Collections and Exhibits Internship

Collections and Exhibits Internship

DEPARTMENT:         Museum Education

REPORTS TO:           Collections & Exhibits Manager

LOCATION:               Onsite at The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Farmington Hills, MI

DURATION:               Maximum 240 hours total. Flexible start date May/June.

COMPENSATION:     $16/hr

HOURS:                    18-24 hours per week

Overview: The Museum Collections Intern will assist the Collections & Exhibitions Department (under management of the Education Department) on a variety of projects related to the care, exhibition, preservation, and documentation of the museum's collections. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in museum studies, library/archives, art history, archaeology, or a related field, who wish to gain hands-on experience working with a diverse collection in a professional museum environment.

Who We Are:  The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) was founded by Michigan survivors in 1984 as a lasting memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower through remembrance so that individuals and society will recognize, combat, and prevent antisemitism, discrimination, and hate-based violence. The Center teaches history’s darkest period to 100,000 visitors each year, including students and adults of all backgrounds. Our new permanent exhibit places Holocaust victim and survivor stories at the center, making extensive use of archival footage, images and video testimony. Artifacts include an authentic WWII-era boxcar and a sapling from the tree located outside Anne Frank’s hiding place window. The Center also invites the public to make use of its 20,000 volume Library Archive. Museum Educators and Docents provide customized tours, workshops and programs, empowering visitors to apply the lessons of the Holocaust to create a more compassionate world where people take responsible action. The HC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

Benefits and Learning Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in museum collections management, working with a diverse range of objects.
• Learn and apply best practices in cataloguing, object handling, conservation, and collections care.
• Receive exposure to curatorial practices, exhibition planning, and collections-based programming.
• Collaborate with various museum departments (e.g., Museum Operations, Development, Events, Marketing).
• Access to mentorship from museum professionals, providing insight into career paths in the museum field.
• Participate in structured professional development opportunities, including webinars, internal training sessions, and networking events.

Responsibilities

• Cataloging and Documentation: Assist with the cataloging of new acquisitions, ensuring that each object is properly described, photographed, and recorded in the museum's collection management database.
• Object Handling and Preservation: Participate in the safe handling and storage of artifacts and artworks. Assist with condition assessments and the implementation of conservation measures.
• Collections Inventory: Support inventory efforts by physically checking objects within the collection, comparing them to database records, and updating information as needed.
• Exhibition Preparation: Help prepare objects for exhibition, including object mounting, installation, and packing for transport. Assist with exhibition de-installation and deaccessioning processes as necessary.
• Research and Catalog Updates: Conduct research on specific objects in the collection, providing detailed information for internal records, exhibition planning, and publications.
• Database Management: Assist in maintaining and updating digital and physical records of the collection, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
• General Administrative Support: Opportunities to collaborate as needed with administrative or operational tasks related to collections management, building operations, interpretation and educational projects/programming, policy and grant writing efforts, events, etc.
• Professional Development: Participates in workshops, seminars, and training sessions offered by the museum or external organizations. Engage in mentorship opportunities and seek feedback from staff on professional growth.

Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled or a recent graduate from an accredited institution in history, library science, archival studies, or museum studies.
• Must be comfortable with tasks requiring lifting, bending, climbing, standing/walking, and repetitive motions.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Museum Knowledge: Basic understanding of museum principles, collections management, and archival methods is beneficial.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive; experience with museum collections software is a plus.
• Professionalism: Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for the organization’s mission.
• Adaptability: Ability to pivot tasks based on operational needs, troubleshoot challenges, and take initiative.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including handling sensitive information with discretion.

The HC has a fully onsite work environment in Farmington Hills, Michigan, with flexibility for personal matters which arise. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work to be performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.

The HC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Submission Deadline: Mar 31, 2026