Collections & Exhibits Internship Program - The Zekelman Holocaust Center (3/31/25)

Posted 3/3/25

Who We Are: Founded by Michigan survivors to create a lasting memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, The Zekelman Holocaust Center (“The HC”) is guided by its mission to engage, educate, and empower by remembering the Holocaust. The Center is one of the largest and oldest Holocaust museums in the United States and we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to our museum. Our 55,000 square foot facility is home to our newly renovated multi-million dollar permanent exhibit featuring our extensive collection of survivor testimonies, artifacts, archival documents, paintings, and films, an authentic boxcar, and a sapling from the tree located outside Anne Frank’s hiding place window that is described in her diary. Embedded in the community, the Center’s trained staff offers school and adult groups customized tours, training, and programs. Guests are empowered to apply the lessons learned to create a compassionate society where people take responsible action.

Internship Program: The Zekelman Holocaust Center’s Collections & Exhibits Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about education, history, and the interpretation and preservation of material culture, to gain hands-on experience working with diverse collections related to the Holocaust. Interns will be immersed in various aspects of collection management, including cataloging, object handling, preventive conservation, research, administration, as well as programming, curatorial practices, and exhibition planning.

Benefits and Learning Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in museum collections management, working with a diverse range of objects.
• Learn about best practices in object care, documentation, and conservation.
• Opportunities to collaborate with various museum departments (e.g., Museum Operations, Development, Events, Marketing).
• Access to mentorship from museum professionals, providing insight into career paths in the museum fi eld.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of structured professional development opportunities, including webinars, internal training sessions, and networking events.

Collections and Exhibits Intern Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Collections and Exhibits Intern

DEPARTMENT: Museum Education

REPORTS TO: Collections & Exhibits Manager

LOCATION: The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Farmington Hills, MI

INTERNSHIP DURATION: 3-4 months (or as stipulated by educational institution). Flexible start date.

COMPENSATION: Paid $16/hr

HOURS: 18-24 hours per week (or as stipulated by educational institution)

Overview: The Museum Collections Intern will assist the Collections & Exhibitions Department (under management of the Education Department) on a variety of projects related to the care, preservation, and documentation of the museum's collections. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in museum studies, library/archives, art history, archaeology, or a related fi eld, who wish to gain hands-on experience working with a diverse collection in a professional museum environment.

Responsibilities/Tasks

• Cataloging and Documentation: Assist with the cataloging of new acquisitions, ensuring that each object is properly described, photographed, and recorded in the museum's collection management database.
• Object Handling and Preservation: Participate in the safe handling and storage of artifacts and artworks. Assist with condition assessments and the implementation of conservation measures.
• Collections Inventory: Support inventory eff orts by physically checking objects within the collection, comparing them to database records, and updating information as needed.
• Exhibition Preparation: Help prepare objects for exhibition, including object mounting, installation, and packing for transport. Assist with exhibition de-installation and deaccessioning processes as necessary.
• Research and Catalog Updates: Conduct research on specific objects in the collection, providing detailed information for internal records, exhibition planning, and publications.
• Database Management: Assist in maintaining and updating digital and physical records of the collection, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
• General Administrative Support: Opportunities to collaborate as needed with administrative or operational tasks related to collections management, building operations, interpretation and educational projects/programming, policy and grant writing eff orts, events, etc.
• Professional Development: Participates in workshops, seminars, and training sessions offered by the museum or external organizations. Engage in mentorship opportunities and seek feedback from staff on professional growth.

Skills/Experience

• Education: Currently enrolled or a recent graduate from an accredited institution in history, library science, archival studies, museum studies, or a related field.
• Museum Knowledge: Basic understanding of museum principles, collections management, and archival methods is beneficial.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive; experience with museum collections software is a plus.
• Professionalism: Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for the organization’s mission.
• Adaptability: Ability to pivot tasks based on operational needs, troubleshoot challenges, and take initiative.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Work Environment: On site in Farmington Hills, MI. Professional office environment with collaborative workspaces, open standard business hours.
• Physical Demands: Must be comfortable with tasks requiring lifting, bending, climbing, standing/walking, and repetitive motions.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest in the internship, and any relevant academic transcripts or work samples to Jill Eastcott at jill.eastcott@holocaustcenter.org.

Submission Deadline: Mar 31, 2025

The Zekelman Holocaust Center is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.