Internships

Archive Center internships provide students with the opportunity to learn about and contribute to the arrangement, description, and preservation of the NMAI’s archival collections. Interns may process manuscript, photo, audiovisual, or mixed-media collections; write and edit finding aids and collections records; conduct condition assessments; and provide reference services. Interns may author finding aids and collection-level records in ArchivesSpace and write blog posts about their experiences or collections they encounter.

Who should apply: Students interested in library science, history of photography, Native American studies, anthropology, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Collections Care interns participate in the day-to-day management of the museum’s collections and loans on exhibit and in temporary storage. Interns learn handling, housekeeping, organization, monitoring, and preventative care techniques. Interns also work closely with other departments to understand how activities in the public spaces affect collections. Internships include an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Program, use of the collections database, environmental monitoring, collections emergency management, and exhibit installation/deinstallation.

Collections Information and Asset Management interns support digitization initiatives to increase access to NMAI collections. Assignments may include digitally curating reformatted and born-digital assets, creating metadata in the collection information system or digital asset management system, safeguarding data integrity, enhancing digital workflows, and creating digital workflow documentation. Interns work under the mentorship of Collections Information System and/or Digital Asset Management System staff, receive extensive training, and gain direct experience in those systems.

Who should apply: Students seeking experience in digitization, digital preservation, and data management of cultural heritage materials are encouraged to apply.

Interns in Collections Research and Documentation support the study and interpretation of the more than 100,000 objects in the NMAI archaeological collections. Working with curatorial staff, interns learn how to document, examine, and research items made, created, used, or designed by the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere (excluding Hawai'i) prior to European contact. Interns may access collections and related information physically or through the collections database. Interns learn how to investigate objects through a variety of means, including literature reviews, contextual analyses, physical examination, morphological measurements, and consultations with Indigenous peoples, historians, archaeologists, and other experts. Interns may assist in creating, managing, organizing, and distributing information about the archaeological collections through various online platforms, including social media, blogs, and websites.

Who should apply: Students seeking to expand their understanding of Native American cultures and histories as well as their depth, complexity, diversity, and achievements are encouraged to apply.

History and Culture interns support a curatorial research assistance project for Miniverse: The World of Indigenous Miniatures, an exhibition that celebrates Indigenous miniatures and the artists who create them. The exhibition highlights miniatures from the NMAI permanent collection (ethnographic and contemporary art) as well as new miniatures created by 10 to 15 invited Indigenous artists. There will be about 200 works total in the exhibition made by at least 40 Indigenous nations representing North, Central, and South America. The selected miniatures also demonstrate the range of the NMAI collection with tiny baskets, pottery, textiles, watercraft, clothing, houses, carvings, tools, books, and other works.

The Outreach and Engagement Planning Office supports and facilitates collaboration and partnerships between NMAI staff, Native communities, and allied organizations. Outreach and Engagement interns gain an understanding of the needs and processes for engaging in collaborative work within the museum and with Native constituents. Opportunities vary based on the intern’s experience and interests but range from researching potential collaborations or opportunities, directly supporting staff engagements within and external to the museum, and supporting administrative projects to improve and strengthen collaborative efforts at the museum.

Who should apply: Students interested in supporting community engagement efforts and developing skillsets in relationship-management, or who are studying anthropology, museum studies, Native American studies, business administration, or nonprofit management, are encouraged to apply.

Registration Department interns assist with the annual inventory of the NMAI’s object collections at the CRC. Registration interns learn about object handling, collections storage, cataloging, inventory practices, and using a collections database.

Who should apply: Students interested in collections accountability, collections care, and Native material culture are encouraged to apply.

Internships in the Repatriation Office provide students with opportunities to learn about and contribute to the work of consultation, research, and physical repatriation of items in the museum’s collection. Interns may conduct provenance research, investigate policy issues, or produce internal reference reports.

Who should apply: Students interested in repatriation, archival work, provenance research, anthropology, Native American studies, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Safety interns participate in behind-the-scenes safety operations at the NMAI and gain a general understanding of the Smithsonian’s occupational safety and health standards. Internships focus on safety compliance at the museum in Washington, DC, and at the CRC. Interns may update the recorded status of workplace hazards, create graphs and charts for use with communication tools, and transfer safety documents and updates to the Safety website. Interns may participate in operations meetings and provide safety updates and hazard condition reports.

Who should apply: Students interested in occupational safety and health programs—such as fire protection prevention, industrial hygiene, and environmental design—or graphic design are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Excel is required.

Technology internships provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable experience supporting the museum’s internet and intranet websites, applications, and technological infrastructure. Interns may run audiovisual and theater operations in the NMAI’s exhibitions, support database application systems, and develop web pages and multimedia projects. Interns will enhance their skills in network operations, communications services, desktop support, information resource management planning, system development lifecycle management, and web development.

Who should apply: Students studying information technology, electronic communications, telecommunication, or web development are encouraged to apply.

Collections Care interns participate in the day-to-day management of the museum’s collections and loans on exhibit and in temporary storage. Interns learn handling, housekeeping, organization, monitoring, and preventative care techniques. Interns also work closely with other departments to understand how activities in the public spaces affect collections. Internships include an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Program, use of the collections database, environmental monitoring, collections emergency management, and exhibit installation/deinstallation.

Interns in Development assist staff in the daily operations of national-level fundraising and learn to work with the museum's fundraising database. Interns gain a working understanding of how to update, tag, and identify organizations and entities within the database. Interns also conduct research for prospective donors and grants and provide administrative support. Interns learn about special projects and NMAI initiatives to Native communities across the Americas.

The Education Office provides engaging educational experiences for teachers, K–12 students, and youth and families through programs, resources, and the Native Knowledge 360° curriculum. Education interns work with staff to provide relevant learning experiences to teachers and students through lesson alignment with local, national, and NMAI standards. Interns in Education may conduct research on practice and impact, education technology, and hands-on learning. Interns may also assist with teacher tours and education programs, support theme- or exhibition-based teacher or student workshops, and develop and analyze evaluation data. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Who should apply: Students interested in formal or informal education, art and visual culture, anthropology, digital learning, teaching social studies or a related field, anti-bias education, social justice, or community engagement are encouraged to apply. Students should have excellent interpersonal, research, and writing skills, and the ability to engage the public. Proficiency in Excel is required. Knowledge of design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is preferred.

Interns in the Executive Office work on projects of strategic relevance for the museum as a whole. Through assignments and project work under the guidance of a member of the Executive Office, interns gain a thorough understanding of museum operations, strategic initiatives, and decision-making processes.

The Family and Youth Experiences team implements interpretive and educational public programs by and about Native people for visitors to the NMAI’s museums in Washington, DC, and New York, NY. Interns assist with a variety of public programming, such as tours, workshops, teaching cart programs, and cultural demonstrations. Interns help with public programs in the exhibition galleries, workshop programs in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, and school tours and programs. Interns may also assist the team as they manage a teaching collection of approximately 1,000 objects, conduct research on exhibitions and topics in Native Studies, develop new educational programs, and participate in exhibition teams and other museum teams. Spanish-language skills are desired but not required.

Interns in Marketing and Communications learn how to effectively promote museum activities through marketing, publicity, and social media. Interns also learn how to analyze and compile reports on the efficacy of social media and report on trending social outlets/topics. Interns may research communications methodologies related to contacting members of the media, build media contact lists, and help publicize the museum's events and exhibitions through community calendars and events outlets.

Media Production interns work with staff to produce and develop digital media. Interns develop skills in webcasting, hands-on video and audio production and editing, mobile tour development, exhibition interactive development, and media archiving.

Public programs support and enhance the museum by bringing in Native artisans and cultural demonstrators to share the cultures of diverse Indigenous peoples. Public Programs interns learn about Native cultures, the history and mission of the museum, and details of museum programming, from research and outreach to documentation and implementation. Interns engage with artists and museum visitors to share what they learn about the history and ongoing activities of the museum and learn program operations, develop logical solutions for hands-on activities, and archive records.

Special Events staff oversee internal museum events and work with external partners hosting celebrations, member events, and fundraisers at the NMAI. Interns in Special Events assist with event preparations, including compiling invitation lists, mailing and tracking RSVPs, coordinating vendors, and providing day-of event support. Interns also assist with managing the museum’s booking calendar, departmental files, and donor database. Interns learn Smithsonian event policies and procedures, event coordination logistics, and donor and database management.

Who should apply: Students interested in detail-oriented work who bring strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and an enthusiasm for the museum's diverse audiences are encouraged to apply.

Collections Care interns participate in the day-to-day management of the museum’s collections and loans on exhibit and in temporary storage. Interns learn handling, housekeeping, organization, monitoring, and preventative care techniques. Interns also work closely with other departments to understand how activities in the public spaces affect collections. Internships include an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Program, use of the collections database, environmental monitoring, collections emergency management, and exhibit installation/deinstallation.

Who should apply: Students interested in education, art and visual culture, anthropology, teaching, community engagement, or digital learning are encouraged to apply. Students should have excellent interpersonal, research, and writing skills, and the ability to engage the public. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Knowledge of design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is preferred. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

The Education Office provides engaging educational experiences for teachers, K–12 students, and youth and families through programs, resources, and the Native Knowledge 360° curriculum. Education interns work with staff to provide relevant learning experiences to teachers and students through lesson alignment with local, national, and NMAI standards. Interns in Education may conduct research on practice and impact, education technology, and hands-on learning. Interns may also assist with teacher tours and education programs, support theme- or exhibition-based teacher or student workshops, and develop and analyze evaluation data. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Who should apply: Students interested in formal or informal education, art and visual culture, anthropology, digital learning, teaching social studies or a related field, anti-bias education, social justice, or community engagement are encouraged to apply. Students should have excellent interpersonal, research, and writing skills, and the ability to engage the public. Proficiency in Excel is required. Knowledge of design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is preferred.

The Family and Youth Experiences team implements interpretive and educational public programs by and about Native people for visitors to the NMAI’s museums in Washington, DC, and New York, NY. Interns assist with a variety of public programming, such as tours, workshops, teaching cart programs, and cultural demonstrations. Interns help with public programs in the exhibition galleries, workshop programs in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, and school tours and programs. Interns may also assist the team as they manage a teaching collection of approximately 1,000 objects, conduct research on exhibitions and topics in Native Studies, develop new educational programs, and participate in exhibition teams and other museum teams. Spanish-language skills are desired but not required.

Interns in Marketing and Communications learn how to effectively promote museum activities through marketing, publicity, and social media. Interns also learn how to analyze and compile reports on the efficacy of social media and report on trending social outlets/topics. Interns may research communications methodologies related to contacting members of the media, build media contact lists, and help publicize the museum's events and exhibitions through community calendars and events outlets.

Special Events staff oversee internal museum events and work with external partners hosting celebrations, member events, and fundraisers at the NMAI. Interns in Special Events assist with event preparations, including compiling invitation lists, mailing and tracking RSVPs, coordinating vendors, and providing day-of event support. Interns also assist with managing the museum’s booking calendar, departmental files, and donor database. Interns learn Smithsonian event policies and procedures, event coordination logistics, and donor and database management.

Who should apply: Students interested in detail-oriented work who bring strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and an enthusiasm for the museum's diverse audiences are encouraged to apply.