Internship Program

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

Internships are offered based upon the availability of professional staff. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

• Students who are currently enrolled in an academic program, as well as individuals who have recently completed studies
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained)
• Ability to work a minimum of twenty hours per week. Internships with NMAAHC are unpaid
• Funding is available on a competitive basis from the Smithsonian Institution Office of Research Training and Services. More information is available at http://www.si.edu/ofg/start.htm

Academic Credit

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

Internship Sessions

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

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

Internship Projects

Using the library and Internet, the intern will assist in the compilation of a comprehensive survey of African American museums, organizations and individual collectors as well as a brief overview of what they collect. The intern will assist the Curator of Collections in additional activities as needed to support ongoing curatorial/collections department needs, including background research on potential collections or exhibition projects for the new museum and collections database compilation. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about museum activities across the country, to use research resources in DC including Smithsonian Libraries and the National Archives, and to learn about evaluation criteria for incoming collections.

The intern will assist the Chief Curator in the creation of the new museum. Interns will participate in research for developing the museum's collections initiative and related programming; assist the Chief Curator in exhibitions development and in evaluating potential collection acquisitions; propose ideas for interaction and outreach, especially those geared to engaging youth.

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

The intern must have solid computer and research skills, demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently.

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

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

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

How to Apply

Complete the application form available on the Smithsonian Internship website http://intern.si.edu/. Mail or email your completed application, resume, short writing sample, and letter of reference (or reference contact information) to: