Collections Intern

Vaquiltmuseum; Virginia; On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Quilt Museum in Dayton, Virginia is seeking a Collections Intern to assist with digitization, cataloging, and documentation of its archives. This on-site internship focuses on organizing archival materials and improving access to the museum’s historic textiles.

The intern will scan materials, upload to CatalogIt, transcribe inscriptions, and attach deeds of gift. Supervised by the Curator, the role suits students in museum studies, history, or related fields seeking hands-on

Qualifications

• Interest in museums and archival work.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn collections management and digitization processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collections management, digitization, cataloging and documentation.
• Scan and upload archival materials to the collections database CatalogIt.
• Transcribe inscriptions and complete collection worksheets and condition reports.
• Attach deeds of gift and related documents to collection records.
• Work under the supervision of the VQM Curator and with staff and volunteers.

Skills

Digitization

Cataloging

Documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Student in a relevant field

Tools

CatalogIt

Job description

The Virginia Quilt Museum is hiring a Collections Intern

Date Posted:

Title: Collections Intern

Internship Dates: May 4 to August 14, 2027 (flexible)

Application Deadline: February 1, 2027

Stipend: $600

Location: On-site at The Virginia Quilt Museum in Dayton, Virginia

Hours: 10 hours per week (flexible)

About The Virginia Quilt Museum

The Virginia Quilt Museum (VQM) is the only museum dedicated to quilting in the Mid-Atlantic region. The museum’s mission is to cultivate and preserve the quilting arts in Virginia. The Virginia Quilt Museum’s goal is to inspire and engage a diverse community by building and preserving quilt collections, sharing historical and contemporary exhibitions, and providing education opportunities for all ages. VQM has a permanent collection of 300 plus quilts, over 60 sewing machines, and welcomes over 6,000 visitors each year. The museum has two floors of exhibition space and rotates exhibitions three to four times a year. Along with exhibitions the museum hosts both in-person and virtual programs and events. In 2026 the museum will participate in the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution with a six month exhibition Stitching Together History: 250 Quilts Commemorating the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Position Summary

The Virginia Quilt Museum seeks an intern to assist with collections management, digitization, cataloging, and documentation. VQM is located in the historic Silver Lake Mill in Dayton, Virginia and is 5 miles from James Madison University, 4 miles from Bridgewater College, and 7 miles from Eastern Mennonite University.

The internship will focus primarily on digitizing and organizing archival materials related to the Virginia Quilt Documentation Project. The intern will scan and upload materials from the museum's binders, helping preserve and improve access to historical records. Additional projects may include transcribing inscriptions and other information associated with collection objects, completing collection worksheets and condition reports, uploading digital file information to the museum's collections management database, CatalogIt, and attaching deeds of gift and other relevant documentation to collection records. These projects will provide hands-on experience with collections documentation, digitization, and the management of historic textiles and archival materials.

The selected intern will work under the supervision of VQM Curator Kate Read and will work both independently and alongside museum staff and volunteers. This internship is well suited for students interested in collections management, archives, library science, history, anthropology, art history, or museum studies. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in historical research and preservation are especially valuable. Previous museum experience is welcome but not required.