Collections Intern

THE swedish american MUSEUM

Please see instructions on how to apply at the bottom of this page.

Intern Responsibilities:

The Collections Intern will work on digitizing the Museum’s archival collection. These items include photographs, postcards, letters, and documents pertaining to immigration, social clubs, and businesses. The Museum has over 3,500 items in its archival collection and only about 350 records have been digitized thus far. We are working on this digitization project with the goal of uploading our collections online in the next couple of years.  

Tasks include: 

  • Digitizing items and following rules & standards set out in the Museum’s Digitization Guide 

  • Editing images using Adobe Photoshop if necessary 

  • Uploading images to the collections database PastPerfect and entering in metadata 

  • Updating incorrect data in PastPerfect 

 Learning Opportunities

  • Learn how to properly handle museum collection items 

  • Understand the importance and value in digitization 

  • Learn digitization standards 

  • Learn how to navigate and use a collections database system (PastPerfect) 

The intern may also be asked to assist the Curator in other projects that arise, such as exhibit production and installation. 

Qualifications:

  • The intern should possess an interest in museum collection work.

  • A strong attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work well independently.

  • Experience with PastPerfect, or other collections management systems.

  • Adobe Photoshop is a plus as well as course work in museum studies, history, or anthropology.  

Interns will work onsite 28 hours per week and attend a mandatory offsite program day one day per week with their cohort.

Interns must be available for the duration of the program.

INTERNSHIP DURATION:

  • Total Weeks: 9 weeks

  • Work Hours per Week: 28 

  • Total Hours: 252

  • Workdays: 4 days per week onsite

PROGRAM DAY:

  • On the 5th day of each week, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.

  • These hours are separate from the internship hours.