We offer internships to high school and college students throughout the academic and calendar year. We are willing to take students seeking credits for their internship. We ask that those students seeking credit speak to their department advisor before inquiring or applying to the program, so as to provide RCHS with any materials needed.

We offered different types of internships throughout the year based on the student’s interests. We endeavor to provide a sound foundation to a student’s understanding of museum and collection standards and practices. We also ensure the student leaves with a resume worthy project at the end of their time.

Types of Internships Offered:

• Museum “Crash Course” Internship: The student will gain experience in the various aspects of museum operations including collections care, exhibit design, historical research, non-profit administration, and more. The student will learn about museum and historical ethics, legal standards within the museum profession, and the general best practices in the field. This internship is designed as a “sampler”, allowing experience and insight into all museum functions and roles.

• Collections and Archives Internship: The student will take the lead on a collections project, seeing it all the way through the process. This can include intake, cataloging, conservation/preservation treatments, and housing. This internship might be a single collection or several smaller ones. The student will learn about best practices and standards in collections care and stewardship, as well as practical conservation and preservation skills.

• Exhibits Internship: The student will be responsible for developing and implementing a exhibit in the RCHS Carlander Meeting Room. The topics and themes to be decided in consultation with the Exhibits Committee and RCHS staff. Students will develop the text, artifact lists, exhibit layout, and final installation. Students will learn about exhibit design theory and practice, best standards, and the principles of exhibit building.

• Research Internship: The student will conduct a deep dive into an area of research that has long been neglected. The purpose of this internship is to teach the practices of historical research through secondary and primary sources while also uncovering larger historical truths. The focus of this research will be determined by the student in consultation with RCHS staff. The student will learn about the methods of historical research and how to present research findings in a usable way for later researchers.

Students will also have time during their internship to branch beyond their specific projects. This time will allow them to learn about other facets and roles within the museum profession. Students will also be given readings pertaining to their particular internship focus and public history in general to further expand their experience.

If you are interested in an internship with RCHS please call 507-332-2121 or email rchs@rchistory.org for more information.