Ceramics Collections Intern - Hands-on Museum Data & Care

Colonial Group; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry Ford in Dearborn offers a 15-week Winter 2027 internship (Jan 25–May 7, 2027) in Museum Collections Management. The intern will document, care for, and store ceramics artifacts and learn safe handling practices under supervision.

Responsibilities include updating catalog records, data standardization and location updates, and collaborating with Collections Management, Registration, and Historical Resources staff to complete tasks on schedule. Orientation on January 25 is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in history, museum studies, library and information science, preservation, or a related field
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Wednesday availability for required internship programming
• Experience handling materials such as ceramics, metals, paper, or textiles

Responsibilities

• Research artifacts and review existing documentation to support accurate catalog records
• Enter and update object descriptions, inventory information, and locations in the collections database
• Assist staff with cleaning, photography, handling, moving, and rehousing artifacts as part of the ceramics project
• Organize and maintain artifacts and historical materials in processing and storage areas
• Track artifact locations and report discrepancies or condition concerns to the supervisor
• Work with Collections Management, Registration, and other Historical Resources staff to complete project tasks
• Participate in required internship orientation and professional development activities

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Curiosity about historical objects

Careful handling

Ability to learn database systems

Education

College or university program in history, museum studies, library and information science, preservation, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Henry Ford in Dearborn offers a 15-week Winter 2027 internship (Jan 25–May 7, 2027) in Museum Collections Management. The intern will document, care for, and store ceramics artifacts and learn safe handling practices under supervision.

Responsibilities include updating catalog records, data standardization and location updates, and collaborating with Collections Management, Registration, and Historical Resources staff to complete tasks on schedule. Orientation on January 25 is mandatory.