Internships
We can work with you to receive college credit as an intern at the Mesa Historical Museum. Unpaid internships can be developed for students interested in museums, marketing, history, education, and more.
To apply, send a resume and letter of interest to our Curator of Education at info@mesahistoricalmuseum.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. See our Fall 2009 call for applications for more details.
Internship projects and duties may include:
Education
o Assist with planning and implementation of a special event
o Conduct school, summer, and scout programs
o Conduct adult group tours of the museum
o Conduct surveys about the museum programming
o Revise teacher packet for additional grades
Curation/Collections
o Catalog artifacts
o Research specific objects for exhibit labels or file history
o Repack artifacts in storage
o Clean artifacts
o Photograph artifacts
o Organize museum records
o Enter information into PastPerfect database, update records
o Enter photographs into DAM database
Archives
o Staff the research room to assist patrons with questions
o Research telephone, email, and mail reference requests
o Assist in arrangement and description of book collections
o Catalog books for museum research library
o Update clippings files
Exhibits
o Take down exhibits rotating off display
o Help plan new exhibits
o Prepare artifacts for display
o Set up new exhibits
o Prepare galleries for new exhibits
Read on to learn about the experiences of our Summer 2008 interns.
Drusilla
"This summer’s internship has been an enjoyable and enlightening experience. The main project I worked on was moving and cataloging the Phelps/Bowen/Morris collection to make way for the new baseball exhibit. Since it is one of the largest collections at the museum and contains a diverse group of objects, there were many challenges in this task. One of the most memorable objects was the 1886 Elizabeth Bowen wedding dress. We were able to participate in a workshop with a textile specialist to learn how to care for and clean the dress as well as other textiles. I also worked on a number of smaller projects, including assisting with the Arizona Memory Project, putting together a guide on historical districts in Mesa, and helping with an elementary school tour.
"I believe this internship definitely gave me a feel for the day-to-day operations, activities, and challenges of a small museum. I realize the importance of dedicated staff and volunteers. It is also interesting to see the gradual progress and changes in the museum and its exhibits, especially the old exhibits contrasted with the new as well as the process of creating a new exhibit. I will be excited to see Mesa Historical Museum’s future endeavors and successes."
Gabriella
"This summer, I was fortunate enough to embark on an educational journey at the Mesa Historical Museum, as one of three interns. Why did I choose MHM for my internship you may ask? Simple, I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else! The museum staff was helpful and inspiring from the moment I received an outline of my potential duties as an intern, and while guiding me through my various projects. During the two months of my internship, I learned the ins and outs of collections; everything from management procedures, cataloging, accessioning, artifact care, artifact dating, etc, etc. When I wasn't busy with collections, I spent my time learning about the educational aspect of working in a museum through the alteration and creation of various educational packets for student visitors. The packets included activities and questions that will get the
student really thinking about the historical events observed at the MHM, and also that meet the Arizona State Educational Standards.
"Aside from my many projects, what I've learned most is how important it is to be passionate about history when in the museum business. Everyday for the last two months, I've gotten to work with individuals who love and appreciate those things that make up our past. It's been inspirational, and it truly motivates me to be as passionate as I can be in my future endeavors in the museum world.
"Thank you to the MHM for a fantastic summer filled with learning, and to all those that support the MHM and its desire to preserve Mesa and Arizona's past!"
Nicole
"To be honest, when my advisor at Northern Arizona University told me about an internship at the Mesa Historical Museum my first thought was "Mesa has a historical museum?" I had expected to find a one room building with lots of old photos and lots of old farm equipment. Well I did find that but luckily there was so much more to it than that. Yes there are lots of photos and there is definitely more farm equipment than I imagined. The Mesa Historical Museum is a spot where learning takes place whether you are a visitor, an intern, or a full time employee. From this museum I have learned much about Mesa, much more than I have learned in my five years as a resident; however my learning goes much further beyond that.
"I was taught what goes on behind the scenes at a museum, more than just collecting and entering data but how to work as a team to solve problems, create ideas and build strong work relationships. This internship turned out to be much greater than I had anticipated. Kaia, Lisa, and Jared have taught me so much, they gave their knowledge freely and I must say that I gladly accepted. The Mesa Historical Museum is a place where I was able to laugh and learn at the same time. Now I must say again, this museum was not what I had expected, but more than I could ever ask for."