Collections Programs Native American Artist in Residence Intern
TITLE: Collections Programs - Native American Artist in Residence Intern
LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly
HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately September 14, 2026 to December 20, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 5 hour shifts scheduled M-F between 9-5.
POSTING DATE: June 26, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: July 14, 2026
DESCRIPTION: This position would help support the continued stewardship work of the Minnesota Historical Society Collections Department. This internship will help create collections inventories and accessible research tools using collections management database systems to provide access opportunities to Native American Communities. This internship will also help support the Native American Artist in Residence program (NAAIR), by assisting with Artist research and supporting the development of a social media plan for NAAIR application recruitment and create access to MNHS collections in an online format.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the current stewardship priorities regarding the Native American Collections at MNHS
- Support research with physical and digital access of collections for artists and researchers
- Assist with the Native American Artist in Residence Collections visits and online social media content
- Update database records with information collected from artists’ research visits
- Attend public programs with Artists-in-Residence and gather survey and other evaluation data at public programming events
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.
- Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: History, Public History, Museum Studies, Art History, Heritage Preservation, or Native American Studies
- Experience planning or supporting programs
- Strong research and writing skills
- Experience with Google Workspace
- Ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment
- Knowledge of American Indian history, culture, and traditional art forms
- Interest in history and material culture
- Interest or experience in collections management
- Interest in community engagement and public programing at museum institutions
- Strong organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to attend meetings and complete tasks on a timely basis.
KNOWLEDGE INTERN IS EXPECTED TO GAIN:
This individual will learn and expand their experience in museum content development, exhibit development, social media/ marketing management, collections handling/ access, program support. They will also likely increase knowledge of Indigenous arts and cultural practices, museum collections stewardship, research and consultation with artists and Tribal Nations.
SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are require to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.
Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:
- Thursday, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm
- Thursday, October 15
- Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Final Presentations: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm
TO APPLY: Interested applications must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.