Through promoting innovative scholarship, producing public programs, and collecting religious artifacts, the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life works to expand the ways religion is acknowledged and explored by our nation’s research and cultural institutions. The Center’s staff is committed to supporting and contributing to research and scholarship in religious studies, African American studies, and other related academic disciplines. This commitment will ensure that the Center continues to garner respect as an entity that both produces and disseminates knowledge. The Center continues to identify and acquire religious artifacts from diverse traditions that both strengthen the Museum’s religious holdings and diversifies the types of stories that are told from the museum. The opportunity to share stories through a diversity of objects assists the museum in deepening the nation’s understanding of the indispensable role of religion in the historic struggle for human dignity and social equality. In an effort to expand our public presence beyond the walls of the Museum, the Center regularly hosts public programs in different parts of the United States. All Center programs are free and open to the public. The Intern for the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life will learn about the logistics and implementation of museum programming by assisting the planning committee with several programs scheduled to take place in the Oprah Winfrey Theatre and touring sites.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Conducting background research on participants.
• Reaching out to participants to schedule travel
• Attending meetings with planning committee
•  Writing program materials
• Assisting with publicity via social media and news release
• Other duties related to the implementation of the program
• Travel to locations for touring events

May 18 at 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, & 3:45 p.m. Eastern

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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.

OCA is comprised of many different divisions and teams including: Administration, Collections/Acquisitions, History, Culture, Visual Art, Collections Management, Conservation, DigiTeam, Registrar's Office, Oral History, Archives, The Centers and the Scholarly Advisor Committee. The intern will learn about the different aspects of exhibition development (with an emphasis on research) as well as the various programs within OCA.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

•  Assist with content research for exhibitions in development including research on objects, images and archives
• Developing press ready material for web, social media and print based sources
• Processing oral history interviews and associated imagery and video
• Researching and processing data (archaeological, oral narratives, archival, etc.) from ongoing fieldwork nationally and internationally
• Search the museum collection for specific themes, and create a report of relevant objects
• Write a publicly accessible output (i.e.: blog, collections story, etc.) based on the museum’s collection

May 19 at 10, 10:30, 11, 11:30, & 12 p.m. Eastern

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Contribute significantly to the creation, management, and distribution of the museum’s digital image assets and gain a thorough understanding about the integration of digital assets into various Smithsonian databases. The selected intern will have the opportunity to enhance their digital skills, build a professional network, and pursue mentorships within the Smithsonian Institution while gaining skills in myriad fields. At the conclusion of the program, the intern will have completed a variety of projects that will enrich their portfolios, resumes, and understanding of initiatives undertaken at the museum to further the Smithsonian’s Digitization Strategic Plan.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Train to use TMS (The Museum System) collection information system database
• Utilize museum cataloging standards to work on collection records
• Conduct research needed to create and enhance collection records
• Create collection inventories
• Train in object handling
• Photograph flat objects (photographs, documents, posters, etc.)
• Manage digital assets in multiple platforms (create, edit, manage metadata, and quality control of image files)
• Attend team meetings
• Research copyright of museum objects
• Write a collection story or blog post

Learning Outcomes:

• Working knowledge of how to use TMS (The Museum System) collection information system database
• Experience with collections information research and management
• Direct experience handling objects
• Digital imaging and content management skills
• Digital asset management skills
• Gain an overview of copyright law and permissible uses of museum collection images
• Understand how to integrate digital assets into various computer systems

Work Culture: The Digitization Team is a highly collaborative, team-oriented group focused on making images and information about collection objects available for use by Museum staff and external partners. The applicant should have strong oral and written communication skills and be able to work well in a fast-paced environment in both group settings and on his or her own.

Prerequisites: Interest or background in African American history and cultural studies. Prior experience in digitization is not required.

May 20 at 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, & 3:15 p.m. Eastern

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The Donor and Corporate Relations Intern will work within the Office of Advancement (OA) to increase revenue to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) which currently has the most active members of any Smithsonian museum! OA is dedicated to generating financial support for the Museum’s mission, programs, and future by building relationships designed to engage, expand, and sustain circles of people and organizations who share the Museum’s vision. OA relationships with other Museum departments are critical to the success of NMAAHC’s fundraising efforts. The conception and creation of most Museum initiatives benefit from strong communication with OA leadership. Through collaboration, OA can assess funding needs and develop meaningful case statements that will resound with our prospects and make the Museum’s ideas a reality. The intern can expect to work on marketing and engagement activities through print, web-based, email, and in-person communications, including direct mail, e-news, letters, and intermittent events. The Donor and Corporate Relations Intern will develop verbal, written, and professional skills and understand the fundraising and development strategies for large-scale non-profits.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Learn Advance database software to maintain accurate data about our members to make sure they receive the information they are entitled to as supporters (no Advance software experience necessary)
• Use Excel to crunch the data to ensure contributions are logged correctly, the correct members are invited to current events, and we are serving the members in the most efficient way possible (some Excel experience preferred)
• Contribute to monthly e-newsletter by identifying appropriate museum collection object for features and similar creative ideas to promote the resources of the museum
• Produce appropriate replies to member inquiries
• Monitor inventory of promotional materials to ensure stock
• Create or update webpages with training in Druple CMS (no Druple experience required)
• Learn Advance database to maintain data integrity
• Assist with photo research and permissions acquisition

May 18 at 1:45, 2:15, 2:45 & 3:15 p.m.

May 20 at 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, & 3:45 p.m. Eastern

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The Education Department at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is dedicated to assisting educators, students and the diverse public in being lifelong learners as they deepen their knowledge about the American story through the African American lens. NMAAHC Education is comprised of: Teaching and Learning, Early Childhood Education, Audience Engagement, and Internships and Fellowships. The intern will learn the skills and techniques utilized by museum educators to conceptualize and execute large public programs (i.e.: lecture series, film screenings, moderated discussions, etc.), incorporate the African American story into the American story for classroom educators thus sharpening and honing historical pedagogy skills, and promote student learning through programming and resources that will engage students. As the public learns about history they will be inspired to become agents of change within their own communities. The intern will be a critical member of the Education team as they shape content for programs, teacher professional development workshops, large-scale public events, and expect to further understand how the Smithsonian researches and interprets African American history and culture to broad audiences.

Duties may include (but are not limited to):

• Assist in the development of professional learning activities for K-12 Teachers
• Assist in the development of informal/out-of-school time programming for visitors of all ages (primarily K-12 aged students)
• Assist with logistics of museum programs
• Researching potential presenters and program content
• Analyzing audience evaluation data
• Designing promotional materials and web content
• Assisting with registration and navigating the day of events 
• Compile objects lists to support programs

May 18 at 2, 2:30, 3, & 3:30 p.m. Eastern

May 20 at 2, 2:30, 3, & 3:30 p.m. Eastern

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Registrants in this session will receive general resume and cover letter review not associated with a specific position description.

This is appropriate for those registrants that do not have a background or interest in any of the positions listed for this event. For best results, registrants should still have a genuine interest in future internship or employment opportunities within the cultural sector.

Various Dates and Times (See registration form for exact times)

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The Culture division of The Office of Curatorial Affairs (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 Curatorial Oral History Intern would provide critical support for the Oral History program. This intern would assist the coordinator of the program with reviewing recordings from our Reflections Booths, maintaining records, conducting background research for interviews, creating logs, transcribing, reviewing completed transcripts, and processing oral histories to be accessioned. The intern can expect to learn how to develop an oral history project, maintain oral history metadata, and utilize oral histories in a museum setting. All of these activities will enable the intern to acquire the skills needed to work in an oral history program in a museum setting.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Review Reflections Booth recordings (and complete accompanying documentation)
• Transcribe and log interviews
• Create research packets for oral history interviews
• Write and present a justification to the Collections Committee

May 20 at 1:30, 2, 2:30, & 3 p.m. Eastern

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The Public Affairs Marketing and 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 Public Affairs Marketing and Media Internship provides hands-on experience in areas of marketing and media relations. The intern will gain an enhanced understanding of advertising, branding, marketing and media principles. Regular responsibilities include conducting research, creative and strategic planning for advertising and marketing campaigns in addition to media pitching and media support for NMAAHC programs, events and initiatives. The intern will learn to apply tools to facilitate asset management and improve marketing operations, analyze data and information to identify opportunities and track trends, and the creation of strategies, plans and creative concepts to reach targeted audiences. 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.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Conducting research and gathering information to assist with the process of selecting, securing and tracking advertising
• Record keeping and gathering materials for procurement, informational and briefing packages
• Create new content and research relevant content to publish to the NMAAHC Blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts
• Research and implement new creative strategies for expanding social media reach
• Attend NMAAHC events to develop content for blog & other social media platforms
• Providing support for various types of filming requests and media interviews and gain an enhanced understanding of filming within the museum space
• 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 materials

May 19 at 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, & 12:15 p.m. Eastern

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The Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP) is a unique department within the National Museum of African American History and Culture that works to strengthen the capabilities and sustainability of historical, cultural, and art institutions focused on African Americans and the African Diaspora through collaborations with museum service organizations, professional associations, and related organizations. The intern will learn about the external facing work of OSP, the National landscape (depth/breadth/challenges/opportunities) of culturally specific museums, best practices in executing museum community centered exhibits/programming, event planning, cross organizational partnerships, and strategic planning/problem solving. The intern will join the planning team for a series of workshops across the country focused on challenges and opportunities faced by culturally specific museums and assist in the planning of these events. The intern will be primarily responsible for research related to this topic/the event.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Compile regional compendium of culturally specific museums
• Complete a literature review of scholarship addressing culturally/ethnically specific museum work
• Research effective methods of program facilitation and audience engagement techniques
• Research potential programs, exhibitions, models of engagement that could serve as case studies as well as potential speakers
• Assist the Office of Strategic Partnerships with on-going internal projects and initiatives
• Assist with the creation of OSP digital assets (webpage content, contact database management, creating survey and evaluation templates)

May 18 at 1:30, 2, 2:30, & 3 p.m. Eastern

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The Technology and Information Security Internship resides in the Information Technology (IT) Department in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). This department designs, secures, provisions, and supports information systems used to manage the museum’s core functions including advancement/membership, visitor services, collections management, office automation environment; However IT does not manage web services, application development, interactive technologies, or audio-visual systems. NMAAHC IT also executes and/or implements information security and privacy guidelines and procedures established by the Smithsonian Institution, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The Technology and Information Security Intern will gain a broad, general understanding of the core concepts, principles, functions, and practices in a federal information security and privacy program; key themes in information security risk and threat management; and information security program design and development. Applicants should have a basic understanding of how people use computer systems, information technology, social media, and mobile applications; interest in information technology, information security, and/or data privacy and security; entry-level ability to read, comprehend, and discuss technical subject matters.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Create content for an annual Cyber Security and Awareness Program
• Coordinate with various teams within NMAAHC to disseminate program content
• Support the facilitation of virtual information security learning events and/or workshops
• Security awareness communications creation and dissemination

May 19 at 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, & 11:45 a.m. Eastern

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