3D Objects Collection Curatorial Intern

Summary:  Intern will work closely with the Curator of 3D Objects to support refinement, collecting and public access initiatives.

Projects for Fall 2025 include:
-Pilot Assessment of the Arts and Crafts collection: supporting the 3D curator in: researching the Arts and Crafts collection, reappraisal in support of MNHS’ mission, updating records in collections database (Emu). 
-Ongoing Collecting: appraisal of unsolicited donations; actively collecting in support of the 3D Collection Collecting Priorities. 

Ideal Degrees: American studies, art history, history, heritage studies and public history, museum studies, communications, African American and African studies, Native American studies, cultural studies, or other related degrees.

Responsibilities: 

Intern’s tasks will include some or all of the following activities:

• Research and Synthesis:
  Conduct research (directed by curator) on accessioned items as well as potential acquisitions and share findings through internal workflow spreadsheets and acquisitions committee google slides presentation drafts
• Appraisal:
  Under direction of the curator, learn how to implement MNHS’ appraisal criteria for collections
• Writing:
  Under direction of the curator, learn how to write brief research synopses for internal communication; rationales for acquisitions/deaccessioning; effective emails for collaboration with colleagues; improve collection item descriptions

Qualifications: 

• Graduate or doctorate student preferred
• Strong historical research skills
• Ability to summarize texts through writing
• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting
• Detail-oriented and ability to to ask for help/clarity when needed
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfortable speaking over the phone
• Proactively motivated to share ideas and think outside the box
• Interest in and/or experience with material culture and museum collections
• Experience with Microsoft Suite & Google Suite
• Ability to use Google Hangouts/Zoom for meetings

Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain:

• Experience applying MNHS appraisal criteria to potential acquisitions
• Experience surveying 3D collection and identifying deaccession priorities
• Experience researching potential acquisitions and material culture 
• Ability to share findings through written communication, visual presentation (google slides), and/or database entry
• Experience using Collections EMu database system as well as google sheets
• Development of project management skills
• Ability to set and complete tiered goals, working toward a final goal
• Development of effective communication skills to gather information from peer institutions while representing MNHS in a professional manner (under guidance of supervisor)
• Increased knowledge of MNHS collections
• Experience working with material culture
• Ability to think critically about the impact of decisions regarding the stewardship and interpretation of collection items.