Museum Intern

Starting at:  $15.00 per hour
Hours:  Flexible 

JOB SUMMARY

Here is a unique opportunity to apply first-hand the practices of the public historian.  The Elk Grove Historical Museum campus includes an orientation/exhibition building, a furnished farmhouse, barn, chicken coop, and contains a fairly substantial collection for its size.  The intern will experience multiple aspects of work as a public historian within a museum setting.  The museum is located at 399 Biesterfield Rd. in Elk Grove Village, a northwest suburb of Chicago.  Must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program including history, public history, museum studies, or related field of study.

The intern will be responsible for completing specific tasks designated at the outset of the internship. This would include becoming familiar with the basic history of the Elk Grove area and could also have the opportunity to provide tours of the site on occasion. Additionally, the intern would work directly with the collection. This would entail examining what is in the collection, assisting with an inventory, organizing the materials, and creating finding aids. Assistance with other museum duties including accessioning, exhibit design, event planning, and possibly assistance with events/programs themselves would be included. It is also possible for the intern to complete a specific project for the site. The specific topic as well as the scope of this project are to be approved by the curator of the museum and the student’s advisor. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The intern must be familiar with or become familiar with accessioning 
• Process items in the collection and catalog information in CatalogIt software
• Photograph artifacts
• Assist in research 
• Assist with exhibit planning
• Assist with exhibit design 
• Conduct tours 
• Assist with the planning/facilitation of events/programs as schedule allows
• Able to lift 30lbs. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Basic computer skills - Google Docs, Sheets, etc. Experience with CatalogIt a plus
• Knowledge of history, research, and writing processes a plus
• Responsible, conscientious, self-motivated

Elk Grove Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Summary of Benefits