Paid Internship – Curatorial Intern

Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, Iowa

Job Type: Full Time, Five Months

Start and End Date: January 2026 (Flexible) – May 2026

Hours: Average of 40 hours per week

Benefits include monthly stipend of $1,500, access to a car, and a rent-free, fully furnished house that includes utilities and internet.

 

 The Museum of Danish America seeks a full-time intern for the Curatorial Department to assist with the preservation of paper documents and panoramic photographs. Under the direction of the Registrar, the Curatorial Intern will be responsible for the following:

  • Preservation and rehousing of paper documents, panoramic photographs, and posters.
  •  Cataloging new acquisitions and updating records in our PastPerfect database.
  •  Packing the outgoing exhibit, Danish Ceramics: Beyond Blue and White, and assisting with incoming loans for the Vikingmania exhibit.
  •  Assist in the monthly Integrated Pest Management and Environmental checks.
  • Contribute to deaccessioning recommendations as appropriate.

The Collections Intern may also participate in other collection projects as time is available, including but not limited to:

  • Verifying inventory records for the textile collection, which numbers nearly 3000 pieces.
  •  Replacing the acid free tissue in textile collections boxes.
  • Cross-referencing PastPerfect records with Excel inventory lists and box contents to verify locations.
  •  Adding or updating additional information, photos, or condition notes for collections items.

The Curatorial Intern will also assist the Registrar and the Curator with setting up the next two exhibitions in the museum, one on curiosities in the museum collection and the other on a modern Viking exhibition in early spring of 2026. There will be opportunities to get hands-on experience with exhibit teardown and setup. Along with this, there will also be opportunities for research, writing, and publication related to their work in the collection.

All interns are also involved in Collections Review Committee and Exhibitions Committee meetings, outreach activities (on and off site), and behind-the-scenes tours to other museums for professional development and networking opportunities.

Responsibilities:

  • Catalogue and inventory collections in PastPerfect
  •  Aid in loan management
  •  Assist with ongoing pest management and preventative conservation work
  • Alongside the curator and registrar, install exhibitions in gallery spaces
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, with preference given to a Master’s degree, in Museum Studies or a related field
  •  Experience in collections management and curation preferred;
  • Experience with paper documents and photographs is preferred, but not required;
  • Excellent writing, project management, attention to detail, interpersonal and team building skills are essential;
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position including standing for long period of time and lifting heavy objects;
  • Strong computer skills required for research and administrative skills and experience in PastPerfect is helpful.

Applications will be accepted through October 20th, 2025. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and two references via email to David Anderson, Registrar: [email protected]. Questions are welcome.

The Museum of Danish America is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.