The Diversity and Inclusion 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. FOR WINTER 2023, INTERNSHIPS WILL LAST 15 WEEKS, PROJECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 23 AND CONCLUDE ON MAY 5. ALL INTERNSHIPS ARE PAID OPPORTUNITIES.    

*Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered. 

HOW WILL WE WORK TOGETHER?  

The COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT INTERN can expect to work fully on-site at The Henry Ford's campus in Dearborn, MI. 

This internship opportunity will be led by the Assistant Collections Manager at The Henry Ford and supported by our dynamic Collections Management Team. We are a very social, collaborative team with traditional museum backgrounds as well as arts and design. Our team is responsible for the movement, location tracking, documentation, and storage of all artifacts. We work very closely with our colleagues from Conservation and the Office of the Registrar to care for the collection.  

As our Collections Management Intern, your primary responsibilities will include: 

• Assisting with the routine movement of artifacts for digitization, conservation, and storage.  
• Assisting with a variety of packing and rehousing methods.  
• Organizing and maintaining the order of collections and historical materials in processing and storage areas. 
• Assisting with campus storage inventories, documentation, and research.

This is a unique opportunity to learn object handling, basic box making, and barcoding, as well as methods for the tracking, storage, and care of museum collections. You will gain valuable professional experience working with our collections management database (EMu) along with museum storage methods and systems. We hope you will join us! 

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE?  

To be successful, the Collections Management Intern should have an interest in museum collections as well as a demonstrated commitment to material culture through academic, professional, or volunteer experience.   

You will need:  

• Ability to collaborate  
• Curiosity  
• Effective oral and written communication skills 
• Organizational skills   
• Experience working hands-on work with different materials (i.e. - metals, paper, textiles, etc.) 
• Physical capabilities to lift and move objects (up to 30 lbs.) 
• Physical capabilities to climb up and down ladders (under 6 feet) to place artifacts  
• Maturity and composure to interact with historical artifacts and valuable objects

APPLICATION MATERIALS:   

• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose

The application also includes an open-response question related to creative, hands-on problem-solving. 

WHY WORK WITH THF?  

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.   

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can't wait to meet you.  

Please note: International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.  

FUNDING FOR THE 2023 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IS PROVIDED BY THE FORD FOUNDATION.