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The North Carolina Museum of History, located in downtown Raleigh, provides internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students looking for experience in museums.

General and Project-Based Internship Opportunities 
Volunteer Internship

Project Description: The Education Section at the North Carolina Museum of History offers two types of internships:

• The general museum internship is designed for undergraduate students and students exploring their interests in public history. The selected intern will be introduced to the field of museum education and the role of museum educators. The intern will gain an understanding of the various sections within the museum setting and will help develop and implement on-site programs; research objects in the museum collection; write articles for the volunteer museum newsletter; and conduct educational programs and tours. Opportunity exists to undertake an independent historical research project to support interpretation, develop materials for school programs, or develop and conduct visitor surveys. The student's interests and abilities will drive the specific type and scope of project.

• The project-based internship is for graduate students and students with previous public history experience. The intern will gain experience in museum education by writing articles for the volunteer newsletter or other museum publications; researching, developing, and implementing educational programs; and answering research requests from staff and museum visitors.

Qualifications: Candidates from all backgrounds with a demonstrated interest in museum work are encouraged to apply. Preference given to History, Public History, Education, English, or related social science majors. Computer skills are essential. Accuracy and strong attention to detail are crucial. The applicant must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale and have completed first year of college before beginning internship.

Work Schedule: The intern must be able to volunteer a total of at least 100 hours during the course of the internship. Weekly schedule is negotiable within normal operating hours.

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Administration Internship

Project Description: The intern will be introduced to the field of museum studies and gain a general understanding of the various sections within the museum setting. Through special projects, the intern will assist with museum administration and visitor services. The intern will gain an understanding of administration’s role in the museum.  Public interaction, multi-tasking, group scheduling, and maintaining statistics are a few of the skills that will be enhanced during this internship.

The visitor services intern will help the general public, school, and civic groups by answering phone inquiries and assisting in scheduling visits to the Museum of History, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Capitol, the Legislative Building, and the Governor’s Mansion. The intern is responsible for entering group tour information into a computer database; answering visitors’ requests for information and assisting in the scheduling of tours; and keeping all museum brochures, flyers, and hand-outs replenished.

Work Schedule: Weekly schedule is negotiable. Some weekend work may be required. Intern must be willing to volunteer at least 120 hours.

Qualifications: Candidates from all backgrounds with a demonstrated interest in museum work and/or business are encouraged to apply. Applicant must be personable with a general knowledge of North Carolina state history. Applicant must be comfortable using the telephone, computer, fax, and copy machines.

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Special Events Assistant

Project description: The selected intern will be introduced to the area of special event coordination in the museum. The intern will develop and use skills in customer relations, leadership, communication, and technical writing.

The intern will assist with the day-to-day operation of the Special Events Office including maintaining the calendar of events, meeting with current and prospective clients, and managing budget spreadsheets.

Work Schedule: The intern must be able to volunteer a total of 100-150 hours during the course of the internship. Weekly schedule is negotiable; however, the intern should be able to work at least 4 hours shifts. Some after hours and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications: Candidates from all backgrounds with a demonstrated interest in museum work and event management are encouraged to apply. Computer skills are essential. Accuracy and strong attention to detail are crucial.

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To Apply: Interested candidates may contact Rachel Dickens for an application. Send application (PDF or Word), cover letter, and resume (or unofficial transcript) to:

Rachel Dickens
North Carolina Museum of History
4650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4650
phone: (919) 807-7969
email: Rachel.Dickens@ncdcr.gov
web address: www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

Application Deadlines: 
For Spring Semester—November 1
For Summer Session—March 1
For Fall Semester—June 1

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