Medieval Textiles Curatorial Research Graduate Intern

The David and Roberta Logie Department of Fashion, Textiles, and Jewelry (FTJ), a foundational collection at the MFA and one of the first of its kind in the country, houses a global collection of 55,000 artworks including metalwork, dress, and interior design. The museum’s world-class holdings are unique in connecting historic and the current-day dress and furnishings, with a breadth of materials covering Ancient Andean and Egyptian weavings to contemporary hi-tech garments and art jewelry. Collaborating across the institution, curators in the department generate innovative and inclusive special exhibitions, envision thought-provoking rotations and interventions throughout the permanent galleries, advance research and publish on the collections, and support visiting students and scholars to further cutting-edge research relevant to the wider community.

As part of a larger initiative to evaluate medieval holdings in the MFA’s collection in preparation for a permanent gallery reinstallation project, the graduate intern will assist in assessing late antique and medieval textiles and jewelry, including conducting original research and honing skills in object-focused study. Reporting to the department Chair, the intern will advance collections assessment of the MFA’s world-class holdings, including updating object records, assisting with object photography for late antique and medieval (and related) textiles, and participating in larger conversations around current topics in medieval art history. The department is committed to working with the intern to identify concrete skills specific to their career goals, which might include formulating a conference or publication abstract from their research in the MFA’s collections. 

This internship offers an opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience within the field while building skills for future academic careers and professional endeavors in museums and cultural institutions. In addition to the research outlined above, the intern will gain insight into the day-to-day workings of a curatorial department both internally and through its collaborations with related departments across the museum. The intern will also have the opportunity to actively participate in the MFA’s “Museum Pathways and Practices” course, which provides all MFA interns with a broad overview of museum work. 

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 20 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between Sept 11 – Dec 11. Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them. 

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. 

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions

• Gain hands-on experience with collections, including training in close-looking at textiles through an object-centered approach. 
• Participate in photography process for late antique and medieval textiles as well as other related photography projects in the department.
• Participate in museum-wide conversations around medieval art, including current topics in medieval art history.
• Receive training in TMS (the Museum System), a valuable tool in collections management.
• Learn about the general functions of a curatorial department via participation in departmental meetings.
• Assist with other daily departmental and administrative activities. 
• *Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course 

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate program (in history, art history or a related field), concurrent with internship period.
• Background in art history, material culture, medieval studies, Classics, and/or museum studies
• Demonstrated experience in original research and writing. 
• Some previous office experience or related work 
• Familiarity with computer programs and databases preferred. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and reliability; ability to work independently.
• Ability to work onsite 20 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between Sept 11 – Dec 11. 
  • Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.
• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply

DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF only). The cover letter must includeall of the following: 
   1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
   2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
   3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
   4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview. 
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
2. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 15, 2026. 
4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.