Summer 2021 Internships (Virtual, Limited Onsite, or Hybrid)

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internship Program provides educational opportunities for students interested in the museum profession and related fields. Interns complete projects using the resources of the NMAI and other Smithsonian offices. Internships are an opportunity for students to learn about the museum's collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies, and to meet professionals in the museum field.

All Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., including the National Zoo, and in New York City, continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Smithsonian has not announced a reopening date at this time. In the event of an extended Smithsonian closure, some tentative internship offers may be withdrawn. There may be limited virtual internships available in the summer of 2021. Check the website for periodic updates.

Internship applications are reviewed in two rounds by Internships and departmental staff. Approximately twenty-five percent of applicants are accepted for internships during any one-year period. The Summer Term is the most competitive. If available through your university, out-of-state interns may participate in a Washington, D.C., or New York study-away program during the Fall or Spring Terms.

Departmental descriptions for all internships at the NMAI, except in Conservation, are listed below. Conservation internships are on hold until further notice.

Information on additional fellowship and internship opportunities across the Smithsonian, including those designed specifically for Native Americans, is available via the links below. 

Spring: Starting third full week of March

Summer: Starting third full week of June

Fall: Starting last full week of September, to be confirmed based on Smithsonian re-opening dates

For each internship term, applications must be submitted electronically by the following dates:

Winter/Spring term: November 15

Summer: March 1 (extended)

Fall: July 15

If you are currently enrolled in an academic program you are eligible to apply.

If you are not a current student then you may still apply, but you will need to use the essay portion of the application to state how an internship in the particular department you select will benefit your professional goals and/or future academic goals. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).

Notification about placement occurs four to six weeks after the deadline. If sooner notification is needed, please contact the Intern Program Coordinator at nmaiinterns@si.edu or 202-633-6988.

Yes, stipends may be provided to selected interns based on financial need by completing a survey. Per Smithsonian Institution regulations, stipend amounts for non-local interns typically range from approximately $1,000 to $8,000 for a ten-week session. Local interns who live in the Washington, D.C., or New York City regions may receive a stipend that will offset the costs of commuting, approximately $500 to $2,000 for a ten-week session. The stipend depends on the amount of funds available and is at the discretion of the NMAI.

No! The internship program is open to anyone. The NMAI is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of its interns.

Yes! We accept applications from international students. The Smithsonian's Office of International Relations will work with you in sponsoring a J-1 visa, if necessary, after you are accepted into the program. Unfortunately, international students may experience delays in stipends and receiving an ID badge due to Smithsonian security and banking requirements.

The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. Applicants are encouraged to initiate arrangements for credit with their colleges or universities. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.

The internship program is very competitive, especially in the summer. In general, strong applications demonstrate applicants' academic and professional goals, interest in the particular department selected, and reason for wanting to be at the NMAI. During an internship, interns may spend ten weeks in mainly one department. There may be opportunities to shadow a different department or intern part-time in two departments. Interns will gain experience in specific aspects of museum work.

If there are further questions, please email nmaiinterns@si.edu or call 202-633-6988.

The Smithsonian does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, marital status, sexual orientation, or participation in protected activity.

4220 Silver Hill Road

Suitland, MD 20746-2863

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., the Cultural Resources Center (CRC) houses the NMAI's collection of more than 800,000 objects, representing indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. The following list provides a general overview of the ongoing work of departments within the CRC as well as associated internship opportunities. When you begin the application process, a drop-down menu will allow you to select from the choices that are currently available.

Archive Center internships provide students with the opportunity to learn about and contribute to the physical and intellectual arrangement, description, and preservation of the NMAI's archival collections. Intern projects may include processing manuscript, photo, audiovisual, or mixed-media collections, writing and editing finding aids and collections records, conducting condition assessments, and providing reference services. Interns may author finding aids and collection-level records in ArchivesSpace, and write blog posts about their experiences or collections they encounter. Students interested in library science, history of photography, Native American studies, anthropology, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Interns support digitization initiatives to increase access to NMAI collections information and images. Assignments will be centered around the digital curation for reformatted and born-digital assets, the creation of metadata in NMAI's collection information system or SI's digital asset management system, the safeguarding of data integrity, the enhancement of digital workflows, and the creation of digital workflow documentation. Interns will work under the mentorship of Collections Information System (CIS) and/or Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) staff and will receive extensive training and gain direct experience in those systems. Students seeking experience in digitization, digital preservation, and data management of cultural heritage materials are encouraged to apply.

Interns in Collections Research and Documentation will support the study and interpretation of the more than 100,000 objects in the NMAI archaeological collections. Working with curatorial staff, interns will learn how to document, examine, and research items made, created, used, or designed by the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere (excluding Hawai’i) prior to European contact. Interns may access collections and related information physically or through NMAI’s collections database and will learn how to investigate objects through a variety of means, possibly including literature reviews, contextual analyses, physical examination, morphological measurements, and consultations with Indigenous peoples, historians, archaeologists, and other experts. Interns may also assist in creating, managing, organizing, and distributing information about NMAI’s archaeological collections through various on-line platforms, possibly including social media, blogs, and websites. Through these experiences, interns will expand their understanding of Native American cultures and histories as well as their time-depth, complexity, diversity, and achievements.

Registration Department interns will benefit from hands on experience assisting with the annual inventory of NMAI's object collection at the Cultural Resource Center. Through this process they will have the opportunity to learn about object handling, collections storage, cataloging, inventory practices, and using a collections database. Those interested in collections accountability, collections care, and Native material culture are encouraged to apply.

Internships in the Repatriation Department provide students with opportunities to learn about and contribute to the work of consultation, research, and physical repatriation of items in the museum's collection. Interns may conduct provenance research, investigate policy issues, produce internal reference reports, or participate in other repatriation projects and activities. Interns also attend meetings, meet NMAI staff, and learn about the museum and its projects, and the Smithsonian in general. Students interested in repatriation, archival work, provenance research, anthropology, Native American studies, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

The intern will participate in the behind-the-scenes safety operations at the National Museum of the American Indian. Safety Interns will gain a general understanding of the Smithsonian Institution Safety program, occupational safety and health standards. An internship with the Safety Coordinator will focus on safety compliance at NMAI-DC and NMAI-CRC. Interns will assist in updating the recorded status of workplace hazards, creating graphs and charts to update communication tools and assist in transferring safety documents and updates to the Safety website for employees to learn of their progress on reduced injuries, completed deficiencies, OSHA response to our inspection status NMAI-wide and for inclusion in the electronic safety newsletter. The intern may participate in operations meetings, provide safety updates and hazard condition reports. Students in Occupational Safety and Health programs, like Fire Protection Prevention, Industrial Hygienist and environmental design with reference to OSHA compliance or graphic design-related fields in Visual Communications, may benefit from this opportunity. Computer proficiency is required in Adobe and Excel programs.

Technology internships provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable experience working alongside information technology staff in support of the museum's Internet and intranet websites, applications, and technological infrastructure. Whether running the technology-based audiovisual and theater operations in the NMAI's exhibitions, supporting database application systems, or developing web pages and multimedia projects, interns enhance their skills in network operations, communications services, desktop support, information resource management planning, system development lifecycle management, web content management, or web design. Students studying information technology, electronic communications, telecommunication, or web development are encouraged to apply. Appointments may be available at either the museum in Washington, DC or the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, MD.

Fourth Street and Independence Ave., SW

P.O. Box 37012

Washington, DC 20013-7012

Opened on the National Mall on September 21, 2004, the National Museum of the American Indian is a major exhibition space for Native art and material culture as well as a center for educational activities and performances. The following list provides a general overview of the ongoing work of departments within the NMAI, Washington, D.C., as well as associated internship opportunities. When you begin the application process, a drop-down menu will allow you to select from the choices that are currently available.

Collections Care interns participate in the day-to-day management of the museum's collections and loans on exhibit and in temporary storage at the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall. Interns learn handling, housekeeping, organization, monitoring, and preventative care techniques. Interns also work closely with several other departments in the building to understand how activities in the public spaces affect collections. Internships include an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Program, use of the collections database, environmental monitoring, collections emergency management, and exhibit installation/de-installation.

The Cultural Interpreter Program promotes knowledge of American Indian heritage, culture, history, and the NMAI's collection by delivering interpretive programs to the visiting public with an emphasis on serving grade 4–12 school audiences. Cultural Interpreter Program interns assist in the research, testing, and development of dynamic and engaging school programs for the public. Interns gain experience in museum education practices, interpreting Native cultures utilizing a handling collection, and researching and developing working documents to be used in training and facilitation for staff and future volunteers.

Interns in Development assist staff in the daily operations of national-level fundraising, and learn to work with the museum's fundraising database, PANDA. Interns gain a working understanding of how to update, tag, and identify organizations and entities within the database. Interns will also conduct research for prospective donors and grants, and assist in providing Development administrative support. Interns also learn about special projects, and NMAI initiatives to Native communities across the Americas.

The Executive office provides interns with the opportunity to work on projects of strategic relevance for the museum as a whole. Interns are offered the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments depending on their educational background and work experience. A major part of the intern's work day involves project work under the guidance of a member of the Executive Office. Through assignments and project work, interns will gain a thorough understanding of museum operations, strategic initiatives, and decision-making processes.

The interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides visitors of all ages with a multitude of unique learning experiences about Native peoples of the Americas. The intern will gain an understanding of museum education practices by exploring strategies that engage young visitors and interpret Native American cultures; experience various facets of the public program divisions such as Visitor Services, Community Programs, and solve on-the-job museum challenges. Prerequisites include an interest in American Indian cultures of the Western Hemisphere, early childhood and museum Education; being comfortable interacting with children (0-12 years) and their families; showing ability to be outgoing and reliable. Bilingual candidates are a plus and basic computer skills are required. Duties include staffing various interactive stations and assisting in facilitation of hands-on interactive programs; assisting with space and program upkeep and general operating procedures. Please note the work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday from 9AM to 5:30PM. This internship involves frequent walking, standing, bending down, or sitting on the floor and on small chairs for extended periods.

Interns will learn how to effectively promote museum activities through marketing, publicity and social media. They will learn how to analyze and compile reports on the efficacy of social media and learn to report on trending social outlets/topics to enhance their learning objectives and contribute to the social media mix for the museum. Interns will also learn about associated communications methodologies related to contacting members of media, building media contact lists, and helping publicize the museum's events and exhibitions through community calendars and events outlets. Appointments may be available at either the museum in Washington, DC or the museum in New York, NY.

Interns in Media, which produces and develops digital media across the museum, work with Media staff to support production for projects, learning and developing skills in webcasting, hands-on video and audio production and editing, mobile tour development, exhibit interactive development, and media archiving.

The Public Program department plans and implements all aspects of the museum's programs calendar. In collaboration with other NMAI departments, Smithsonian museums, Washington, D.C., embassies, and national and international Native American communities, NMAI programs support and enhance the museum by bringing in Native artisans and cultural demonstrators to share the cultures of diverse Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere with the museum's visitors. Public Programs interns learn about Native cultures, the history and mission of the museum, and details of museum programming, from research and outreach to documentation and implementation, within a team-oriented environment. Public Programs interns engage with artists and museum visitors to share what they learn about the history and ongoing activities of the museum, and learn program operations, develop logical solutions for hands-on activities, and archive Public Programs records.

Special Events oversees internal museum events and works with external partners hosting celebrations in NMAI spaces. Interns with Special Events assist with event preparations including compiling invitation lists, sending out mailings and tracking RSVPs, coordinating vendors, and providing day-of event support. Interns also assist with managing the museum's booking calendar, departmental files, and donor database. Interns learn Smithsonian event policies and procedures, logistics involved with event coordination, and donor and database management. Students interested in detail-oriented work who bring strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and an enthusiasm for the museum's diverse audiences are encouraged to apply.

Technology internships provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable experience working alongside information technology staff in support of the museum's Internet and intranet websites, applications, and technological infrastructure. Whether running the technology-based audiovisual and theater operations in the NMAI's exhibitions, supporting database application systems, or developing web pages and multimedia projects, interns enhance their skills in network operations, communications services, desktop support, information resource management planning, system development lifecycle management, web content management, or web design. Students studying information technology, electronic communications, telecommunication, or web development are encouraged to apply. Appointments may be available at either the museum in Washington, DC or the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, MD.

One Bowling Green

New York, NY 10004

The George Gustav Heye Center (GGHC) opened in 1994 in the newly renovated Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in lower Manhattan. The Heye Center features temporary exhibitions and a range of public programs./p>

Due to building renovations and limited staffing at the NMAI-NY, internships in the following areas are available intermittently.

Collections Care interns participate in the day-to-day management of the museum's collections and loans on exhibit and in temporary storage at the National Museum of the American Indian New York. Interns learn handling, housekeeping, organization, monitoring, maintenance, and preventative care techniques. Interns also work closely with several other departments in the building to understand how activities in the public spaces affect collections. Internships include an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Program, use of the collections database, environmental monitoring, collections emergency management, and exhibit installation/de-installation.

The Cultural Interpreter Program promotes knowledge of American Indian culture, history, and the NMAI's collection by delivering interpretive programs to the visiting public with an emphasis on serving school groups grades 1st–12th, summer camp groups, and higher education audiences. Cultural Interpreter Program interns assist in the research, development and testing of dynamic, engaging and exhibition specific programming for school groups, summer camps, and general public. Interns gain experience in museum educational practices, interpreting Native cultures, utilizing the museum's handling collection, and through researching and developing working documents to be used in training and the facilitation for staff and volunteers. Qualifications include a strong interest in education, art and visual culture, anthropology, or digital learning. Candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage the public, along with excellent research and writing skills, an interest and/or background in teaching and community engagement. Candidates should be able to work independently and as part of a team in a professional environment; handle multiple tasks at once; and adhere to deadlines. Bilingual candidates are a plus. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required and knowledge of design programs (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) preferred but not required. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

The Education Office works to support the continuance of Native cultures, traditional values and learning about contemporary Native issues by providing engaging educational experiences for teachers, K–12 students, and youth and families through programs and resources. Education interns enhance the education work of the museum by helping provide relevant learning experiences to the primary audience of teachers, students, and youth and families through such things as lesson alignment with local, National, and NMAI standards, research on practice and impact, education technology, and hands-on learning. Responsibilities include assisting with developing and implementing various education programs, such as supporting theme or exhibition-based teacher or student workshops; developing and analyzing evaluation data; designing learning materials and activities; support online lesson development for NK360° curriculum; engaging youth and families; and/or attending outreach events. Qualifications include a strong interest in formal or informal education, art and visual culture, anthropology, or digital learning. Candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage the public, along with excellent research and writing skills, an interest and/or background in teaching social studies or related fields, anti-bias education, social justice, and community engagement. Candidates should be able to work independently and as a team player in a professional environment; handle multiple tasks at once; and adhere to deadlines. Computer proficiency is required in Excel with knowledge of design programs (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) preferred but not required. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

The interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center (iAC) provides visitors of all ages with a multitude of unique learning experiences about Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The intern will gain an understanding of museum education practices by exploring strategies that engage visitors and interpret Native American cultures; experience various facets of the public program divisions such as Visitor Services, Community Programs, and solve on-the-job museum challenges. Prerequisites include an interest in Indigenous cultures of the Western Hemisphere, museum education, comfortable interacting with youth (10 years +) and their families; outgoing, flexible, and reliable. Bilingual candidates are a plus. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required and knowledge of design programs (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) preferred but not required. Duties include staffing various interactive stations and assisting in facilitation of hands-on interactive programs; working with large groups, assisting with space and program upkeep and general operating procedures. Please note the iAC is open 7 days a week from 10 AM–4:30 PM and work schedule may vary due to programming opportunities. This internship involves frequent walking, standing, bending down, or sitting on the floor and on small chairs for extended periods.

Interns will learn how to effectively promote museum activities through marketing, publicity and social media. They will learn how to analyze and compile reports on the efficacy of social media and learn to report on trending social outlets/topics to enhance their learning objectives and contribute to the social media mix for the museum. Interns will also learn about associated communications methodologies related to contacting members of media, building media contact lists, and helping publicize the museum's events and exhibitions through community calendars and events outlets. Appointments may be available at either the museum in Washington, DC or the museum in New York, NY.

Special Events oversees internal museum events and works with external partners hosting celebrations in NMAI spaces. Interns with Special Events assist with event preparations including compiling invitation lists, sending out mailings and tracking RSVPs, coordinating vendors, and providing day-of event support. Interns also assist with managing the museum's booking calendar, departmental files, and donor database. Interns learn Smithsonian event policies and procedures, logistics involved with event coordination, and donor and database management. Students interested in detail-oriented work who bring strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and an enthusiasm for the museum's diverse audiences are encouraged to apply.