3D Objects Collection Curatorial Intern

Department
Collections
Supervisor
Director of Collections
Hours
15 hours/week
Location
Semester(s)
Fall 2025
Status
Paid

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 Degree(s)
  • American studies
  • Art/Art history
  • Communications
  • Ethnic studies
  • History
  • Museum studies
  • Native American studies
  • other related degrees
Student Qualifications
  • 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
     
Student 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   
 

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.
     
How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, PDF copy of unofficial school transcripts, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.