Internships
Fundraising, Donor Relations, Annual Giving
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
Acquisitions, Archives, Offices of Collections Management, and Cataloging & Digitization
Textile Conservation Internship
Part-Time Hybrid Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: Textile/Fiber Art, Fashion Design, Costume Design, and Art Conservation
The Office of Collections Management (OCM) is responsible for the physical care and long-term preservation of the museum’s collections.
The primary focus of the conservation team is the stewardship of our museum’s collection, which we achieve through a blend of preservation and access. Conservation is a science-based discipline dedicated to making cultural heritage accessible to both current and future generations.
Our conservation work encompasses a wide range of activities and often involves deep collaboration with other teams and departments. Individually and collectively, the goals of these activities are twofold: to expand knowledge about collection objects and to ensure their future preservation. Key areas of our work include:
- Preventive Care
- Examination
- Documentation
- Treatment
- Research
As a public institution, the museum has a primary obligation to preserve its collection for generations to come. The Conservation Department, part of the Office of Collections Management (OCM), is entrusted with this vital responsibility and is committed to safeguarding our irreplaceable cultural legacy.
The Textile Conservation Internship will focus on a multifaceted project that will support the intern as they learn about and develop skills in textile conservation. Conservation work requires a nuanced understanding of both theory and practice to successfully care for cultural heritage. This project will provide a tangible and structured framework as the intern gains an enriched understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of textile conservation. The intern project will be the technical analysis and conservation treatment of a skirt worn by Lucy Lee Shirley around 1860 (2007.3.5). The floral printed skirt requires technical research to better understand its materials, construction, and previous repairs. Conservation treatment is needed to make it stable for display on a mannequin. While the skirt is not currently scheduled for display in the Museum, this project will allow curators to consider it for future exhibitions and publication. The technical analysis and conservation treatment will include:
- Structure analysis for all materials (fabrics and sewing threads)
- Creation of conservation treatment proposal and treatment report (will include an appendix that includes a summary of current research pertaining to Lucy Lee Shirely, as well as fashion history information relating to the fabric and garment)
- Visual compensation as needed for large damaged areas
- Crease reduction
- Testing with aqueous solutions and solvents to determine if it is possible to reduce any stains
Through conversations with professional textile conservators and suggested readings from professional literature, the intern will gain an understanding of the theoretical context for conservation decision-making. For example, when and how might certain types of analysis be appropriate? How can conservation treatments support both the physical materials and the cultural stories of museum objects? By the end of the internship, the intern will be able to:
- Explain the decision-making, process, and importance of their work to members of the public and conservation professionals
- Perform fiber identification with polarized light microscopy
- Take a measured paper pattern of a garment in a museum collection
- Execute textile conservation activities including stitched stabilization, crease reduction, visual compensation, and testing for stain reduction
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Develop skills and contextual understanding of technical analysis
- Observe, research, and describe materials and construction of the selected museum object
- Take samples and perform polarized light microscopy to determine fiber types
- Create a measured paper pattern of the selected museum object
- Develop skills and contextual understanding of textile conservation
- Create treatment proposal and treatment report documents with associated photographs
- Plan and execute stitched stabilization for weak areas and areas of loss
- Plan and execute visual compensations for loss in larger areas of loss, crease reduction, tests for stain reduction, and treatment for stain reduction
- Develop professional skills in textile conservation
- Create a digital portfolio showcasing skills learned and projects completed during the internship
- Attend local and virtual professional events as possible – to be determined as these are scheduled
Curatorial Culture, History, Visual Art, and the NMAAHC Centers
Center for the Study of Global Slavery Exhibition Development Internship
Full-Time Hybrid Internship
$850/week
February 3 – April 18, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: History (especially African American, African diasporic, or historians of slavery), Museum Studies, and related fields
The Center for the Study of Global Slavery Internship is within the Office of Curatorial Affairs (OCA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OCA including the Centers, facilitates the intellectual work of the Museum by collecting artifacts, ensuring collection preservation and stewardship, conducting research and scholarship, and sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans and all people of African descent with a diverse public in accessible, multifaceted ways including exhibition, digitization, and publication. OCA is comprised of many different divisions and teams including: History, Culture, Visual Art, The Centers and the Scholarly Advisor Committee.
The Center for the Study of Global Slavery (CSGS) is an outward facing center that is built upon collaboration and dedicated to revealing the scope and the impact of slavery as well as recognizing the resilience of people of African descent throughout the African diaspora in resistance to slavery. It is the purpose of CSGS to leverage the power of the NMAAHC not just nationally but on a global scale. The Center provides an understanding of slavery as shared human history beyond region, nation and race, and as something relevant to understanding our local communities and global societies in the 21st century. It is comprised of multiple interconnected initiatives, each of which is committed to fashioning hope even while emphasizing slavery’s history of catastrophe and despair.
The CSGS Exhibition Development Intern will work with Center staff on various exhibition development tasks supporting our internationally traveling exhibition, In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World. These tasks may include (but are not limited to) research, writing, program development, digital/web writing and development, public affairs engagement and communication, and other tasks as assigned. Through which the intern will learn about the exhibition development experience, inclusive of research, writing, curation/object selection, planning, and collegiality within an international context. Interns will work with teams within NMAAHC, the Smithsonian, and other global collaborators in a variety of roles and will learn about the various elements of developing a traveling exhibition. The CSGS intern may also assist on other CSGS projects, including the Slave Wrecks Project and Slave Voyages. The intern will gain experience working at the Smithsonian on substantial CSGS work that will aid in future educational or career goals.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting ongoing content development for the digital/web-based presence of In Slavery’s Wake
- Support the development of the programmatic components of the In Slavery’s Wake exhibition, inclusive of research, coordination, collaborations across departments within NMAAHC, and attending meetings
- Support with tasks related to the traveling exhibition, including research, writing, promotional, and organizational/administrative tasks
- Support public affairs and social media engagement
- Other exhibition development tasks as assigned
Center for the Study of Global Slavery Slave Wrecks Project Internship
Full-Time Hybrid Internship
$850/week
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: History (especially African American, African diasporic, or historians of slavery), Museum Studies, and related fields
The Center for the Study of Global Slavery Slave Wrecks Project Internship is within the Office of Curatorial Affairs (OCA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OCA including the Centers, facilitates the intellectual work of the Museum by collecting artifacts, ensuring collection preservation and stewardship, conducting research and scholarship, and sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans and all people of African descent with a diverse public in accessible, multifaceted ways including exhibition, digitization, and publication. OCA is comprised of many different divisions and teams including: Administration, History, Culture, Visual Art, The Centers and the Scholarly Advisor Committee.
The Slave Wrecks Project (SWP) is an international network that investigates the history of the African slave trade across the globe and engages with the enduring legacies of that past in the present. SWP uses shipwrecks, their voyages, and related maritime landscapes as a distinctive point of entry for pursuing interdisciplinary research and developing dynamic public education and community engagement programs. SWP engages in local, national, and international collaborations designed to simultaneously build partner capacity, protect heritage, foster public dialogue, advance research, and promote greater diversity in scholarship. The Slave Wrecks Project intern will support ongoing research, fieldwork, exhibition, and digital work that the SWP conducts with our global partners. This will include a focus on supporting our ongoing global training program, Slave Wrecks Project Academy. The intern will work closely with our Coordinating Office members to plan and conduct our work. The intern will gain skills and valuable learning experience in the following areas: work experience at the Smithsonian related to large research projects; focusing on programming and planning; Globally collaborative projects, especially related to sensitive histories; Curriculum development and support for educational initiatives; Working at the intersection of history and contemporary issues of restorative justice.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting ongoing content development for the digital/web-based presence of In Slavery’s Wake
- Support the development of the programmatic components of the In Slavery’s Wake exhibition, inclusive of research, coordination, collaborations across departments within NMAAHC, and attending meetings
- Support with tasks related to the traveling exhibition, including research, writing, promotional, and organizational/administrative tasks
- Support public affairs and social media engagement
Music and Performing Arts Curatorial Internship
Part-Time Hybrid Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: African American Studies, History, Music, Museum Studies
The Office of Curatorial Affairs (OCA), including the Centers, facilitates the intellectual work of the Museum by collecting artifacts, ensuring collection preservation and stewardship, conducting research and scholarship, and sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans and all people of African descent with a diverse public in accessible, multifaceted ways including exhibition, digitization, and publication.
The Culture division of OCA documents, collects and preserves information and materials related to the cultural heritage of African Americans and other select groups, whose actions have influenced and/or contributed to the African American experience, including those associated with the African Diaspora. Specific areas of focus include: sports, music, the performing arts, oral history, literary arts, dress and textiles, decorative arts, foodways and folklife in their many diverse forms.
Music and Performing Arts Intern will directly assist the Curatorial Museum Specialist in collections acquisition and processing, object documentation, research and writing. The intern can anticipate performing object research, learning to drafting object acquisition proposals, understanding exhibition maintenance, assisting the Music and Performing Arts team with research and writing for a book on the material culture of African American music, working with NMAAHC’s archivist in processing music-related archives, and content development for digital media platforms. The Music and Performing Arts Intern will also be invited to take part in meetings with the Curator of Music and Performing Arts and other museum staff. Other projects may be assigned as the work develops.
The intern can expect to leave their internship experience with:
- Knowledge on object handling, research, and documentation
- Understanding of writing object acquisition proposals
- How to use the TMS (The Museum System) collection information database
- Archival processing skills
- Comprehensive writing skills as it pertains to interpretative material for general audiences
The ideal candidate will be a graduate student with a scholarly background in African American music and strong research and writing skills. The ability to read music and familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is a plus.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Conduct research needed to enhance collection records
- Draft object acquisition proposals
- Create collection inventories
- Draft and edit texts relating to collections and exhibitions
- Update content for exhibition digital interactive
- Write photo captions, collection stories or blog posts
- Attend team meetings
Sports and Race Initiative Curatorial Internship
Part-Time Virtual Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 4, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: History, African American Studies, Museum Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, and Sports Studies
The Office of Curatorial Affairs (OCA), including the Centers, facilitates the intellectual work of the Museum by collecting artifacts, ensuring collection preservation and stewardship, conducting research and scholarship, and sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans and all people of African descent with a diverse public in accessible, multifaceted ways including exhibition, digitization, and publication.
The Culture division of OCA documents, collects and preserves information and materials related to the cultural heritage of African Americans and other select groups, whose actions have influenced and/or contributed to the African American experience, including those associated with the African Diaspora. Specific areas of focus include: sports, music, the performing arts, oral history, literary arts, dress and textiles, decorative arts, foodways and folklife in their many diverse forms.
The Sports and Race Initiative (SRI) was created because the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) recognizes that sports provide a unique entry point into the African American experience. Given the centrality of sports to American life, the influence of athletes, and the ability of sports to bring together cross sections of individuals, regardless of race, gender, and socio-cultural backgrounds, sports bridge barriers that are frequently difficult to navigate. As the nation continues to struggle with how to deal with the legacies of race, gender and sexual inclusivity, and continuing inequality; sports, perhaps more than any other institution has been a public space that has facilitated national discussions about equality, opportunity, and access to the American Dream.
The Sports and Race Initiative Curatorial Intern for the Sports and Race Initiative will assist the Supervisory Curator of Sports and other members of the Sports and Race Initiative team with exhibition-related tasks including object acquisition, and program-related activities. They will conduct research and work on a variety of projects involving the permanent collection, and sports-related programming. This internship is principally designed to help interns engage one of the most important aspects of curatorial work: collecting objects. Some projects will overlap with other departments, enabling interns to gain broad exposure to other areas of museum operations. The intern will develop their professional communication skills and learn about how historical research is conducted, and how public history is differentiated.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Supporting the acquisition, cataloguing, interpretation, and exhibition of objects and artifacts
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating sports-related programs and projects for the SRI
- Performing a variety of duties related to the delivery of sports-related programming by NMAAHC including drafting documents with specified formats and reviewing materials
- Working in support of writing and media projects for scholarly and public audiences
- Providing historical and cultural research for objects, graphics, photographs, audio and visual media, and/or other contextual material to support the sports-related content for the Museum’s collection and exhibitions using current scholarship, archival resources, genealogical resources, and oral history
- Assist the Supervisory Curator of Sports with object acquisitions
Education, Publications
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
Searchable Museum, Oral History
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
Marketing and Communications, Public Programs, Special Events, Visitor Services
Marketing Internship
Hybrid Full-Time Internship
$850/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: Marketing, Social Media, Strategic Communications, Content Creation, Creative Writing and Graphic Design
The Marketing Internship is located within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OPA oversees all media, marketing, communications, social media and web content for the Museum. The primary role of the department is to promote the Museum’s exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. This department is also responsible for enhancing the Museum's brand and reputation. Staff members develop communications plans and publicity campaigns for events, exhibition openings, fundraising, special events and membership activities.
The Marketing Intern will gain valuable experiences in the areas of communications, marketing, and social media content creation. They will assist with monitoring and reporting on the success of social media initiatives and use storytelling techniques to bring objects in the museum collection to life online. The intern can anticipate interacting with museum audiences across platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat; developing an enhanced understanding of advertising, branding and marketing principles; creating strategies, plans and creative concepts to reach targeted audiences; applying tools to facilitate asset management and improve marketing operations; analyzing data and information to identify opportunities and track trends. Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, and the professional use of social media platforms preferred. Applicants should submit a writing and/or creative sample.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Conducting research and gathering information to assist with the process of selecting, securing and tracking advertising placements
- Record keeping and gathering materials for procurement, informational and briefing packages
- Proposing ideas for engaging and compelling print and online graphic products including advertisements (print, online, social media), signage, posters, flyers, press kits and other marketing material
- Research and implement new creative strategies for expanding social media reach
- Produce writing and multimedia products that meet the high-quality standards of the Smithsonian Institution
- Interface effectively with many kinds of museum staff including curators, educators, exhibition designers, and others
- Attend NMAAHC virtual events to develop content for blog and other social media platforms
Media Internship
Part-Time Virtual Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors and Areas of Study: Communications, Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Integrated Communications
The Media Internship is located within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OPA oversees all media, marketing, communications, social media and web content for the Museum. The primary role of the department is to promote the Museum’s exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. This department is also responsible for enhancing the Museum's brand and reputation. Staff members develop communications plans and publicity campaigns for events, exhibition openings, fundraising, special events and membership activities.
The Media Intern will propose creative ideas to contribute to a fast pace dynamic External Affairs Department. The intern will gain insight into the inner workings of the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). When the internship is completed, the intern will develop verbal, written, and professional skills and understand what makes compelling news and be ready to enter any fast-paced public relations firm. The Media Intern will receive exposure to a museum environment and press office along with guidance that they can take with them into the real world. The intern will leave this internship with work that they can use in their portfolio when interviewing for future opportunities.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Maintain a system for daily compiling, recording, and dissemination of news clips for staff and support work of OPA
- Produce PowerPoint media reports on media events and success of media outreach with appropriate metrics included
- Maintain system for issuing media passes on behalf of OPA
- Assist with media memo compilation and support in staffing of media interview with curators
- Assist in writing of press releases and other media collateral for media outreach
- Perform basic media research and pulling of media list
- Become familiar with galleries, collections by viewing museum and attending open meetings and programs
Public Affairs Internship
Part-Time Virtual Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors or Areas of Study: Business, Communications, Economics, and Journalism
The Public Affairs Internship is located within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OPA oversees all media, marketing, communications, social media and web content for the Museum. The primary role of the department is to promote the Museum’s exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. This department is also responsible for enhancing the Museum's brand and reputation. Staff members develop communications plans and publicity campaigns for events, exhibition openings, fundraising, special events and membership activities.
The Public Affairs Internship is a great opportunity to gain experience in communication, public relations, and media management. The intern will learn from department leadership including the Director of the Office of Public Affairs and members of the managerial team, and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of OPA, including the following: strategy development, campaign planning, marketing tactics, and standard media practices. The intern will develop an understanding of the skillset and dedication needed to contribute to a fast-paced top-tier External Affairs Department. The intern can anticipate:
- Gaining hands-on experience in drafting press releases, preparing media kits, and engaging with various media outlets
- Assisting in planning and executing communication strategies, including analyzing campaign performance and reporting outcomes
- Contributing to the museum’s media presence, including tracking media coverage and supporting media engagement initiatives
- Observing and participating in routine departmental activities, such as meetings, strategy sessions, and collaborative projects
- Learning how to navigate the complexities of public relations with a focus on ethical communication, cultural sensitivity, and institutional integrity
By the end of the internship, they will have acquired practical experience in the development and implementation of strategic communication and marketing campaigns, enhanced their project management skills by collaborating on various department-led initiatives, learned and applied best practices in media management (including media monitoring, outreach, and relationship building), and develop a foundational understanding of effective communication strategies and public relations practices within a leading cultural institution.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Assisting in the development of promotional materials
- Helping plan and coordinate marketing activation, public events, or community outreach programs
- Assisting with logistics, guest lists, and event promotion
- Conducting research on media trends, public opinion, and relevant topics
- Assisting with the development and execution of social media strategies
- Assisting with communication efforts aimed at internal and external stakeholders
Web Content Editor Internship
Part-Time Virtual Internship
$425/week
January 27 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors or Areas of Study: Computer Science, Communications, History, Journalism, Mass Communications
The Web Content Editor Internship is located within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). OPA oversees all media, marketing, communications, social media and web content for the Museum. The primary role of the department is to promote the Museum’s exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. This department is also responsible for enhancing the Museum's brand and reputation. Staff members develop communications plans and publicity campaigns for events, exhibition openings, fundraising, special events and membership activities.
The Web Content Intern will work with NMAAHC staff, fellow interns and others to edit, design and evaluate content on the museum's Drupal website. The intern will have the opportunity to apply and strengthen web content development skills while learning how to implement Museum web projects at various stages; expand and deepen writing and editing skills while working with a diverse staff and changing subject matter; learn new technical skills as the new media landscape evolves; and produce web content that meet the high-quality standards of the Smithsonian Institution. The intern will become familiar with museum education practices, how museums work, and how this translates to digital web content. Candidates should have a basic proficiency in Drupal, Search Engine Optimization, AP Style and web or graphic design principles and best practices.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Gathering credits for collection objects posted on the NMAAHC website
- Assist with migrating blog posts from Tumblr to nmaahc.si.edu
- Search Getty Images for feature images and videos for blog posts
- Assist in research and promotion for Black History Month 2025 and Women's History Month
- Assist in ideating storytelling techniques for the online experience for upcoming exhibitions.
Finance, Facilities Planning & Business Programs, Human Resources, Information Technology
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
Project Management, Exhibition Design, Design & Production
Part-Time Hybrid Internship
$425/week
February 10 – April 25, 2025
Desired Majors or Areas of Study: Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design
The Office of Project Management and Planning (OPMP) manages museum-wide projects which include new exhibitions and existing exhibition maintenance, symposia and festivals, and graphic design for a variety of smaller projects. The OPMP is comprised of two divisions (Project Management & Design and Production) that together provide a full range of services including exhibition planning and budgeting, design and fabrication, objects care and gallery maintenance, AV and lighting maintenance and support, and de-installation and renewal of exhibition spaces.
The Exhibition Design Intern will work closely with museum professionals to gain broad knowledge of design work at a national museum. The intern will support the Exhibition Design Department at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) with computer-aided drafting, graphic production file creation, material and finish research, graphic design, 3D design, and/or creation of presentation materials. Under the guidance and mentorship of a staff designer, the intern will join an inter-departmental team and develop, design, and create production files for a small exhibition. When the internship is completed, the Exhibition Design Intern will gain insight into the complexity of exhibition design and will develop some exhibition design and production skills. Applicants must be able to work independently, and on a team; have a basic understanding of Adobe InDesign software and/or CAD program drafting; and be enrolled and completed some coursework in a college-level design program. Please submit samples of your design work with your essay when applying.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Develop, design, and create production files for a small exhibition
- Create graphic design files for temporary signage, and aid in the production of them
- Assist staff designers and/or detailer in production of design drawings and/or graphic files
- Attend project meetings related to upcoming exhibitions, to experience a portion of the multi-year process required to create a large exhibition
- Attend and observe various in-gallery sessions, such as object rotations, artifact cleaning, or lighting adjustment
There are no positions available in this area at this time. Please check back again in the future.
Fellowships
Funded fellowships occurring at museums, research institutes and offices across the Smithsonian.
Please visiting the Smithsonian Fellowships website for information.
Programs managed by individual parts of the Smithsonian.
Please visiting the Smithsonian Fellowships website for information.
The Robert Frederick Smith Applied Public History Fellowship for HBCU Graduates offers a two-year appointment providing advanced training and scholarly support in public history, museum management, outreach programming, and partnership building.
For more information please visit The Robert Frederick Smith Applied Public History Fellowship website.
Have questions about the Academic Appointments at NMAAHC? Email us.