Curatorial Intern
Part-time Position Overview: The Curatorial Intern will gain hands-on experience in museum operations while supporting the Curatorial Department. This internship is designed to foster a student's interest in curatorial research, exhibition development, and collections management while providing an introduction to museum work. The intern will collaborate with museum professionals on collection stewardship, object research, exhibition preparation, and related projects that support the Historic Preservation and Collections mission.
Essential Duties: - Collaborate with Curatorial and Collections Management staff to support exhibitions, gallery rotations, and installations within the Museum and Mansion.
- Conduct research on collection objects to enhance documentation, interpretation, and exhibition content.
- Participate in exhibition planning and preparation activities, including object selection, labeling, and installation support.
- Support object photography projects.
- Assist with the preparation, organization, and maintenance of collection files and physical and digital research materials to ensure accessibility and accuracy.
- Assist with inventory, cataloging, and collections management projects as assigned.
- Contribute to special projects and other departmental initiatives related to collections care, research, and public presentation.
- Work collaboratively with staff across departments to support museum operations and visitor engagement initiatives.
Qualifications: - Current high-school or undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Anthropology, Public History, Library and Information Science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in museum collections, curatorial work, cultural heritage, or historical research.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software applications.
Preferred Qualifications - Previous coursework or experience in museum studies, collections management, archives, or historical research.
- Experience conducting research and synthesizing information from multiple sources.
- Familiarity with photography, digital asset management, or collection database systems.
- Interest in exhibition development and museum interpretation.
Learning Outcomes - By the end of the internship, the student will:
- Develop a foundational understanding of curatorial practices and museum collections management.
- Gain practical experience in object research, documentation, and exhibition preparation.
- Learn professional standards for collections care, organization, and recordkeeping.
- Build skills in collaboration, research methodology, and museum operations.
Work Environment: This role is performed in museum and collections environments, including exhibit and storage areas. This position involves work in both indoor office and museum settings and historic buildings.
Physical Requirements: - Ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills
- Ability to handle delicate objects safely
- Ability to move throughout the exhibit and storage spaces
- Ability to move items weighing up to 25 pounds
Benefits: - 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Employee referral program
- Flexible work schedule
- On-site Library
- Employee Discounts
- Free Parking
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.