Internship Programs
Site Information:
Higgins Armory Museum
100 Barber Avenue
Worcester, MA 01606
Phone: (508) 853-6015
Fax: (508) 852-7697
Website: www.higgins.org |
Contact person:
Tara Young
Director Education and Public Programs
Phone: (508) 853-6015, ext. 15
E-mail: higgins@higgins.org |
The Museum Internship
The Higgins Armory Museum is the only museum in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to the
interpretation of arms and armor from antiquity to circa 1800, with an emphasis on the European medieval
and Renaissance periods. Internships are available year-round in a variety of subject areas. Interns work closely
with the Museum staff person in their area of interest, who, in conjunction with the student’s academic
supervisor, oversees the progress of the internship and the completion of a distinct project. Internships are
designed for college students, advance high school juniors or seniors, or post-graduates.
Compensation
All internships are unpaid. There is no allowance for housing, travel, or other expenses. For interns
who are accepted to the program and choose to pursue funding through their schools, we are happy to submit
letters of support to the granting institution, if required.
Transportation and Accommodations
The Museum is most easily accessed by car and there is plenty of free parking; however, we are also accessible
by public transportation. The Higgins Armory Museum is located on a local bus route (www.therta.com) and just
a few minutes from a commuter rail T stop (www.mbta.com). Individuals relocating to Worcester for the duration
of their internships are responsible for finding their own housing in the area and must submit their housing plans
in writing to the Museum at least four weeks before the internship is scheduled to begin.
Internship Duration and Schedule
Schedules are arranged on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the needs of the individual student and
his or her supervisor. Generally work takes place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday,
with some occasional weekend hours available. Most students intern between 10 and 35 hours a week for a
period of 8 to 12 weeks. Generally, because of the amount of training involved, very short internships (such as
10 hours for a school project) cannot be accommodated.
Internship Opportunities
Conservation Internship: The Museum Conservator/Exhibits Preparator is responsible for the
physical care, maintenance, and protection of the collection and also installs exhibits. Conservation interns
assist the Conservator/Exhibits Preparator with ongoing functions and responsibilities. The internship provides
hands-on skills and experience in a variety of activities relating to artifact care, management, and display.
Curatorial Internship: A curatorial intern assists the curatorial department with ongoing work and
current departmental initiatives, while engageing in research and implementation of an independent project.
The internships are designed to provide participants with hands-on experience of a variety of curatorial functions,
as well as a tangible credential in the completion of a focused and meaningful project.
Marketing Internship: Marketing interns assist in the day-to-day operations of the office including
the formatting of the email newsletter (no HTML experience necessary), preparation of marketing materials
and media releases, analysis of audience surveys, database compilation and other projects as needed or
available. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Internet search engines, copy
writing ability and attention to detail are a must. Graphic design skills (using QuarkXPress) and photography
with a digital camera would be a plus.
Education and Public Programs Internship: Education interns work with the Interpreter staff to assist
with auditorium presentations, tours, workshops, visitor services, and the London Brass Rubbing Centre. In
addition, interns work independently on a project that fits with the Department’s needs and the student’s goals.
Past examples have included writing curriculum, researching and developing new programs, and assisting
with the development of the Museum’s audio tour.
Kids Quest Internship: Assist with the Kids Quest literacy program, a partnership between the Higgins
and the Worcester Public Library. Kids Quest meets at the Great Brook Valley library branch, the Greendale library branch,
and the main library downtown with the final week of each six-week session featuring a field trip to the Higgins.
The program supports the literacy skills of elementary school age children through a read aloud component and a
related activity around the theme of folklore and fairytales. An intern is needed to assist with the program for the spring
and/or the fall sessions. Additional hours will be required for lesson planning and preparation. Applicants should have experience
working with children and families. Specific experience with literacy and/or with teaching art is ideal.
Finance Office Internship: General office skills required; familiar with QuickBooks Pro, Excel, or other accounting software
a plus. Position will include data entry, analysis, reconsiliations and other entry level accounting duties as needed. Two days per
week, hours flexible. Minimum 4 hours per week.
How to Apply
Internship applications are accepted three times a year by the following deadlines:
- March 15 for summer internships (between May/June and August)
- September 1 for fall internships (between September and December
- December 15 for winter internships (between January and April)
Applications can be sent at any time, bu they will be held for consideration until the dates listed above.
To apply for an internship, please email the following materials to higgins@higgins.org
with “Internship Application” in the subject line:
- A letter of interest stating: why you want to intern at the Higgins; how a Higgins internship relates to your personal
and academic goals; relevant skills/experience. Please indicate which internship you’re interested in, and also estimate
your availability (both number of hours per week and number of weeks).
- A current resume.
- Names and contact information for three references.
This material will be reviewed by Museum staff on or just after the three review dates listed above. If your experience and
skills seem like a potential match for the Museum, you will be invited to come in for an interview. Because there is a high
volume of applications for the summer, we will arrange information sessions in March or April; applicants are strongly advised
to come to one of these information sessions, after which short interviews will be held.
Credit/Faculty Advisors
Higgins interns must either take the internship for credit through their schools or have a faculty advisor who montiors their internship
progress. The Higgins does not grant credit, but is happy to work with your school to fill out any required paperwork, meet with
advisors, or complete any other tasks that your school requires of an internship site.
Higgins Volunteers
If the above requirements do not work for you, you might consider becoming a Higgins volunteer rather than an intern. Volunteer
applications are evaluated on a rotating basis. The Museum and the volunteer work together to establish a schedule, which is
generally very flexible. See the volunteer section of our website for more information.
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