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Zeeland Historical Museum

Collections Internship

Contact: Audrey Rojo

Interim Director & Curator

audrey@zeelandhistory.org

(616) 772-4079

The mission of the Zeeland Historical Society states that it is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Zeeland and the surrounding areas for future generations. One way the society carries out this mission is through the Zeeland Historical Museum. The key function of the museum is to collect artifacts with the intent to preserve and interpret the history of the area. The Zeeland Historical Museum offers internships in collections methodology and practices. The collections intern will work under the supervision of the Collections Manager to process, document, accession, and catalog artifact donations using Past Perfect software and approved museum methods of accessioning. Collections interns will also help to inventory, clean, and reorganize artifacts in storage, as well as assist with research on specific artifacts. The collections intern will receive training in proper care of artifacts, accessioning and deaccessioning methods, and museum cataloging software.

The internship is unpaid; however, the Zeeland Historical Society will work with the student to meet internship requirements for college credit. We are looking for college interns enrolled in a Public History or related program for the fall or winter semesters of 2025/2026. Internship hours can be completed during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Friday between 10 am and 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. We are looking for someone who can put in anywhere from 5-25 hours per week.

Collections Intern Objectives

1. Learn and perform proper accessioning methods for donated artifacts

a. Fill out proper paperwork

b. Learn and implement a numbering system

c. Retain records in accession file

2. Learn proper deaccessioning methods

a. Assist the Collections Manager with the process

b. Document and maintain records of deaccessioned artifacts

3. Learn and use Past Perfect to accession and catalog artifacts

a. Accession record data entry

b. Catalog record data entry c. Update donor information

4. Research artifacts for identification and to provide accurate descriptions

5. Preliminary inventories of:

a. Shelves

b. Boxes

c. Cupboards

6. Clean and reshelve artifacts in storage

a. Learn and implement proper cleaning procedures

b. Reshelve and record location

c. Update location of artifacts in catalog records

7. Assist with identifying non-accessioned items

8. Assist with renumbering artifacts using approved practices for museum collections

To apply, please submit a statement of purpose and resume to the Curator, Audrey 

Rojo at museum@zeelandhistory.org

 

For questions, call or email Audrey Rojo at 616-772-4079, ex. 3, audrey@zeelandhistory.org

For more information about the Zeeland Historical Society, visit www.zeelandhistory.org