Museum Intern

Collectionsthatcare; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Elk Grove Historical Museum is seeking an Intern to apply public history practices in a small museum setting. You will work across collection tasks; tours of the site may be possible and you will contribute to exhibition and program projects under supervision.

You will assist with inventorying the collection, organizing materials, creating finding aids, and supporting accessioning, exhibit design, and events. An approved project may be assigned by curator and your advisor.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in history/public history/museum studies program.
• Basic computer skills including Google Docs and Sheets.
• Knowledge of history, research, and writing processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inventory and organizing materials.
• Create finding aids and accessioning support.
• Help with exhibits design and event planning.
• Support events/programs and potential site projects as approved by curator/advisor.

Skills

Google Docs

CatalogIt

History research

Writing processes

Self-motivated

Education

History or museum studies program

Job description

Summary

The Elk Grove Historical Museum Intern will have the unique opportunity to apply first-hand the practices of the public historian. The museum campus includes an orientation/exhibition building, a furnished farmhouse, barn, chicken coop, and contains a fairly substantial collection for its size. The intern will experience multiple aspects of work as a public historian within a museum setting.

The Museum Intern will be responsible for completing specific tasks designated at the outset of the internship. This would include becoming familiar with the basic history of the Elk Grove area and could also have the opportunity to provide tours of the site on occasion. Additionally, the intern would work directly with the collection. This would entail examining what is in the collection, assisting with an inventory, organizing the materials, and creating finding aids. Assistance with other museum duties including accessioning, exhibit design, event planning, and possibly assistance with events/programs themselves would be included. It is also possible for the intern to complete a specific project for the site. The specific topic as well as the scope of this project are to be approved by the curator of the museum and the student’s advisor.

Key Details

Compensation: $15/hour

Schedule: Flexible

Deadline:ASAP (Posted August 30, 2026)

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program including history, public history, museum studies, or related field of study.

Education and Experience

• Basic computer skills – Google Docs, Sheets, etc. Experience with CatalogIt a plus
• Knowledge of history, research, and writing processes a plus
• Responsible, conscientious, self-motivated

About

The Museum specializes in the history of Elk Grove and its development over time. Open year round, the Museum offers tours of our Victorian Era farmhouse and grounds, school and scout programs, exhibits and assistance with research on Elk Grove Village and the surrounding area. Experience history through various mediums, including crafts, games, exhibits, and demonstrations!

Tagged as: Collections Management, Exhibitions