Internships by Alphabetical Order

Browse here for current Smithsonian internship opportunities by museum, research institute, or office.

ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES

Program provides four paid internship opportunities annually at the Smithsonian for people with disabilities. Applicants who are in college or graduate school, or who have graduated within the last 6 months are invited to apply. Interns must be based in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and must have United States citizenship.

Access to Opportunities internships

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT (OA)

Internships in the Office of Advancement are all in the field of fundraising and development for the Smithsonian Institution. We will consider candidates for the following areas: Donor Relations, Membership, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Prospect/Donor Research, Information Technology & Database Operations, Online Fundraising, Communications and Development Operations. Contact Bettie McElroy:

Development internships

ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM (ACM)

Internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in documenting and interpreting the effect of historical and contemporary social and cultural issues on communities.. They are available in the Registrar's Office and the following departments: Research, Exhibits Design and Production, Education, Public Programs, and Public Affairs. The Intern Coordinator must be contacted prior to application submission for applications to be considered.

Anacostia Museum internships

ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN ART (AAA)

Internships are available to undergraduates and graduate students who have a background in art history, American studies, or American history and are looking for the opportunity to conduct research in primary sources, process archival collections, prepare written descriptions of collection contents, and assist with registrarial duties.

Archives of American Art internships

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PROGRAM (APA)

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program works to better reflect the Asian Pacific American experience in Smithsonian exhibitions, programs, and research. It improves the public’s appreciation of the crucial roles that Asian Pacific Americans have played in American history and, simultaneously, empowers APA communities in their sense of inclusion within our national culture. Contact: Internship Coordinator, anielkr@si.edu for more information about internship opportunities within the Program.

Asian Pacific American Program internships

CENTER FOR FOLKLIFE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE (CFCH)

Internships are offered year-round in the fields of folklore, cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology, and related fields. Intern projects often center around research, design, and production of the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival; outreach and marketing for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings; projects with the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections; educational outreach and Web development; and video projects.

CFCH internships

COOPER-HEWITT, NATIONAL DESIGN MUSEUM

A variety of paid and unpaid internship opportunities are designed to encourage promising young students of art history, architectural history, museum studies, museum education, and design to explore careers in the museum profession. Interns are assigned to specific curatorial, education, or administrative departments where they will assist special research or exhibition projects, as well as participate in daily museum activities.

Cooper-Hewitt internships

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

Internships in the Office of Advancement are all in the field of fundraising and development for the Smithsonian Institution. We will consider candidates for the following areas: Donor Relations, Membership, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Prospect/Donor Research, Information Technology & Database Operations, Online Fundraising, Communications and Development Operations. Contact Bettie McElroy:

Development internships

FREER & SACKLER GALLERIES

The Dick Louie Memorial Internship for High School Students of Asian Descent

The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery offer a paid internship for high school students of Asian descent. The Richard Louie Memorial Internship was established in 1994 to honor Richard Louie, former associate director of the Freer and Sackler, and is made possible through the Richard Louie Memorial Fund. Its goal is to offer young people of Asian descent practical experience in a museum setting. Applicants who apply for the Richard Louie Internship will automatically be considered for the unpaid internship. Please do not fill out both applications.

Freer/Sackler internships

Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery offer internship opportunities in the museums’ participating departments: Administration/Finance/Human Resources; Archives; Conservation and Scientific Research; Collections Management (Registrar); Curatorial; Education and Public Programs; Exhibition Management; Information Technology; Publications; Design and Production; Library; Membership and Development; Photography; Public Affairs and Marketing; Rights and Reproductions; and Museum Shops.

Freer/Sackler internships

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

Summer internships are offered for college juniors and seniors who have completed at least 12 semester hours in art history. This is a competitive program through which interns are placed in one of several departments in the museum. Graduate student internships are available for students in accredited art history, museum studies, museum education, or arts management graduate programs. These internships are offered during an academic semester.

Hirshhorn internships

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM (NASM)

Internships are offered during the summer semester to undergraduate and graduate students studying aircraft restoration and preservation, archives, aviation, earth and planetary studies, education, development, exhibits, history, journalism, library disciplines, museology, photography, public affairs, science, and space science. Applications are accepted yearly in SOLAA (https://solaa.si.edu) from January 15 – February 15 (only) for the Summer program. You will not be able to apply to NASM before 1/15.

 NASM internships

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART (NMAfA)

Fall, spring, and summer internships are offered to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs and to individuals interested in exploring museum professions. Internship opportunities are available in the following departments: Conservation, Curatorial, Education, Exhibition and Design, Photographic Archives, Public Affairs, and Registration. Candidates must have a background in art history, anthropology, museum studies, or a related discipline. Specific training in African art or other aspects of African culture is desirable, particularly in the Education and Curatorial Departments.

 NMAfA internships

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN (NMAI)

Internships are designed to provide an educational opportunity for students in the area of museum practice and related programming through guided work/research experiences using the resources of the National Museum of the American Indian and other Smithsonian offices. Past projects include developing and evaluating visitor guides, cataloging photos, monitoring collections, installing exhibits, conducting exhibit research, and developing databases and press kits.

NMAI internships

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY (NMAH)

Internships are offered to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in learning more about the work of the Museum and supporting its mission. Designed around specific Museum projects, internships are available in the following areas: archival science; curatorial research and collections documentation; exhibition design and graphic production; public relations; special events; museum management; music; education and public program production. Full time and part time opportunities are available; minimum of 2 months.

 NMAH internships

Lemelson Internships

The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the National Museum of American History offers full-time, ten-week, archival internship opportunities for graduate students every summer.
Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian online application system. Complete applications must include the following:

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Essay
• Two Letters of reference
• resume

Lemelson internships

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (NMNH)

NMNH internships offer student-mentor relationships and career-enhancing experiences for undergraduate, graduate and sometimes even high school students. We host interns at the Natural History Building on the National Mall in Washington, DC as well as at our satellite locations including the Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland; Naturalist Center in Leesburg, Virginia; Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce, Florida; and Arctic Studies Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Each year more than 300 students intern with us. Whether working directly with the public, contributing to the administration and operation of the facilities, or actively engaged in our scientific pursuits, our interns gain valuable job skills, unique insight into our operations, and enliven our community! Internship appointments are generally at least six weeks in duration and require a minimum commitment of 16 hour per week. However, we have special week-long opportunities (Spring Break), short-term appointments (such as Winter Break), as well as appointments throughout the year. Students must be at least 16 years old to participate in an internship. Qualifications vary for each of our programs and projects. Some positions may require college or graduate training and/or professional experience. Most require English proficiency in written and oral communication.

NMNH internships

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY (NPG)

The National Portrait Gallery offers formal internships to undergraduate and graduate students and to individuals not affiliated with academic programs who have research or museum career interests. High school students are occasionally accepted. Most internships are for 8-16 weeks and 16–40 hours per week. The experience should be relevant both to the intern's academic and professional goals and to the professional disciplines represented at the Portrait Gallery. Various departments sponsor interns throughout the year. Intern projects are based on interests and needs of the department, and are agreed upon by the mutual consent of the intern candidate and his or her supervisor. We invite you to review the internship opportunities currently available at: http://npg.si.edu/education/internships.html

NPG internships

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM (NPM)

Internships are available for undergraduate students and some high school students. Areas of study include American studies, collections management, education, exhibits, philately, postal history, public affairs, and transportation history.

NPM internships

NATIONAL SCIENCE RESOURCES CENTER (NSRC)

The National Science Resources Center provides leadership, services and products for improving the learning and teaching of science for all students in the United States and throughout the world. We offer internships to high school students, undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in any of these seven program areas:

• Center for Building Awareness of Science Education
• Center for Strategic Planning and Reform Initiatives
• Center for Teacher Professional Development Initiatives
• Development Division
• Publications Division
• Executive Office
• Finance & Administration Division

NSRC internships

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK (NZP)

National Zoological Park

The National Zoo offers exciting and unique internships that help participants reach a range of academic and professional goals.

Internship positions are available from a variety of groups at the Zoo including: exhibits, safety office, veterinary medicine, research, animal programs, and field ecology.

NZP internships

ZooGoer

Internships are available for undergraduate and recent graduate students who possess a strong background in writing, editing, natural history, and biology or a related field. Interns work in Friends of the National Zoo's Communications Office, which publishes ZooGoer magazine and other zoo-related publications, and handles media relations. Responsibilities include research, writing, editing, fact checking, photo research, and occasional administrative tasks.

ZooGoer internships

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)

Research internship positions are designed for undergraduate or beginning graduate students, but are not limited to individuals in a degree program. Under the guidance of a staff mentor, each intern will work independently to complete a research project and report. The Conservation & Research Center offers internships in each of its major program areas: conservation biology, reproductive sciences, and science training and education.

SCBI internships

OFFICE OF CONTRACTING AND PERSONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (OCon&PPM)

The Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management (OCon&PPM) acquires goods and services, negotiates contracts and agreements, manages the charge card program, and provides leadership in personal property management in support of the objectives and goals of the Smithsonian Institution. Interns in OCon&PPM complete tasks that involve researching and synopsizing for assigned preceptors various Public Laws, regulatory agencies’ requirements and internal policy and procedural issuances. The preceptors will use the information to: determine what impact the various issuances have on acquisitions and personal property management operations; draft reports, updating acquisition and personal property management policies and procedures, and establishing or refining templates for contracts and agreements. Interns shall also be requested to further research regulatory, administrative and office workload issues, and be assigned other office administration, procurement or personal property management related tasks by their preceptors. Interns’ assignments may relate specifically to activities of the immediate office of the Director or one or more of five Divisions.

OCon&PPM internships

OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND MINORITY AFFAIRS (OEEMA)

For more information contact the office at 202-275-0151.

OEEMA internships

OFFICE OF EXHIBITS CENTRAL (OEC)

All interns work under the guidance of OEC staff on current exhibit projects. Interns will be given the opportunity to strengthen their existing skills, develop new areas of exhibit-making, and exercise responsibility, creativity, and imagination within a supportive environment. Internships are available in the following areas: design, graphics production, model-making, fabrication, and exhibits administration.

OEC internships

OFFICE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND RELIABILITY (OFMR)

The Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR) operates and maintains the facilities of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., which attract over twenty million visitors each year. OFMR also provides energy management, systems engineering, support services and facilities technology for Smithsonian facilities. The Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR) accepts current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying facility management, engineering, business, or other related fields. Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.

OFMR internships

OFFICE OF FELLOWSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS (OFI)

Native American Awards Program - Internships

Internships are offered to Native American students who are formally or informally related to a Native American community. Interns pursue projects related to Native American topics and use Native American resources at the Smithsonian. Appointments are spent in residence at the Institution's facilities under the supervision of Smithsonian staff members. Appointments of 10 weeks are available to undergraduate or graduate students, and provide stipends and a travel allowance. For more information go to the Office of Fellowships and Internships page www.si.edu/ofg/Applications/NAP/NAPapp.htm.

Minority Awards Program - Internships

The Office of Fellowships and Internships offers a number of opportunities to increase participation of minority groups who are underrepresented in research and museum fields of study. Stipend awards are available for interns to participate in supervised ongoing research or museum-related activities for periods of ten weeks. Minority undergraduate and beginning graduate students are encouraged to apply. For more information go to the Office of Fellowships and Internships page www.si.edu/ofg/Applications/MIP/MIPapp.htm

James E. Webb Internship for Minority Undergraduate Junior, Senior and Graduate Students in Business and Public Administration

This program was established in honor of the late James. E. Webb, regent emeritus and former administrator of the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), to promote excellence in the management of not-for-profit organizations. Internships are offered to U.S. minority undergraduate junior, senior, and graduate students majoring in areas of business or public administration. These opportunities are intended to increase participation of minority groups who are underrepresented in the management of not-for-profit scientific and cultural organizations. Interns are placed in offices, museums, and research institutes throughout the Smithsonian Institution. For more information go to the Office of Fellowships and Internships page www.si.edu/ofg/Applications/WEBB/WEBBapp.htm Office of Fellowships and Internships

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL (OGC)

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) protects the legal interests of the Smithsonian Institution, a trust instrumentality of the United States. In carrying out that mission, the OGC advises the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Secretary, Under Secretaries, museum directors, and other managers on the administration of the Institution; represents the Smithsonian in litigation and other adversarial proceedings; issues final determinations on administrative tort and personal property claims; drafts exhibition, sponsorship, and licensing agreements; and generally monitors developments in the law for application to Smithsonian programs. The OGC is made up of 12 attorneys, whose work covers such diverse topics as tax, employment discrimination, import/export, federal appropriations, intellectual property, and environmental law. Legal interns in the OGC assist the attorneys in all subject matter areas. The interns work directly with all of the attorneys, performing traditional case law research, preparing legal memoranda for use in briefs and motions, reviewing agreements, surveying state law, and researching legislative history. When possible, interns are invited to attend hearings, depositions, and meetings. It is a small and busy office, and the internship program is fairly informal. We hope that the interns will dive into the work, and, in doing so, expose themselves to and interesting and diverse law practice.

 

The internships are not compensated. The OGC usually seeks a second or third year law student for one internship (or externship) each semester and over the summer. Part-time, school term interns work an average of 15 hours a week. Full-time internships (or externships) also are available during the school year. Summer interns usually work full time for 10 weeks, but the schedules are flexible. Some interns have received law school credit for their OGC work. Others have received public interest grants from their law schools to cover their expenses.

 

Interested applicants should apply through the Smithsonian’s online application system, https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html, and include a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample (transcripts need not be official, unofficial transcripts may be submitted electronically). The Smithsonian will accept applications for: the fall internship between January 15 and May 15; the spring internship between May 15 and October 1; and the summer internship between September 1 and January 15. Positions will be open until filled, that is, the Smithsonian may review applications as received and encourages interested students should submit applications early within the relevant application window.

OGC internships

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES (OHR)

Unpaid opportunities are available requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week for the semester/quarter session (minimum of 2 months). Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, a special project in your field of study or interest, assistance with all the daily operational requirements of the organization, and marketing the products and services of the Office of Human Resources (OHR) to its customers. Interns are expected to act and perform as professional Human Resource Specialists. This internship is for U.S. Citizens only.

For information, please contact an HR specialist at (202) 633-6371.

OHR internships

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO)

Internships provide practical experience and lead to the eventual achievement of interns personal goals. Specific interest areas for interns are computer support, electronic mail, programming disciplines, network design, and operations. Applicants should have a definite interest in and some knowledge of computers. Internships are available in the following divisions: Information Technology Services, Infrastructure Technologies, and System Engineering.

OIT internships

OFFICE OF POLICY AND ANALYSIS (OP&A)

Internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students. They give interns experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative policy-related studies of major Smithsonian programmatic and administrative activities. In addition, the office conducts studies of Smithsonian visitors and program participants. Interns either work as collaborators with OP&A staff in data collection, analysis, and presentation of results, or they may undertake independent projects. A social science related background (management, business, sociology, psychology, cultural studies, education, etc.) and some coursework in qualitative or quantitative research methods are helpful. Academic credit can be arranged.Applications are considered year-round; terms are generally eight weeks or more. If you are interested in pursuing an internship with OP&A, send a cover letter, resume, recent course paper, and proposed start dates to Zahava D. Doering (doeringz@si.edu).

OP&A internships

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS (OPA)

Interns assist with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival by writing press releases, media advisories, and public service announcements, as well as calling reporters to "pitch" the Folklife Festival. Other support duties include compiling mailing lists, faxing and copying press releases, and stuffing press kits. Interns arrange interviews with reporters and festival organizers, and escort media to various festival sites. The interns also assist in putting together a publicity report detailing media coverage of the festival. Some writing assignments for the Smithsonian employee newspaper, the Torch, may be available. For more information contact Becky Haberacker, haberackerb@si.edu

OPA Internship

OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROJECTS (OSP)

Internships are available in the following areas: accounting, finance, management, public administration, information systems, or liberal arts. For more information about available internships, please see our website:

OSP Internship

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER (OT)

For information about internships with the Risk & Asset Management Division, please contact the internship coordinator at 202-275-0477.

SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATIONS

Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership Program

This program brings students from communities where Smithsonian Affiliate organizations are located to the Smithsonian for a 10-week internship opportunity. Candidates must be pre-approved and recommended through Smithsonian Affiliate organizations for initial selection. To find an Affiliate organization in your area, please see the list of Smithsonian Affiliates on the Affiliation website, www.affiliations.si.edu For more information and availability, contact Elizabeth Bugbee, bugbeeE@si.edu.

Affiliations Visiting Professional Program

Staff members at Smithsonian Affiliate organizations have the opportunity to further their professional development at the Smithsonian through the Visiting Professionals Program. Candidates must be employed by a Smithsonian Affiliate organization. For more information, contact Elizabeth Bugbee, bugbeeE@si.edu.

Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference support internship

A limited number of internships for mature undergraduate and graduate students may be available in the area of conference support during the late spring.

Smithsonian Affiliations

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

Advanced Level Internship Program

This comprehensive museum training program is designed for graduate students who have completed 12 or more graduate credit hours. Career objectives are matched to department assignments, with students moving through a variety of offices. A series of workshops and seminars is conducted on a weekly basis, in conjunction with project assignments. Along with applicants majoring in art history, American studies, American history, or studio art, students with other academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Academic credit may be awarded by the student's academic institution in contractual arrangement with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Applicants should have their advisor or department chair contact the intern program officer. This program may also be done for self-enrichment without academic credit; exceptional college seniors or recent graduates will be considered on an individual basis.

SAAM internships

Summer Internships

The summer internship program is designed for undergraduates with little or no previous museum experience. The museum matches students' career objectives with the activities of the professional staff in one office for eight weeks. Along with those possessing degrees in art history, American studies, American history, or studio art, applicants with other academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Recent graduates or graduate students with little or no previous museum experience will be considered on an individual basis. Academic credit is not available in the summer program.

SAAM internships

Art Conservation Internships

Students enrolled in graduate art conservation programs may apply for internships at the National Museum of American Art. In the past, intern projects have involved the conservation of painting, paper, and objects.

SAAM internships

THE SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES (TSA)

The Smithsonian Associates is the largest integrated membership and educational arm of the Smithsonian. Internships are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates for a wide variety of majors to include: art history, arts management, business, communications, education, English, graphic design, journalism, marketing, museum studies, public affairs, theater, and more. Internships are offered in the winter-spring, fall, and summer. Department assignments are made at the time of selection and are based on the applicant’s expressed desires, education, skills, experience, and career goals as well as the needs of the organization. Intern projects are meaningful, substantive, and are of benefit to the intern, TSA, and the Institution. Please review the information at http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/internships/start.aspx and then contact the Intern Coordinator at: TSAInternships@si.edu for additional information.

TSA internships

SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY (SAO)

Summer research positions are available to students currently enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor's degree. Terms last 9 to 10-weeks. Each intern works with a scientist on an individual research project. Potential areas of research include observational and theoretical cosmology, extragalactic and galactic astronomy, interstellar medium and star formation, laboratory astrophysics, supernova and supernova remnants, and planetary science. Also included in the program are weekly lectures, field trips, and workshops specifically designed for the participants. Applicants must be citizens of the United States or hold a valid green card. Graduating seniors are not eligible. Housing, stipend, and subsidized travel expenses to Cambridge, Massachusetts, are provided.

SAO internships

SMITHSONIAN CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND MUSEUM STUDIES (SCEMS)

The mission of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies is to increase the Smithsonian Institution’s impact as a national educational organization. The Center provides leadership in education at the Smithsonian through hosting www.SmithsonianEducation.org, the gateway to the institution’s educational resources and programs, publishing Smithsonian in Your Classroom, a journal for elementary and middle school educators, offering research opportunities and resources to the museum community, and conducting professional development programs for educators at all levels. The Center has created a long-term alliance with state education officials that has become the basis for several collaborative teacher training and resource development projects in a wide range of subjects. The Center also manages pan-institutional functions such as internships, heritage month celebrations, school tour programming, and the collection and analysis of data on Smithsonian education programs.

Publications and New Media Intern

Research and writing for electronic media (not print) – http://smithsonianeducation.org. Possess strong writing skills; Marketing, Journalism, Writing, English majors. Start and End dates are flexible; Part-time position. Please submit a writing sample in the ESSAY section of the SOLAA system; Select the ‘Website, New Media and Electronic Publications’ project in SOLAA.

Audience Evaluation / Education Outcomes Intern

Implement evaluation projects for education programs across the entire Smithsonian Institution. Assist with different phases of evaluation projects – conceptualization, collection and analysis of data, & report results to different audiences; Statistical analysis and collection and analysis of qualitative data (focus groups and in-depth interviews). Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with experience and interest in museum and program evaluation. Evaluation, anthropology or sociology background. At least 3 days per week or 20 + hours. Flexible schedule, but at least a 6 month commitment to the project. In the ESSAY section of SOLAA, be sure to describe a work or class project in which you interviewed the public. Select the ‘Audience Research, Interviewing and Evaluation’ project in SOLAA.

Public Programs Intern

Assist Program Managers with a variety of family and adult public and education programs, from planning to implementation to evaluation; Projects include Smithsonian Teacher’s Night, Heritage Month (http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/index.html); Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with experience and interest in education and public program planning. At least 3 days per week or 20 + hours. Flexible schedule. In the ESSAY section of SOLAA, be sure to describe a work or class project in which you planned an event. Select the ‘Heritage Month, Public and Seminar Programs’ project in SOLAA.

Museum Studies Intern

Assist with a variety of research projects in the Museum Studies Department, including the Smithsonian-wide central internship program (http://intern.si.edu), and projects at http://museumstudies.si.edu. Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with experience and interest in research and museum studies. At least 2 days per week or 16 + hours. Flexible schedule. In the ESSAY section of SOLAA, be sure to describe a work or class project in which you planned an event or conducted research. Select the ‘Museum Studies’ project in SOLAA.

SCEMS internships

Katzenberger Art History Internship Program

The Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship Program is a need-based program supporting internships for undergraduates in research and collections projects at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The program is generously funded by the Katzenberger Foundation and administered by the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. Depending upon grant funding, six to seven internships are offered yearly during the summer, and located in Washington, D.C., at the Smithsonian’s art museums and archives, and a $5,000 stipend is awarded to the student. The summer internship lasts 10 weeks from the beginning of June until mid-August. The program is open to U.S. citizens (only), enrolled as undergraduate Juniors, Seniors, or equivalent, in a degree granting program, at an accredited institution, with a declared art history major, concentration, or related discipline, who qualify for federal student aid.

Past projects have included Islamic manuscript curatorial assistant, oral history documentation at the Archives of American Art, American and Asian Art collections management at the Freer and Sackler Galleries, Library intern at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Library, Collections intern at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and education projects at the National Portrait Gallery. Final summary report and evaluation required.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Smithsonian online application system https://solaa.si.edu. Paper applications will not be considered.

1. Register for SOLAA
2. Select “internship”
3. Select “Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship Program”

Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:

Resume
Academic Essay: 3-4 pages describing how your academic goals, qualifications, and career aspirations relate to art history and the internship program at the Smithsonian
Academic Transcripts: can be official or unofficial; URL links not accepted
Two letters of reference from professors; If preferred, a professor can e-mail the reference letter directly to tspinale@si.edu.

Term: June 7 – August 13, 2010; 10 weeks, Monday-Friday, 40 hours.

Stipend: $5,000.00

Deadline: February 1, 2010

For the most current information: http://museumstudies.si.edu/Intern/scemsintern.htm;

2010 Program Information (a PDF file): HERE.

Katzenberger Foundation Art Internship

SMITHSONIAN ENTERPRISES (SE)

For information about internships with Smithsonian Enterprises, please contact Jay Sharp at sharpj@si.edu or 202.633.6047.

SMITHSONIAN GARDENS (SG)

Smithsonian Gardens offers a number of diverse paid and unpaid intern positions year-round that provide practical learning experiences in the many Smithsonian Gardens programs including garden maintenance and management, greenhouse production, landscape design, collections management (orchids, garden archives, horticultural artifacts), irrigation, integrated pest management, and educational outreach. Special projects may be added to an intern’s regular duties; they vary greatly and are determined on an individual basis. Any current or recent undergraduate or graduate student majoring in horticulture, landscape architecture, collections management, or other related field are encouraged to apply.

Smithsonian Gardens internships

SMITHSONIAN LATINO CENTER (SLC)

The Smithsonian Latino Center hosts interns year round. Internship projects vary according to projects and the intern's skills and academic field. Internship projects are usually tied to an exhibition-physical or virtual, publication, or website highlight. For more information call 202.633.1240.

SLC internships

MUSEUM CONSERVATION INSTITUTE (MCI)

Summer internships are offered to students enrolled in graduate conservation training programs or those with equivalent education and experience. Pre-program internships are available for individuals seeking experience to enhance their qualifications for entry into a graduate conservation training program. Conservation internships are offered for advanced students enrolled in graduate conservation training programs that require the student to have a year of such experience. Research internships and fellowships of varying length are available for undergraduate and graduate students in the appropriate disciplines.

MCI internships

SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER (SERC)

Internships offer undergraduate and beginning graduate students an opportunity to conduct individual projects in environmental studies under the supervision of professional staff members. Intern projects are offered under the subprograms of Global Change, Landscape Ecology, Population and Community Ecology, Coastal Ecology, and Environmental and Ecology Education. Applicants should be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students interested in pursuing a career in environmental research or education. Recently graduated students (within six months) are also eligible to apply. Internships generally last ten to 16 weeks. Limited on-site dormitory space may be available.

SERC internships

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION ARCHIVES

Internships are available to students interested in gaining experience in archival methods, institutional history, oral history, history of science, documentary editing, and collections management.

Archives internships

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES (SIL)

Internships are available to graduate students and library professionals and to undergraduate students interested in exploring a career in library and information sciences. Intern assignments, which are carried out under direct staff supervision, may include a discrete project or a structured practical experience. Internships are available in the three divisions of the libraries: Research Services, Management and Technical Services, and Information Systems. Intern selections are based on the needs of the libraries and the background, skills, and interest of the applicant.

SIL internships

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION TRAVELING EXHIBITION SERVICE (SITES)

Each year, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) shares the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C. SITES makes available a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown in museums, libraries, science centers, historical societies, community centers, botanical gardens, schools, and shopping malls. Unpaid internships are available in the following: exhibit research and development, public relations, registrarial work, and in social media.

SITES internships

SMITHSONIAN TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (STRI)

The objective of this program is to enable selected interns to develop working skills that are pertinent to future careers in tropical biology. The program is aimed at undergraduate or early-stage graduate students who have demonstrated potential for careers in tropical biology.

STRI internships

Questions? E-mail: interninfo@si.edu

General Information Regarding Internships and Volunteer Programs:

Smithsonian staff, volunteers and interns with Smithsonian ID badges are eligible for the following discounts in the Smithsonian’s theaters, restaurants and the carousel:

SMITHSONIAN THEATERS:

• Daytime (non-Hollywood) Films:
  • One free admission per week for all daytime IMAX and Planetarium films.
    • These tickets are for staff, volunteers and interns with SI badges only and are non-transferrable.
    • ID is required upon entrance to the theater
  • Unlimited Friends/Family tickets at $6.50 (savings of up to $2.00 off the standard price).
• Evening, Feature-Length, Hollywood Films (Night at the Museum, Transformers, etc…):
  • Unlimited discounted tickets at $10.50 for staff and their friend/family. This is up to $2.00 off the standard admission).
• Staff rates are only valid when purchased at a Smithsonian Theaters Box office.
  • NASM—Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater (first floor) and Albert Einstein Planetarium (second floor)
  • NMNH—Johnson IMAX Theater box offices are located on the first floor in the theater lobby and the Rotunda.
  • Hazy—Airbus IMAX Theater (first floor)
• For a listing of films and showtimes, visit www.si.edu/imax.

SMITHSONIAN RESTAURANTS:
Smithsonian staff, volunteers and interns with Smithsonian ID badges are eligible for discounts in the following Smithsonian restaurants:

• NMAI DC-- 20% discount at Mitsitam Café.
• NASM— 10% discount at McDonald’s.
  • The food court has a special register for staff. It is located at the far right hand side of the pick-up counter.
• NMNH—20% discount at the Atrium Café, Fossil Café and the Ice Cream/Espresso Bar.
• NMAH—20% discount at the Stars and Stripes Cafe and the Constitution Cafe.
  • The Stars and Stripes Cafe has a special staff priority line to expedite staff purchases.
• Castle—20% discount in the Castle Café.
• DWRC—20% discount in the Courtyard Café.
  • Discount does not apply during the Take 5! Concerts.
• hwilliamson@si.edu—10% discount. This is valid at both the McDonald’s and the McCafé .

Smithsonian ID badge must be displayed at the time of purchase. The discount only applies to the staff member’s meal.

Staff Cafeterias are also located in the following locations and offer menu options that are not available in the public restaurants:

• Castle—Lower level (7:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.)
  • Breakfast (7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.) offers continental breakfast, oatmeal and breakfast sandwiches. Coffee, fountain and bottled beverages available.
  • Lunch (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ) featuring soups, salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, chips, bottled and fountain beverages and pastries. Special hot entrée on Wednesdays. Coffee, bottled and fountain beverages available.
• NMNH—Access from the Atrium Café on the Ground Floor (7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
  • Breakfast (7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.) Continental breakfast and breakfast sandwiches. We also offer a self serve yogurt & fruit bar. Coffee, fountain and bottled beverages available.
  • Lunch (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) Hot lunch including entrees, hot sides, hot dessert. We also offer a self serve salad & sandwich bar. Coffee, fountain and bottled beverages also available.

SMITHSONIAN CAROUSEL:
Staff may receive one free ride per visit. SI badge must be presented at the time of purchase. This free ride is for staff, volunteers and interns with SI badges only and may not be transferred to other riders.

For further information on this message, contact Holly Williamson, Smithsonian Theaters, x3-6071, (VoIP) 202 633-6071 (non-VoIP), hwilliamson@si.edu.