Intern - 3D Objects Collection Curatorial

TITLE: Intern - 3D Objects Collection Curatorial 

LOCATION: Minnesota History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: $16.50 hourly

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately June 8, 2026 to August 30, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs.

POSTING DATE: March 3, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: March 23, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

           Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, June 18 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday, August 13 from 3:30-5:30pm

• Final Presentations: Thursday, August 27 from 11:00am-1:00pm

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TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.  

DESCRIPTION:  Intern will work closely with the Curator of 3D Objects to support refinement, collecting and public access initiatives. Summer priorities include:

• Ongoing 3D Collecting: appraisal of unsolicited donations; actively collecting in support of the 3D Collection Collecting Priorities. 

• Processing collection of Japanese textiles and drawers: support curator and cataloging colleagues in processing a collection of kimono, obi, zori through research and note-taking discussions with donor.

• 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).

RESPONSIBILITIES:  1) 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; 2) Under direction of the curator, learn how to implement MNHS’ appraisal criteria for collections; 3) 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. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: American studies, art history, history, heritage studies and public history, museum studies, communications, African American and African studies, Native American studies, cultural studies, or other related degrees.

• Preferred qualification: advanced undergrad or graduate student

• 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 meeting

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, 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 museum, 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 and employer.