Internship Position Description

Updated April 22, 2026

Title: John R. Nelson Collections Intern (BHMVA) (Summer 2026)

Division: Collections, Exhibitions & Research

Reports to: Sr. Director of Collections Management

Position Status: Part-time; Non-Exempt

Duration: May 2026 – September 2026; Maximum of 150 hours

Hourly rate: $13.00/hour

Whether igniting a passion for the study of the past, empowering an interest in civic engagement, or providing an introduction to the Commonwealth, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers meaningful experiences for all. Whatever the role, your work here helps bring Virginia's story-past, present, and future-to life.

If you are curious, creative, and passionate about preserving and sharing Virginia history, your next chapter starts now!

Position or Project Summary:

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) seeks a candidate for the position of John R. Nelson Collections Intern, who has an authentic interest in the mission and work of the VMHC. This internship is part of an ongoing collaboration and partnership with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) to assist in the cataloging of their collection. During this internship, the student will work with VMHC Collections Management staff to expand their experience to fully process museum collections, conduct collections research and process photography associated with the BHMVA project.

The student selected for this internship will receive training on all aspects of collections handling, processing and storage procedures for museum collections, processes to retrieve, return and document object movement, and organization of museum paperwork and object files which is an important component to fully researching the BHMVA collections. The Intern will also conduct object rile research to improve basic catalog records as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review, update and research existing BHMVA records
• Permanently number catalogued collections
• Collections management of unprocessed collections to include rehousing and photography
• Process digital images and add public images to database records
• Oversee the movement of collections between the BHMVA and VMHC for photography
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary:

• Knowledge of material culture and accepted standards and practices for storage and handling of objects
• Familiarity with collection management database systems; knowledge of ARGUS collections management database preferred
• Well-organized, methodical, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties
• Accuracy and attention to detail

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Current student pursuing an undergraduate degree in History, Museum Studies, Art History, or Public History
• Previous museum training and/or internship experience a plus

Notes & Special Requirements:

• Preferred candidate will work 4-16 hours per week on Wednesday, Friday and occasionally on Tuesday
• Maximum length of internship is 150 hours
• Work locations: BHMVA and VMHC

Application:

• If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to https://virginiahistory.isolvedhire.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internship.

Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the VMHC, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.