Council Oral History Project Internship

Collections That Care; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Council Oral History Project Internship at the National Museum of African American History and Culture provides hands-on experience supporting the preservation and documentation of the museum''s founding histories.

This collaboration between the Office of the Director’s Council Relations and Museum Initiatives and the Oral History Initiative offers experience in archival preservation, board relations, and professional communication while developing research and project‑management skills.

Qualifications

• Interest in oral history interviews and methodology.
• Interest in African American history and culture.
• Interest in workflows and process improvement.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage self-directed assignments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support preservation and documentation of NMAAHC oral histories.
• Assist in collecting, organizing, and interpreting historical narratives for the museum.
• Coordinate with staff to plan and execute internship tasks and projects.

Skills

Oral history

Research

Archives

Museum operations

Project management

Communication

Job description

Summary

The Council Oral History Project Internship provides hands‑on experience supporting the preservation and documentation of the history of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The internship is a collaborative opportunity between the Office of the Director’s Council Relations and Museum Initiatives team and the Oral History Initiative within the Office of Digital Strategies and Engagement. The project focuses on collecting, preserving, and organizing the oral histories of Founding Council members who played a significant role in the creation and development of the museum. This internship is designed to provide hands‑on experience in oral history, archival preservation, museum operations, and board relations while developing professional communication, research, and project management skills. Through participation in the Council Oral History Project, the intern will gain practical experience supporting the collection, preservation, and interpretation of historical narratives within a museum setting.

Key Details

Compensation: $425/week

Duration: January 25 - April 19, 2027

Schedule: PT (20 hours/week or less)

Deadline:October 15, 2026

Eligibility

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in oral history, historical research, archives, museum operations, and the preservation and interpretation of African American history and culture. The internship is particularly valuable for students seeking careers in museums, archives, libraries, cultural institutions, public history organizations, and related nonprofit or educational sectors. Preferred qualifications include:

• Demonstrated interest in oral history interviews and oral history methodology;
• Interest in African American history, cultural studies, the history of philanthropy, and culturally specific museum leadership;
• Interest in systems thinking, workflows, and process improvement;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and manage self‑directed assignments;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and in collaborative team environments.

About

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the museum has collected more than 45,000 artifacts, and nearly 300,000 individuals have become members. The museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.