Interpretative Research and Programs Internship

NOTE: Applications submitted through Handshake will NOT be considered.

Interpretative Research and Programs Internship

Hybrid Part-Time Internship and Hybrid Full-Time Internship

$425/week and $850/week

January 25 – April 23, 2027

Desired Majors and Areas of Study: Museum Studies, Museum Education, African American Studies, Africana/African Diaspora Studies and History, Latin American and Caribbean History, American Studies, Public History, Performance Studies; All encouraged to apply

The Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP) exists to strengthen the capabilities and sustainability of historical, cultural, and art institutions focused on African American and African Diaspora, which we do through our collaborations with museum service organizations, professional associations, and related organizations.

Through collaboration and partnerships, OSP:

• Delivers far-reaching and transformative support for under-resourced organizations on a regional, national, and international level;

• Connects and builds awareness about the work of its participating institutions;

• Provides access to training and resources that support and advance leaders and field-wide best practices.

The Interpretative Research and Programs Intern will support the continued development and relaunch of the Ethical Interpretation Workshop, a signature program of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)/OSP. While ethical interpretation is embedded throughout the Museum’s collections, digital platforms, and exhibitions, no single exhibition exclusively focuses on this topic. This internship will play a key role in advancing both a Smithsonian-wide pilot program and a national workshop dedicated to ethical theory and practice, with particular emphasis on illustrating the historical and contemporary relationships between African American communities and the natural world.

The selected intern will contribute to the planning, coordination, and preparation of materials for these initiatives, with primary responsibilities centered on research and administrative support. As time permits, the intern may also assist in organizing and facilitating virtual or in-person professional development programs and meetups for the growing Community of Practice focused on ethical interpretation. The intern will join the planning teams for these efforts and support the development of program-related resources and communications.

The project will enable the intern to:

• Gain hands-on experience in planning, coordinating, and developing program materials for the Smithsonian-wide pilot program and national Ethical Interpretation Workshop;
• Develop a deep understanding of ethical interpretation theory and practice, particularly as it relates to African American and African Diasporic communities and their relationships with the natural world;
• Conduct object-specific and biographical research to support workshops, and program development;
• Build skills in interpreting material culture and historical narratives in ways that are accessible and meaningful to a broad, diverse audience, particularly those interested in African American art, history, and culture;
• Learn to distill large quantities of multimedia exhibition content into thematic, succinct, and engaging museum tours;
• Gain insight into exhibition rotation cycles, object display length, and the multidisciplinary nature of museum exhibitions and interpretation;
• Develop object interpretation, public speaking, storytelling, and audience engagement skills;
• Meet one-on-one with professionals across the museum and broader cultural sector to explore career paths, professional development, and sector-specific opportunities.

Through this internship, the intern will gain exposure to the external-facing work of OSP; the national landscape of interpretive practice; models for presenting sensitive historical content; the relationship between interpretation and tourism; and strategies for partnership development, strategic planning, and problem solving. The experience may include site visits to African American museums, universities, and sites of memory throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area, as well as travel to the Association of African American Museums Annual Conference.

The ideal candidate will have some knowledge/appreciation for African American History and Public History, experience with partnership development/outreach, and research, and excellent writing and communication skills.

Internship Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Participate in an online review and physical walkthrough of all museum exhibition galleries with OSP Staff, and other NMAAHC curators, as available
• Research effective methods of program facilitation and audience engagement techniques
• Identify and research key objects on view in NMAAHC exhibitions that fit within the scope and intended content of this project
• Develop a Smithsonian wide exhibition guide centered around ethical interpretation specifically focusing on the narratives of Africans/African Americans
• Create a presentation and/or talking points for each exhibition guide that can be used by other NMAAHC curators, docents, and museum staff on OSP-centered tours
• Understand how to effectively use multiple interpretative methodologies to create impactful public programs, utilizing audience engagement techniques
• Observe Museum leadership and strategic planning initiatives
• Attend virtual cross-departmental meetings, workshops, and special events