Conservation Training

The Conservation Office at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers several types of training opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in conservation and for practicing professionals. Specialized conservation training is also offered for professionals with tribal museums, cultural centers, or preservation projects.

• Ten-week Internship in Conservation
• Conservation Twelve-Month Pre-Program Internship
• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
  Internships & Fellowships

Ten-Week Internship in Conservation
Designed for any students interested in conservation.
Internships in the Conservation Office provide an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work directly on the care and preservation of Native American objects. Conservation at the museum involves collaborating with Native people to develop appropriate methods of handling, preserving, and interpreting cultural materials. Interns examine the condition of selected objects—cleaning and repairing them when necessary—for exhibition or loan. Students with a background in studio art, anthropology, art history, museum studies, chemistry, or biology are encouraged to apply. Native American applicants interested in conservation and museum care practices are especially welcome. These positions may carry a stipend. See Internships for more information and to download an application.

Conservation Twelve-Month Pre-Program Internship
Designed for students entering a graduate program in conservation.
The twelve-month pre-program internship is designed for qualified individuals preparing to apply to a graduate-level training program in art conservation. Pre-program interns perform supervised condition examinations, write reports and treatment proposals, perform photo documentation, and treat objects requested for exhibitions or loans. An understanding of Native American ethnographic and archaeological materials and approaches to conservation will be developed during the year. Interns will benefit from having gained work experience in a museum conservation department and may include work completed at NMAI in their portfolios. This position carries a stipend. Applications are due no later than February 15. Finalists will be invited to interview by phone. All applicants will be notified by April 30. Internships commence in September or October. For details, download a pre-program internship application form.

Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Program in Object and Textile Conservation—Internships & Fellowships

Andrew W. Mellon Internships
Designed for students currently in or graduated from a graduate program in conservation or practicing conservation professionals.
Andrew W. Mellon internships are intended to cultivate practical skills as well as foster a solid understanding of the contexts of material culture, the philosophies of conservation at NMAI, and the ethics of the conservation profession. Museum programming involves collaboration with Native people in developing appropriate methods of caring for and interpreting cultural materials. Andrew W. Mellon internships focus primarily on the survey and treatment of artifacts for exhibits at NMAI’s facilities in Washington, D.C., and New York City, loans and other ongoing projects.

The Conservation Laboratory at NMAI’s Cultural Resource Center in Suitland, Maryland (metro D.C. area) is the work site. Each internship session lasts approximately ten weeks. Usually, internships in conservation are offered only for the summer and winter sessions. Andrew W. Mellon internships includes a stipend and funds for housing. Candidates who demonstrate a career interest in the conservation of material culture of indigenous peoples of North, South, and Central America are especially welcome. Candidates must have proficient English language skills (written and spoken). Internships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.

Application Procedure
There is no application form for Andrew W. Mellon Internships. To apply, please submit the following in English:

1. Cover letter explaining the candidate’s interests and intent in applying for the internship;
2. Curriculum vitae including basic biographical information with current and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, and email address;
3. Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study with an explanation of the evaluation system if it is not equivalent to that of the United States;
4. Three letters of recommendation: two from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate's work and one letter of personal reference. These may be sent under separate cover. Letters should be in sealed envelopes with the referee’s signature across the flap.

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships
Designed for recent graduates of recognized conservation training programs.
Andrew W. Mellon fellowships are intended to cultivate practical skills as well as foster a solid understanding of the contexts of material culture, the philosophies of conservation at NMAI, and the ethics of the conservation profession. Museum programming involves collaboration with Native people in developing appropriate methods of caring for and interpreting cultural materials. Andrew W. Mellon fellowships involve work on the Conservation Office’s major projects and research related to projects and collections. Current projects include the preparation of artifacts for loans and for exhibits at NMAI sites in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The Conservation Laboratory at NMAI’s Cultural Resource Center in Suitland, Maryland (metro D.C. area) is the work site. Fellowships are for one year with a possible renewal of a second year. Fellowships commence in the fall (September or October) and include a stipend and funds for travel and research, plus health insurance. Candidates with the best qualifications will be those who are pursuing a career in the conservation of material culture of the indigenous peoples of North, Central and South America.  Applicants should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and proficient English language skills (written and spoken).  Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.

Application Procedure
There is no application form for Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships. To apply, please submit the following (in English):

1. Cover letter explaining candidate's interests and intent in applying for the fellowship;
2. Curriculum vitae including basic biographical information, current and permanent addresses, phone numbers, and email address;
3. At least two examples of pertinent publications, lectures, or other written materials;
4. Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study with an explanation of the evaluation system if it is not equivalent to that of the United States;
5. Three letters of recommendation: two from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate's work and one letter of personal reference. These may be sent under separate cover. Letters should be in sealed envelopes with the referee’s signature across the flap.

Please send application materials for both Andrew W. Mellon Internships and Fellowships to:
Marian A. Kaminitz, Head of Conservation
National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian Institution
Cultural Resources Center, MRC 538
4220 Silver Hill Road
Suitland MD 20746
Email address (for inquiries only): kaminitzm@si.edu