Historic Deerfield seeks a summer intern to assist the Collections Manager with the care and documentation of the museum’s American decorative arts collection. The collection comprises approximately 32,000 objects, exhibited in twelve historic houses and the Flynt Center of Early New England Life.
Tasks may include:
– Assisting the collections manager with inventory of the collection
– Rehousing and organizing objects in collections storage
– Helping to maintain object and source files
– Entering data into the collections management database, MimsyXG
– Creating content for Historic Deerfield’s blog The Village Broadside and social media
The intern will gain practical experience in all aspects of museum collections management including documentation, proper handling of collections objects, identifying appropriate object housing materials and constructing storage mounts and enclosures, and working with the collections database. They will work with objects including textiles, furniture, ceramics, metal ware, paintings, and works on paper. The intern will have the opportunity to tour the historic houses and interact with staff members from other departments.
Hours are flexible between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
The intern will work approximately 20 to 30 hours a week for 6 to 8 weeks. Exact schedule to be mutually agreed upon by the intern and supervisor.
This internship is unpaid.
Qualifications:
– Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
– Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team
– Experience handling works of art or museum collection objects (or willingness to learn)
– Coursework in history, art history, museum studies, archival studies, and/or related fields
– Ability to lift 25 pounds, and to stand, bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs and ladders
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume and the names and contact information for two references to Kate Kearns, Collections Manager via email to kkearns@historic-deerfield.org. The position is open until filled.