Museum Education Internship – Michigan Maritime Museum

Posted on 1/8/26

The Michigan Maritime Museum (MMM) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for an Education Internship running sometime between April and August 2026. This position will be paid a stipend to be determined by hours worked per week. The internship will provide an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience in developing and delivering quality educational programs and historical interpretation.

Commitment & Logistics

• Duration: Flexible, April – August 2026
• Location: On-site at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, MI
• Hours: Flexible, but 20 hours per week is desired.
• Availability: Some weekend availability is required.
• College Credit: Students seeking college credit must provide the appropriate paperwork to Museum staff in accordance with their school’s policy.

Internship Responsibilities & Focus

This internship is designed to provide a valuable, real-world experience in the museum field. The intern will:

• Work closely with a highly experienced museum professional who will serve as your mentor and supervisor.
• Gain hands-on experience in conducting and developing educational programs and materials.
• Enhance their skills in historical interpretation for diverse audiences.
• Grow their abilities in visitor services.
• Conclude their experience by completing and presenting an Internship Final Project in education or interpretation, guided by their own interests.

Specific activities will include:

• Learning to conduct and lead diverse programs and tours, including field trips, day camps, school outreach lessons, public programming, and serving as a docent.
• Helping visitors make personal connections with history by interpreting historic events for a wide range of ages and audiences.
• Creating original educational programming (e.g., weekend activities, camp activities, lessons).
• Assisting in revising and adapting educational lessons for different school grades and learning levels.
• Learning the basics of visitor service, including greeting and interacting with museum guests in a friendly and professional manner.

The intern's time will be divided as follows:

Educational Programming & Historical Interpretation: 60%

Visitor Services Experience: 20%

Working Special Events (e.g., fundraisers): 10%

Internship Final Project: 10%

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, OR a recent graduate with a BA/BS in a related field such as Museum Studies, Public History, or History.

Desired Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong collaborative abilities for working with staff and the public.
• Experience working with children and young people.
• Ability to manage people and projects in a creative and fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to create an atmosphere of teamwork and positive energy.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references via email to: Sara Schultz, Head of Education, education@mimaritime.org.