchers
- Willingness to learn multiple collections management systems
Audience: This internship is generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field. This internship is intended for up to 5 interns. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship takes place during every internship cycle--spring, summer, or fall. This internship can be part time or full time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Collections Management Internship
During this internship, interns will learn how to work with a collection dedicated to the technology of printing and printmaking and learn general museum collections management systems used at the Smithsonian.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to introduce interns to the collections management systems of a federal (Smithsonian) museum.
Status: In-person
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Better understand how to research and locate information using a variety of systems
- Better interact with people and collaborate with colleagues
- Assist in collections management of a national collection
- Manage the documentation of a collection using a collections management system.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Find, identify, and research artifacts in the collection
- Work with the museum's database to make corrections to the records, recording numbers on objects, and re-housing the artifacts.
- Collaborate on the production of a public program that will require assistance with moving objects, printing demonstrations, and coordinating activities
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Attention to detail
- Readiness to learn how to work with, catalog, and safely store objects
- Interest (academic, professional, or personal) in collections and US history
Audience: This internship is generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field. This internship is intended for 2-3 interns. Undergraduate students, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship will take place in Summer 2024. This internship is intended to be part time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Curatorial and Collections Internship: Automobile History and Collections
During this internship, the intern’s will develop skills required to be a successful curator and collections specialist through working on the museum's automobile collections. The project will be focused on archival and reference collections, specifically learning how to get intellectual control over the collections.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to teach interns the skills required in varied aspects of curation and collections management.
Status: In-person
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Better understand how to research and locate information using a variety of systems
- Better interact with people and collaborate with colleagues
- Assist in the digitization and cataloging of collection materials
- Manage the documentation of a collection using a collections management system.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Work collaboratively and independently
- Follow detailed instructions
- Be flexible
- Perform background research as needed
- Scan documents, processing objects, and catalog using the museum's collections management system, Mimsy XG
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Attention to detail
- Some experience with processing work
- Interest (academic, professional, or personal) in automobile history
Audience: This internship is generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1 intern. Rising undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship will take place in Summer 2024. This internship can be part time or full time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $2,500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
General Application for Public History: Collections, Curatorial, and Digital Access and Archives
Interns involved in Public History: Collections, Curatorial, and Digital Access and Archives learn about preserving, documenting, interpreting, and making accessible the collections and scholarship of the museum in support of the museum's mission and in accord with standards of quality and practice that maintain the museum's leadership in the field. This office provides vision for the museum's collections, research, and exhibition development activities; coordinates and integrates activities in the departments of history and collections management services and ensures responsible and coordinated management of resources within and between these two departments; and aids all of curatorial affairs in prioritizing projects and program activities.
This office is made up of several teams and divisions:
- Archives Center (Please apply through their specific internship application!)
- Division of Culture and the Arts
- Division of Home and Community Life
- Division of Medicine and Science
- Division of Political History
- Division of Military History
- Division of Work and Industry
- Collections Management Services
- Digital Program Office
- Offsite Programs and Projects
- Preservation Services
- Exhibitions and Collections Management Office
- Department of Affiliations
There are also different initiatives and topics that you may be interested in, such as:
- NMAH's Food History
- NMAH's Collective Care: Responses to Natural and Human-Made Disasters in Puerto Rico (CCPR)
- NMAH's Efforts for National Outreach
- NMAH's Maritime History
Interested in submitting a Public History: Collections, Curatorial, and Digital Access and Archives application?
In your learning goals essay, be sure to specify which specific division(s) or initiatives within the larger office you would like to intern with! Here are some tips for your application:
- Some of our teams may already be recruiting for an internship; check out upcoming NMAH internship opportunities to learn more!
- Interested in a particular curatorial division, such as the Division of Work and Industry? Explain in your essay why you're interested in learning more about their particular work and collection!
- Interested in our Preservation Services teams? Be sure to include informal skills in your resume, too, such as hand skills (sewing, knitting, etc.) as well as any formal object conservation experience you may have.
- Make sure that your learning goals essay includes some sort of focus--in historical topic or theme, particular museums skills, or collections--so that the Interns & Fellows Program Manager can make sure your application is sent to the best possible mentor match!
Public Programming, Community Outreach, and Museum Education
Education & Outreach Internship
As an Education and Outreach Intern, you will have an opportunity to help local and national students, teachers and families connect to and use history in a meaningful way through the NMAH collections. The internship will introduce you to museum education best practices and provide plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and techniques necessary to work with teachers and PK – 12 students.
Goal: Overall, this internship is a professional learning experience that aims to provide aspiring museum education professionals with experience in developing educational online resources and experiences as well as examine the power of museums in supporting PK-12 cross-curricular education.
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid, depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Engage diverse audiences
- Implement best practices for museum education
- Identify the processes behind the implementation of programming
- Connect teachers, students and families to museum objects in relevant, engaging and educational ways
- Develop object-based museum experiences, lesson plans, online resources and other materials for teachers, students and families.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Design new interactive elements and educational materials for museum educators to incorporate into teacher professional development workshops and direct-to-student programming and resources
- Prepare materials to be used in professional development workshops, events, and other programs conducted by the K-12 education team
- Creatively and collaboratively with the K-12 education team develop concepts for new resources and programs for teachers and students.
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- In the process of obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree in Museum Studies, Museum Education, Art History, History, Education, or another related field
- Experiences in formal and informal education settings a plus, but not required
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
- Open-minded in learning new topics and skills.
Audience: This internship can be generalized, to provide individuals initial experience in this field, or specialized, for individuals who have experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1 intern. Community college students who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship will take place during Fall 2023, and it is also typically offered every summer. This internship is expected to be part-time (minimum 16 hours/week). The anticipated length of this internship is 10 - 12 weeks.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray commuting costs for an in-person internship and/or technology costs for the virtual internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Experience Design Internship
The Experience Design team at the National Museum of American History strives to build relationships with all our visitors and create conversations about history with as many people as possible. We envision the National Museum of American History as an inclusive and welcoming space, alive with conversation, which creates and maintains a connected community among all our visitors. Experience Developers on our team create and sustain the overall daily experience for millions of visitors to our national museum – everything from our exhibition for our youngest visitors Wonderplace, to interactive theater programs like the museum’s iconic play Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter, to tours and talks, to musical performances, to customer service and much more. In addition, the team works on developing major special projects like the History Film Forum and the Time Trials brand. During this internship, interns will get an inside view into developing and managing this complex program that is at the core of what we do at the Smithsonian Institution. Interns will be mentored by Christopher Wilson, Director, Experience Design, and will require close work with other members of the Office of Audience Engagement.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to introduce students to the development and management of a vision and strategy for audience engagement at a national museum.
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid, depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will:
- Develop an understanding of museum public engagement practices
- Develop program planning and evaluation skills
- Practice research and communication skills
- Contribute ideas based on lived experience to specific Museum programs
- Practice professional skills in a team setting
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Actively participate in meetings
- Meet project and program deadlines
- Produce well written information
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- In the process of obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree in History, Museum Studies, Museum Education, Education, or another related field
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Self-motivated
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
- Open-minded in learning new topics and skills
Audience: This internship is specialized for individuals who already have some experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1 intern. Advanced undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship typically takes place every semester—fall, spring, and summer. This internship is expected to be between 20 - 30 hours a week. The anticipated length of this internship is 10 - 12 weeks; the length can be flexible.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $2,000 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Program in Latino History and Culture Internship
Working with the Latino Program Director, the intern will learn about museum programming and community engagement work through a diversity of activities that can include research, communication, and writing to support the internally-oriented LatinxCommons group and the visitor-oriented Latino Program.
Goal: Overall, this internship will introduce interns to the challenges and opportunities to create a more inclusive narrative at the NMAH
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid, depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will:
- Learn about museum practice in regards to issues of representation at the national museum.
- Enhance their research skills and learn about material culture interpretation.
- Learn about museum education and program production.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Conduct research
- Write short essays
- Attend meetings and take notes at meetings
- Communicate with others in the museum.
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant has an interest and passion for Latinx history; high Spanish proficiency level; good communication skills; and savvy research skills.
Audience: This internship can be generalized, to provide individuals initial experience in this field, or specialized, for individuals who already have some experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1-2 interns. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship typically takes place every semester—fall, spring, and summer. This internship can be full-time or part-time, minimum of 16 hours per week and is expected to be 10 weeks.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a guaranteed minimum stipend of $2,000 to accommodate any commuting or technology needs during the internship. Additionally, upon selection, interns will have the opportunity to apply for a stipend based on financial need.
Website Content Management Internship
This intern will have a key role in working with Digital Experience staff to create and maintain informational pages on the museum's website, develop online exhibitions and other microsites, assist with measurement and evaluation, and other tasks. This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance skills in web design and digital outreach within the context of museums, education, and world-class history.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to offer experience in creating and maintaining content on a major museum website.
Status: Virtual
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will:
- Learn how website content supports the museum mission and facilitates other aspects of public education and outreach
- Increase competency in website design, accessibility, and user experience practices
- Produce user-centered web products that meet the high quality standards of the Smithsonian Institution.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Attend team meetings and help plan website projects at various project stages
- Build and edit website pages
- Review website content for accuracy in collaboration with museum staff.
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Basic proficiency in creating web content and/or using a content management system like Drupal or WordPress
- Knowledge of digital image editing and access to software like Photoshop or similar
- Good writing and editing skills, with attention to detail.
Audience: This internship is specialized for individuals who already have some experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1 interns. Undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship will take place in Summer 2024. This internship is expected to be part time (minimum 16 hours per week) for 10-12 weeks.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
General Application for Public History: Education and Experience
Interns involved in Public History: Education and Experience learn how to use history to create experiences that encourage meaningful conversation, expand perspectives, and inspire learning, innovation and active participation in civic life and learn to challenge audiences to consider their important role in shaping a more humane future. This mean works to provide a comprehensive learning experience for all of the museum’s audiences, from daily visitors to program attendees to website and social media interactions.
This office is made up of different teams, including:
- Education and Impact, which includes the Program in Latino History and Culture
- Experience Design, which includes the African American History Program
- Programs and Audience Development
There are also different initiatives and topics that you may be interested in, such as:
- Creating digital educational resources, such as Learning Labs
- Producing virtual museum programming experiences
- Drafting children's literature using research
Interested in submitting a Public History: Education and Experience application?
In your learning goals essay, be sure to specify which specific teams or programs within the larger offices you would like to intern with! Here are some tips for your application:
- Some of our teams, such as the Program in Latino History and Culture, may already be recruiting for an internship; check out upcoming NMAH internship opportunities to learn more!
- Interested in a particular program, such as the African American History Program? Explain in your essay why you're interested in learning more about their particular work and program!
- Interested in learning how to produce public programs? Be sure to include informal skills in your resume, too, such as your own personal programming experience, such as fundraisers, festivals, learning events, and more, as well as any formal programming experience you may have.
- Make sure that your learning goals essay includes some sort of focus--in historical topic or theme, particular museums skills, or collections--so that the Interns & Fellows Program Manager can make sure your application is sent to the best possible mentor match!
Public Affairs, Editorial Services, and Event Planning
Communications, Marketing, & Public Affairs Internship
The National Museum of American History Office of Communications and Marketing ensures that museum maintains a positive relationship with the community and members of the press. Daily activities include responding to all incoming media queries; develops strategies for effective proactive information about museum activities; coordinates documentary film crews, approves outside media releases by agencies/donors, approves advertisements promoting exhibitions and public programs and handles any crisis issues. Among the events that communications and marketing stages are press previews, press conferences, exhibition dedication ceremonies, donation ceremonies (usually involving objects and sometimes celebrity donors) and press luncheons. Coming up we will be preparing for donations, exhibition openings, and doing a lot of filming at the museum. We are a small office with four full time employees and so we rely heavily on interns who generally have projects of their own to promote start to finish. For example, if a notable musician is willing to donate something to the museum, an intern might be asked to research and create a background on the musician and object being donated, speak with curators at the museum, work with the special events office on the donation ceremony schedule, and caption the pictures taken at the event. In addition, interns assist the office with daily operations: researching and responding to media and public inquiries, compiling media clips, researching and writing calendar submissions, media advisories and releases and some other things that come up. Our office relies on interns to assist with daily operations like: researching and responding to media and public queries, compiling media clips, writing media advisories and press releases, and researching and writing calendar submissions. Interns are given the opportunity to come up with ideas on how the Museum can continue to remain one of the most visited museums in the world. The office also facilitates all interviews with the director and curators and is responsible for coordinating and scheduling all media, documentary and commercial film crews. An internship in the Office of Communications and Marketing is not only a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in those areas, but also those interested in event planning, public affairs, and museum studies. During the internship you will learn how to write and cite according to AP stylebook, how to draft and create media advisories, press releases and event show flows, and how to effectively communicate with the public and media. Your writing will become concise as you raise awareness for museum exhibitions and events. Due to the nature of the work, interns will explore much of the museum as they research for media releases and advisories. Working in our office rewards interns with professional skills in a friendly environment that promotes creative ideas and fosters professional growth.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to propose creative ideas and contribute to the Office of Communications and Marketing. The intern will gain insight into the inner workings and aspects of the Office of Communications and Marketing in the National Museum of American History. When the internship is completed, the intern will have and understanding about the field of public relations and ideally be prepared for to seek a position in the communications field. Interns will develop verbal, written, and professional skills and understand what makes compelling news.
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will:
- Gain experience working in an active communications and marketing office and learn how to promote the Smithsonian and its work to the public and media
- Improve writing skills through a variety of communication mediums (press materials, marketing materials and web content)
- Learn what makes a story news worthy and how to tailor stories to relevant news outlets
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Research and respond to media and public inquiries
- Compile media clips
- Draft and edit media advisories and press releases
- Research and write calendar submissions
- Attend special events
- Draft statements
- Oversee film and news crews
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Enthusiastic about communications and marketing with excellent research and writing skills
- Professional demeanor, organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified timeframes
Audience: This internship is generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1-2 interns. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship takes place during every internship cycle--spring, summer, or fall. This internship can be part time or full time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Editorial Services Internship
With museum labels, educational guides, blog posts, and more, on topics like popular culture, migration, and women’s history (just to name a few), the editorial output of the National Museum of American History is extensive and varied—and so too is the work of the Editorial Services office. Gain skills and practice in structural editing, stylistic editing, copy editing, proofreading, and fact checking, and learn about editorial management at one of the Smithsonian’s largest museums.
Goal: Overall, this internship is a professional learning experience that aims to teach the many editorial skills that are used in working for a Smithsonian museum and offer an intern the opportunity to practice those varied skills with the guidance of an experienced professional editor.
Status: Virtual
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Learn the different core editorial skills and additional skills (as defined by Editors Canada), including the tasks associated with practicing each skill and the challenges and benefits of using each skill on projects;
- Practice the core editorial skills and some of the additional skills on projects in development at NMAH;
- Learn what NMAH values in creating writing for its audiences and why.
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Practice shaping NMAH writing to better align it with museum standards and better suit it to its audiences;
- Receive feedback regularly as assignments are delivered and reviewed;
- Have opportunity to ask NMAH editor Leslie Poster any and all questions regarding assignments;
- Participate in regular hourlong meeting each week with NMAH editor Leslie Poster for discussion;
- Attend at least one meeting of Smithsonian Editors;
- Attend at least one training hosted for NMAH staff by NMAH editor Leslie Poster;
- Attend intra and interdepartmental meetings to see how museum editors coordinate and collaborate with other functional groups within the museum;
- Receive career counseling and résumé guidance based on current industry hiring needs.
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant has a demonstrated interest in issues surrounding inclusive language and/or language justice as well as a demonstrated interest in professional writing.
Audience: This internship is specialized, for individuals who have some experience in this field. This internship is intended for 1 intern. Recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and folks with equivalent professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship will take place during Summer 2023. This internship is expected to be part time, minimum of 16 hours per week. The typical length of an internship is between 8-12 weeks.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Special Events Internship
The Office of Special Events plans and coordinates over 100 events each year including: exhibition openings, press conferences, donation ceremonies, staff receptions, donor cultivation events, and corporate dinners and receptions. Additionally, the museum is able to host social events including weddings, mitzvahs, birthdays, etc. The office is characterized by a busy but proactive environment that strives to forward the goals of the Smithsonian Institution by connecting with the community and public at large. We offer an unparalleled opportunity for students/individuals interested in event planning and coordinating to delve into the museum environment and gain hands-on skills from a highly esteemed workplace. Our interns are given a great deal of responsibility and permitted the chance to develop their writing skills, interact with museum officials, work with caterers and vendors, and staff numerous special events. As an intern, you will be exposed to the nuances of protocol and frequently accompany staff members for on-site visits with potential donors and walk-throughs with clients and vendors.
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to assist students in developing the skills necessary to plan and execute events.
Status: In-person
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Summarize the necessary steps to execute an event at NMAH
- Produce documentation and memoranda for events
- Develop problem solving and time management skills
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Assist in the coordination and execution of receptions, dinners, conferences, donation ceremonies, and other special events at the museum
- Manage the museum-wide special events and conference room calendar
- Interact and communicate with museum staff, vendors, event attendees, and members of the public
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student, though other professional experience is also considered
- Communication skills, both oral and written
- Availability to work events including nights and some weekends
Audience: This internship can both be generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field and specialized for individuals who already have experience in this field. This internship is intended for 2-3 interns. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship takes place during every internship cycle--spring, summer, or fall. This internship can be part time or full time and is expected to be 12-14 weeks long.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Operations, Design, and Exhibition Services
Exhibition Design Internship
Do you have a desire to gain experience with visual and experiential storytelling through museum exhibitions? Send us your portfolio! The NMAH Exhibition Design Internship will provide you with real-world experience in the development and design of object-based, interpretive exhibitions. Develop your 3D and graphic design skills, practice your design critique and presentation skills, work directly with professional exhibition designers, and expand your portfolio of design projects through museum exhibitions.
Please note: Your application will not be reviewed without a portfolio! You can add your portfolio to your SOLAA application in several ways:
- Upload a PDF of your work as a "Resume" document if it does not exceed the size limitations
- Add a link to your online portfolio on your actual resume
- Upload a Microsoft Word file as a "Resume" document with just a link to a Dropbox, Google Drive folder, etc. to "share with anyone with a link."
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to provide students with exposure to and real-world experience in the development and design of museum exhibitions.
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Understand the exhibition development, design, and production process for interpretive, object-based exhibitions.
- Use Vectorworks for exhibition concept design and detailing
- Create and present verbal and visual exhibition design concept presentations
- Prepare exhibition design production packages
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Use Vectorworks or SketchUp for exhibition design modeling and detailing
- Use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for exhibition graphic design and presentations
- Participate in weekly creative critiques about exhibition design
- Attend exhibition project meetings
- Present exhibition design concepts within the Studio, within project teams, and to museum leaders.
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Experience with Vectorworks and other 3-D CAD software
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Ability to convey creative thinking by drawing, diagramming, model making, and verbal presentation
- A desire to gain experience with visual and experiential storytelling through museum exhibitions
Audience: This internship can be both generalized, to provide individuals initial experience in this field, and specialized, for individuals who have prior experience in the field. This internship is intended for two to four interns. Past interns have had background in the following fields: industrial design, theater, merchandising, architecture, interior design, exhibition design, and/or museum studies. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship takes place during every internship cycle--spring, summer, or fall. This internship can be part time or full time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Graphic Design Internship
Do you have a desire to gain experience with graphic design for museum applications such as wayfinding, environmental graphics, interpretive design, and exhibition graphics? Send us your portfolio! The NMAH Graphic Design Internship will provide you with real-world experience in the application of graphic design within the museum environment. Develop graphic design skills, practice your design critique and presentation skills, work directly with professional exhibition designers, and expand your portfolio of design projects through museum exhibitions.
Please note: Your application will not be reviewed without a portfolio! You can add your portfolio to your SOLAA application in several ways:
- Upload a PDF of your work as a "Resume" document if it does not exceed the size limitations
- Add a link to your online portfolio on your actual resume
- Upload a Microsoft Word file as a "Resume" document with just a link to a Dropbox, Google Drive folder, etc. to "share with anyone with a link."
Goal: Overall, this internship aims to provide students with exposure to and real-world experience in the development and design of graphic design for museum exhibitions.
Status: Virtual, in-person, or hybrid depending on the intern's preference and our museum staffing capacity
Anticipated Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will be able to:
- Understand the development, design and production process for exhibition and environmental graphics both graphic design for environmental graphics inside and outside of the museum building
- Understand implementation of a museum-wide graphic identity
- Understand graphic design for wayfinding and building signage
- Understand the use of typography, graphic design and environmental graphics for museum exhibitions
- Prepare graphic design production packages
Expected Responsibilities: During the internship, the intern should expect to:
- Work with existing Graphic Identity Style Guide to produce museum wayfinding and building signage
- Work with exhibition project teams to develop exhibition graphics such as labels, environmental graphics, and exhibition-specific graphic identities
- Attend exhibition project meetings and present exhibition design concepts
Ideal Qualifications / Prerequisites: The ideal intern applicant is/has:
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
- A desire to gain experience with visual and experiential storytelling through museum exhibitions
Audience: This internship can be both generalized, to provide individuals initial experience in this field, and specialized, for individuals who have experience in this field. This internship is intended for three to four interns. Past interns have had background in the following fields: graphic design, visual communication, and/or museum studies. Community college students, undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, career changers, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: This internship takes place during every internship cycle--spring, summer, or fall. This internship can be part time or full time.
Financial Information: This opportunity provides a minimum total stipend of $500 to defray technology and/or commuting costs during the internship, and after being selected, interns are able to apply for additional stipend funding based on self-disclosed financial need.
Operations: Building Renovation and Exhibition Services
The mission of the Operations: Building Renovation and Exhibition Services (OBRES) team is to manage the design and construction of one of the largest and most complex public space construction and renovation projects at the Smithsonian Institution, as well as to provide exemplary exhibition design, fabrication, and maintenance services for the National Museum of American History.
The vision of the office is to lead and manage a diverse group of professionals and technicians in executing plans, designs, and construction for the transformation of the museum’s visual and cultural endeavors. The office also supports the museum’s public spaces and exhibition renovations, which will tell the overarching American story to our visitors and meet the museum’s needs for the 21st century.
The Office of Building Renovation and Exhibition Services is made up of three teams:
Interested in submitting an OBRES application?
In your learning goals essay, be sure to specify which specific division(s) within the larger Office of Building Renovation and Exhibition Services you would like to intern with! Here are some tips for your application:
- Some of our OBRES teams, such as the Design team, may already be recruiting for an internship; check out upcoming NMAH internship opportunities to learn more!
- You are encouraged to include informal and formal skills in your resume and cover letter, if appropriate. For example, if you don't have project management experience, you can explain in your essay about your experience in managing projects for school or for fun!
- Make sure that your learning goals essay includes some sort of focus--in historical topic or theme, particular museums skills, or collections--so that the Interns & Fellows Program Manager can make sure your application is sent to the best possible mentor match!
Operations: Management and Museum Services (OMMS)
The Operations: Management and Museum Services (OMMS) team is responsible for a range of museum-wide management and operations, support, and services functions. These include personnel, budget and finance, technology, facilities planning and operation, visitor services, photographic services, and the business program.
The Office of Management and Museum Services includes:
- Finance Office
- VVIBE (Visitors, Volunteers, Interns and Fellows, and Business Engagement) Team
- Personnel Office
- Photographic Services
- Technology Services Center
Interested in submitting an OMMS application?
In your learning goals essay, be sure to specify which specific division(s) within the larger Office of Management and Museum Services you would like to intern with! Here are some tips for your application:
- Some of our OMMS teams, such as the Finance Office, may already be recruiting for an internship; check out upcoming NMAH internship opportunities to learn more!
- Make sure that your learning goals essay includes some sort of focus--in historical topic or theme, particular museums skills, or collections--so that the Interns & Fellows Program Manager can make sure your application is sent to the best possible mentor match!
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
You can check out the General Application Pools for NMAH internships!
Additionally, if you’re interested in internship opportunities at other museums and research centers at the Smithsonian or in central Smithsonian internship programs that could might you at NMAH, please visit the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.