Curatorial and Collections Care Intern

Curatorial and Collections Care Intern (One-Year Appointment)

Overview

The Curatorial and Collections Care Intern will support curatorial initiatives and the upkeep of the collection for a one-year appointment beginning in May. The role emphasizes research, object handling, documentation, and preventive conservation, with a focus on collaboration with the Museum Specialist. Some public-facing duties in conjunction with curatorial planning, care of artifacts, and daily operations of the museum environment.

Summary

The Curatorial and Collections Care Intern will assist with research and development of current and upcoming exhibitions within the museum, contribute to condition reporting and data entry, and help maintain the integrity and presentation of the collection. The intern will compile information and materials for exhibits, support installation/deinstallation activities, and help manage the daily operations necessary to preserve the collection and facilitate smooth museum functioning.

Essential Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Museum Specialist to plan and implement curatorial plans for the collection, including exhibit rotation, display decisions, and interpretive labeling.

Conduct basic research to support curatorial content, provenance notes, and exhibit narratives.

Assist with accessioning and deaccessioning research support, and maintenance of collection records (condition reports, inventory updates, and basic data entry).

Support condition reporting and preventive conservation activities; monitor for hazards and environmental conditions within the home; report concerns to appropriate staff.

Prepare objects for installation or deinstallation, including handling guidance, packing considerations, and coordination with appropriate vendors or facilities as directed.

Maintain and organize storage and workspace to optimize access, safety, and preservation of the collection.

Assist with interpretive materials development. 

Contribute to the daily operations of the museum, including opening/closing procedures and cleaning as needed.

Participate in meetings and training sessions related to museum practices, conservation, and collections management.

Assist with documentation workflows, including condition reporting, loan/return records, and basic cataloging tasks.

Additional Responsibilities

Support in-house research related to local history, house restoration, or related programs.

Assist with public-facing activities as appropriate (tours, guest inquiries).

Qualifications

Enrolled in or recently earned a degree in Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Art History, Conservation, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience in a museum or historical institution.

Foundational knowledge of collection care, preventive conservation, and safe object handling practices.

Familiarity with basic collections management concepts; experience with cataloging, accessioning, or condition reporting is a plus.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.

Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate closely with Museum Specialist and other team members.

Physical ability to handle objects, kneel, bend, lift, and work in environments with variable temperature and humidity.

Interest in curatorial practices, exhibition planning, and interpretation is preferred.

Employment Details

Position: Curatorial and Collections Care Intern (One-Year Appointment) 

Start Date: May 2026

Location: A.W. Perry Museum, Carrollton, Texas

Hours: Part-time, up to 20 hours per week. Must be able to work Saturdays 11am-1pm; schedule is flexible during the week. 

Compensation: $15/hr for undergraduate students; $17/hr for graduate students

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, a cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in curatorial and collections care, and any supporting materials (e.g., writing sample or project sample) to Jessica.Bell@cityofcarrollton.com