Collections Intern

Internship Description:

The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is seeking an intern to work closely with the Exhibition and Collections team.
Possible projects include:
• Helping to organize the CJM collections
• Housing newly acquired collections and rehousing collections 
• Conducting and assisting in research projects as they come up, either in CJM archives or at local archives, libraries, and museums, including for upcoming exhibitions.
• Coordinating oral histories 
• Research and develop new accessibility tools for museum exhibitions and collections
• Other tasks as assigned, including but not limited to assisting with public programs with the curatorial team
• Creating an exhibition case to be on display for one month in the Museum’s lobby
• Potential opportunities include choosing an artifact from the CJM archives/collections and presenting to the public during a short “gallery talk” on the floor
• Intern will periodically present and discuss findings with curatorial staff and make recommendations to the CJM team regarding further research 

About the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum 

Located at 3rd and F Streets NW in Washington, DC—steps from the National Building Museum and Union Station—the Capital Jewish Museum opened in June 2023 and has welcomed nearly 55,000 visitors to date. CJM collects, preserves, and shares the diverse stories of Jewish history and culture in the National Capital Region. Through exhibitions and programs, we build connections across generations and communities, encourage reflection on the relevance of the past to today, and inspire civic and community engagement. 

Requirements & Qualifications:

Graduate students or advanced undergraduates with demonstrated knowledge and experience in the areas listed below will be considered:
• Conducting primary source historical and contemporary research 
• Keeping excellent notes
• Previous experience or internship in a museum or exhibition environment 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a small collaborative team
• Applicants must be in residence in the area (MD, VA, DC) during the internship for on-site collections work

Duration

The internship will be for the Fall semester, September-December 2026. This is an in-person internship requiring 20 hours per week. Hybrid options are also possible, but inperson hours are required. 

Compensation

The stipend for this internship is $2,200. College/University credit is also possible; interns will coordinate with their departments.