Interpretation Intern
Interpretation Internship
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year to experience the beauty of our formal gardens, art collections, and the legacy of our founder, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Our Interpretation team plays a key role in shaping how visitors engage with Hillwood, and we are seeking an intern to support audience research and visitor experience initiatives.
About the Role:
The Interpretation Department is seeking a detail-oriented and curious intern with an interest in audience research, museum interpretation, and visitor engagement. This is a hands-on, project-based opportunity to contribute meaningfully to how Hillwood understands and serves its audiences—through real research, real data, and real impact.
The intern will lead visitor studies focused on the museum’s audio tour and printed visitor guide, analyze findings, and develop actionable recommendations. A specific project focus will be mutually agreed upon prior to the start of the internship.
What You’ll Do:
• Develop and implement visitor studies, including interviews, surveys, and behavioral observation
• Analyze visitor data and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Conduct interviews with peer museums to understand best practices in interpretive tools
• Research and support additional audience development initiatives, including access to programs and local audiences
• Participate in Interpretation team meetings, exhibition planning, and docent training preparation
• Attend and/or assist with public programs during your internship
• Connect with staff across departments to explore career pathways in the museum field
What We’re Looking For:
• Current undergraduate, post-graduate, or graduate student in museum studies, communications, public history, or a related field
• Strong interest in audience research, visitor experience, and museum interpretation
• Self-directed with the ability to manage a project from design through completion
• Strong research, organizational, and analytical skills
• Ability to synthesize information into clear recommendations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Availability of 10–16 hours per week
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 lbs
Learning Opportunities:
• Participate in weekly check-ins with your supervisor to review progress and set goals
• Join Interpretation team meetings and cross-departmental discussions
• Gain exposure to exhibition planning and docent training processes
• Conduct informational interviews with staff across departments including Curatorial, Collections, Horticulture, and more
Compensation & Details:
This is a paid, on-site internship at $20.14/hour. Interns may also be eligible to receive academic course credit in coordination with their university.
Notice:
The preceding description indicates the general nature and responsibilities of this position and may not include every duty required. Responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs.
Hillwood is seeking applicants from all backgrounds and educational levels to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color and people with marginalized identities to apply for open positions. We strive to make the hiring process as accessible as possible. Please do not hesitate to share what will make the process best for you. We cannot guarantee all accommodation; our team will make accommodations where possible with sufficient notice.