Internships are available year-round in a variety of subject areas. You'll work closely with the museum staff person in your area of interest, who, in conjunction with your academic supervisor, oversees your progress and the completion of a distinct project. Internships are designed for college students, advanced high school juniors or seniors, or post-graduates. Questions about our internship program should be directed to Devon Kurtz, Director of Education and Public Programs, (508) 853-6015 ext. 15 or higgins@higgins.org. Here are a few things you should know about our internship program.

Compensation

All internships are unpaid. There is no allowance for housing, travel, or other expenses. If you are accepted to the program and choose to pursue funding through your school, we're happy to submit letters of support to your institution, if required.

Transportation and accommodations

The museum is most easily accessed by car and there is plenty of free parking. We are also accessible by public transportation; we're on a local bus route and just a few minutes from a commuter rail T stop. You are responsible for finding your own housing in the area; you must submit your 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 case by case to accommodate your needs and those of your supervisor. Work generally takes place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend hours available. Most students intern between 10 and 35 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks. Because of the amount of training involved, very short internships (such as 10 hours for a school project) are not usually accommodated.  

Internship opportunities

Conservation internship

The museum conservator/exhibits-preparator is responsible for the physical care, maintenance, and protection of the collection, and 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 engaging in research and implementation of an independent project. The internships are designed to provide participants with hands-on experience in 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 with the email newsletter, photography, video, social media, preparation of marketing materials and media releases, analysis of audience surveys, and other projects as needed. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, social media applications and Internet search engines, copywriting ability, excellent English grammar skills and attention to detail are a must.

Education and public programs internship

Education interns work with the interpreter staff to assist with auditorium presentations, tours, workshops, and visitor services. 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.  

How to apply

Internship applications (except for Marketing) are accepted three times a year by the following deadlines:

• March 15 for summer internships (between May/June and August)
• September 15 for fall internships (between September and December)
• December 15 for winter internships (between January and April)

Applications can be sent at any time; they will be held for consideration until the dates listed above. Marketing internship applications are accepted and reviewed year round. 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 Higgins
  • how a Higgins internship relates to your personal and academic goals
  • relevant skills/experience
  • which internship you're interested in
  • estimated availability (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 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 and faculty advisors

You must either take the internship for credit through your school or have a faculty advisor who monitors your internship progress. The museum does not grant credit, but is happy to work with your school to fill out paperwork, meet with advisors, or complete other tasks your school requires of an internship site.

Higgins volunteers

If the above requirements do not work for you, you might consider becoming a volunteer rather than an intern. Volunteer applications are evaluated on a rotating basis. We work with volunteers to establish schedules, which are generally very flexible. See the volunteer section of our website for more information.