The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues.

Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward.

The Antique Vehicle Department at The Henry Ford plays a vital role in the restoration, preservation, and daily operation of our historic fleet. The Antique Vehicle Intern supports the inspection, maintenance, and repair of antique land vehicles dating from 1914 to 1932. The intern will assist in supporting the staff driving and licensing program to help maintain the safety of vehicles, drivers, and passengers. This is a hands-on learning opportunity designed to build foundational skills in historic vehicle maintenance and preservation within a collaborative team environment.

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment

The FFEI Internship Program's mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways.

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance.

Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our 2026 Summer Intern Orientation will occur on May 26th, 2026

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POSITION OVERVIEW

The Antique Vehicle Intern will work on-site at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. The typical workday includes hands-on maintenance, restoration, and preservation of our historic vehicle fleet, which consists of 30 vehicles. Interns will report primarily to the Manager of Antique Vehicles, Jacob Gullet, who will mentor you and lead your main-term project. You will also collaborate with the rest of the Antique Vehicle team to gain experience across all aspects of fleet care and operation.

Your primary project, connected to your role responsibilities, will include the following:

Primary Project: Understanding and rebuilding a Model T transmission

Secondary/if time allows:

• Research/document vehicle fleet history

• Improve/assess preventative maintenance tracking process

• Build dashboard for service maintenance

• Rear Axle rebuild – Model T & Model A

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Preventive Maintenance and Inspections:

• Responsible for following the established preventive maintenance program. Performs program of routine inspection, lubrication and repair of collection use vehicles.

• Performs daily inspection and safety checks for all historic land use vehicles

• Responsible for assisting with tracking and recording of driver log sheets to maintain safety and reliability.

Parts, Repairs and Restoration Support:

• Assists with procuring parts and services for vehicles as assigned, weighing considerations of cost, efficiency and historical accuracy.

• Assists in maintaining detailed inventory of parts for standard repairs.

• Assists with investigating damage, neglect, and accidents of operating historic vehicles.

• Assists with documenting repair and restoration costs for each vehicle.

Administrative and Team Collaboration:

• Assists with some administrative work, including material & service requesting and project planning as assigned.

• Contributes to the effective team management of all problems, issues and opportunities.

• Assists with additional and after-hours events that include historic vehicles.

• Acts as a team player and provides expertise within a team environment and with other teams as appropriate.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires High School diploma or equivalent

• Proven knowledge of maintaining and repairing historic land transport vehicles

• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining a variety of historic vehicles

• Valid state issued driver's license.

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Ability to utilize computerized collection management system

• Ability to assess and carry out vehicle repair

• Proficient in operating and teaching the maintenance of historic motorized land transport vehicles

• Ability to work independently

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PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Physical: Sitting, standing, walking, carrying, handling, grasping, eye/hand/foot coordination and pushing: Frequently. Lifting, Occasional, up to 100 lbs. and frequently 10-60 lbs. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable.

Vision: Hearing and balance needed

Other: Must be able to pass physical exam and to wear a respirator and other safety equipment such as hard hat, safety glasses and safety belt. Must be able to climb ladders and stairs.

Mental: Utilize analytical approach for troubleshooting mechanical malfunctions. Ability to analyze and interpret intended use of parts and/or mechanisms; ability to analyze problems and decide on appropriate course of action.

Environmental: Indoor environment includes smoke, exhaust, dust, dirt, loud noise, grease, chemical/process fumes and temperature fluctuations. Some tasks are performed outdoors in all seasons and in all weather. Overhead lighting is supplemented with natural and task lighting.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.

Funding for the 2026 Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation.