Internships (2) - Michigan History Center (3/31/26 & 3/27/26)

Posted on 3/19/26

Position: Archaeology Museum Collections Intern

Pay: $15.50 hour

Time Frame: May – August 2026 (flexible start and end date)

Schedule: 15-20 hours a week; 2-3 days per week

Location(s): Michigan History Center

702 W. Kalamazoo Street

Lansing, MI 48909

Description:

The primary goal of this internship will be to assist the DNR Archaeology Section with basic collections management and physical care of state archaeological collections.

• Common everyday tasks will include:
• • Rehousing archaeological artifacts in new archival storage boxes
  • Replacing non-archival artifact bags with archival grade artifact bags
  • Creating interior labels for artifact bags
  • Artifact labeling
  • Other duties as assigned

Outcomes:

This internship will offer experience in the following: fundamentals of collections management and care; how to utilize proper archival storage materials; and artifact labeling. This intern will have opportunities to learn the fundamentals of maintaining and handling an archaeological collection. Other opportunities would include learning about museum operations, as well as available careers in archaeology and the museum field.

Qualifications:

• Junior-level or higher undergraduate or graduate student
• A major or minor in archaeology, museum studies, or history
• Classes in museum studies or archaeology are useful, but not necessary
• Detail-oriented personality
• Clear, legible handwriting
• Ability to lift and move boxes and materials that can weigh up to 30 lbs.

Application Process:

Send a resume and cover letter to: Luke Pickrahn (Pickrahnl1@Michigan.gov) by March 31, 2026. Applications will be screened and selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview. Successful candidates will be required to submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Position: Upper Peninsula CCC Museum Research Internship

Pay: $15.50 hour

Time Frame: May – August, 2026 (flexible start and end date)

Schedule: 15-20 hours a week; 2-3 days per week

Location(s): Upper Peninsula

Remote, with Travel

Description:

• Conduct research for the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC)Museum’s “Flip Panels” exhibit. This includes traveling* around the Upper Peninsula to research the work of specific CCC Camps and find photos of those camps. The current panels are the highlight for most museum visitors and are currently being redone. The intern will aid the Historian in finding photos and information on camp projects. Research will often be conducted independently and, occasionally, with the Historian.
• Aid the Historian in drafting text and selecting photos for each Upper Peninsula camp in the exhibit.
• *Travel is expected within a reasonable distance of the intern’s remote work location so no overnight stays are required. Travel mileage costs will be reimbursed.

Outcomes: This internship offers experience in: conducting research at large and small history institutions, collegiate and government repositories; museum-style writing; collaborative museum writing; general label writing for wayside signage and exhibit labels; and small-scale exhibit development. This intern will have opportunities to learn about museums, how they work, and what careers are available in the museum field.

Qualifications:

• Junior-level or higher undergraduate or graduate student
• A major or minor in Museum Studies, History, or Public History
• Classes in exhibit development are useful but not necessary
• Good historical research skills
• Comfortable utilizing Microsoft Word and Teams.

Application Process:

Send a resume and cover letter to: Hillary Pine at PineH@Michigan.gov by March 27, 2026. Applications will be screened, and selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview. Successful candidates will be required to submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment