Design and Architecture Curatorial Research Internship at the National Museum of African American History and Culture Summer 2023

The Office of Curatorial Affairs (OCA), including the Centers, facilitates the intellectual work of the Museum by collecting artifacts, ensuring collection preservation and stewardship, conducting research and scholarship, and sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans and all people of African descent with a diverse public in accessible, multifaceted ways including exhibition, digitization, and publication.

The Culture division of OCA documents, collects and preserves information and materials related to the cultural heritage of African Americans and other select groups, whose actions have influenced and/or contributed to the African American experience, including those associated with the African Diaspora. Specific areas of focus include: sports, music, the performing arts, oral history, literary arts, dress and textiles, decorative arts, foodways and folklife in their many diverse forms.

The Design and Architecture Curatorial Research Internship will focus on research related to collections development and interpretation and will research and write about designers in various fields. Working closely with the museum's Curator of Architecture and Design, the intern will learn about the stages of the collections and acquisitions process, curatorial decision-making, and translating research into interpretive content for general audiences. The intern will also gain an understanding of how curatorial content, whether for exhibitions or online engagement, is developed through the process of research, writing, discussion, and revision. The Design and Architecture Curatorial Research Intern will receive guidance in conducting and presenting research (from collections research to writing for online platforms). Mentorship for the selected intern will include identifying career tracks within museums and suggesting meeting opportunities with museum professionals. Graduate student level (M.A. or PhD) candidates preferred for this opportunity.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

·      Research on black architects and black designers

·      Writing about architecture and design collections at NMAAHC

·      Assisting curator with correspondence related to curatorial projects

·      Organizing and tracking research and other materials for curatorial use

·      Developing concepts and ideas to highlight architecture and design at NMAAHC

·      Creating slide presentations and presenting research to mentoring curator and colleagues

·      Participating in department meetings and team meetings about the curatorial project

Apply at:

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/internships-fellowships