Museum Curator Intern

Position Summary:

This internship introduces high school students to the museum and cultural heritage field through the role of a curator. Interns will learn how museums care for, display, and interpret collections while supporting staff in creating engaging visitor experiences. Students will gain hands-on exposure to exhibit planning, artifact care, and educational programming.

Responsibilities:

Assist museum staff with exhibit preparation, set-up, or tear-down.
Help catalog artifacts, artwork, or collections using museum databases.
Support visitor engagement through tours, educational programs, or hands-on activities.
Conduct basic research on artifacts or historical topics for exhibits.
Shadow curators and staff to observe decision-making about collections and displays.
Complete assignments, reflection journals, or internship workbook entries as required by the program

Learning Objectives:

Understand the role of curators and museum professionals in preserving culture and history.
Gain introductory skills in artifact handling, cataloging, and research.
Explore how museums create exhibits that educate and inspire the public.
Learn about career pathways in museums, history, art, and education.

Qualifications:

High school student (11th - 12th grade).
Interest in history, art, culture, or education.
Detail-oriented, organized, and curious learner.
Good communication and teamwork skills.

Details:

Duration: Semester or summer placement.
Schedule: 5–10 hours per week.
Location: Local history, art, or science museum.
Supervision: Curator, Collections Manager, or Education Coordinator.

Notice on Internship Opportunities

Please note that internship opportunities will vary by host site and county.

Not all career areas or placements will be available in every location.
Host sites may have different requirements, schedules, and responsibilities.
Opportunities depend on local partnerships, availability, and community resources.

Students are encouraged to remain flexible and open to a variety of learning experiences. Each internship is designed to provide valuable workplace skills, career exploration, and professional growth—regardless of the specific placement.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

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