Museum Collections Intern

Description

The Evansville Wartime Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich military and industrial history of Evansville, Indiana, with a special focus on the region's contributions to the World War II home front. Our exhibits highlight local manufacturing efforts, personal stories of service, and the broader historical impact of Evansville’s wartime production.

The museum's Collections Internship offers hands-on experience in museum collections management, artifact care, and exhibition preparation. Interns will work directly with the museum’s Collections Manager to assist with cataloging, inventory, condition reporting, research, and other curatorial tasks. The internship is designed to provide meaningful, project-based learning in a supportive, professional setting.

Supervision, Training, and Mentorship

Interns will be supervised by the Collections Manager, who will provide regular guidance, task assignments, and feedback throughout the internship. Training will include:

• An onboarding session covering museum policies, handling procedures, and collections care standards

• Ongoing instruction on using collections management software and databases

• Shadowing and mentorship in cataloging, archival storage, and preventive conservation

• Opportunities to participate in exhibit planning and artifact research

Interns will also have access to mentorship from museum staff and volunteers with specialized knowledge in aviation, military history, and archival practices.

Learning Goals

The internship aims to equip students with:

• A practical understanding of collections management principles and practices

• Skills in cataloging, documentation, object handling, and preservation

• Insight into how museums care for and interpret historical artifacts

• Professional experience working in a small museum setting, including collaboration and problem-solving

• A deeper appreciation of Evansville’s role in World War II and the importance of local history in the broader national narrative

This internship is ideal for students pursuing museum studies, history, public history, library science, or related fields.

Responsibilities

The Collections Internship at The Evansville Wartime Museum offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in managing and preserving historical artifacts. Interns will assist with cataloging, organizing, and documenting items in the museum’s collection, and may assist with conservation and research projects. This internship provides valuable insight into collection management practices, artifact care, and local history, while offering the chance to work alongside professionals in a collaborative and educational environment. Ideal for students interested in museum work, historical preservation, or archival studies.

Qualifications

We seek interns who are curious, responsible, and eager to learn. A background in history, museum studies, or related fields is helpful but not required. Our goal is to provide foundational skills and real-world experience that will support the intern’s academic and career development.

Contact Information