The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is committed to equity and social justice for the Native/Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration, and empowerment. NMAI stewards one of the most extensive collections of Native American cultural heritage in the world – approximately 825,000 items – representing over 12,000 years of history and more than 1,200 Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas.
NMAI has three locations: NMAI-DC, NMAI-NY and the Cultural Resources Center (CRC) in Suitland Maryland, where the collection and Conservation Department are located.
Nine-Month Conservation Internship
One nine-month internship is offered each fall for those seeking experience in cultural heritage conservation and those in allied fields, such as collections care, registration, curatorial, archives, as well as artists, makers or mountmakers, who are interested in expanding their conservation and collections care experience. The intern will gain experience in providing collections access to Native/Indigenous artists, communities and researchers; supporting collaborative work around care and stewardship, and related documentation practices; skill building in preventive conservation, opportunities for mountmaking and implementing treatment and decision making through integrated diverse knowledge sets and values. This internship is designed to support personal and professional development.
It is full time, 40 hours per week for nine-months from September to June and is primarily located at the NMAI Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland.
Eligibility:
The nine-month internship is designed for those seeking experience in cultural heritage conservation and those in allied fields interested in expanding their experience in conservation. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold at least an associate degree, and proficiency of the English language. US Citizenship is not required.
Criteria for Selection:
Applicants are evaluated by Conservation Department staff based on a combination of their knowledge, experience, potential and vision.
- Applicants must articulate an interest in the care and stewardship of Indigenous cultural heritage. They must demonstrate this interest through relevant coursework or experience or connections to Indigenous culture.
- Applicants must demonstrate an openness and interest in engaging with both Western and Indigenous approaches to cultural heritage care and conservation.
- Applicants must clearly articulate how this internship will support their future endeavors.
- Strong applicants will demonstrate a proficiency in an artistic or conservation practice.
As part of its mandate for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” including the diverse ideas, skills, and cultures of our nation, the Smithsonian Fellowship program does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, or marital status.
Stipend:
This position carries a stipend of $38,000
Submission requirements:
- Statement of Interest (1000 words or less): Please share more about your personal and professional background as it relates to the intention and interest in the internship at the NMAI and what your future academic and career interests or goals may be.
- Curricula Vitae/Resume/Biographical Sketch: All applicants must submit a detailed, up-to-date résumé, curriculum vitae or biographical sketch that summarizes their background in their knowledge field(s) and interest in working with communities or artists.
- Two letters of professional or academic recommendation: References should be from two individuals in the same knowledge field who can speak on the merits of your work.
- Transcripts: This should be of highest education achieved. Unofficial copies are accepted.
Completed applications, including the two letters of recommendation, are due by 5 pm EST on March 14th, 2025. Finalists are invited for a virtual interview in early April and all applicants are notified shortly thereafter. Internship commences at the end of September/early October.
How to apply:
Applications must be completed and submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) by the closing date. Requirements include unofficial undergraduate transcripts; a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent; curriculum vitae; and two letters of recommendation from professional referees.
