Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Under direct supervision, interns learn curatorial procedures, policies, and processes to perform the following:

• Assist in the care, cleaning, and cataloging of the museum collection. • Perform general curatorial duties such as cleaning objects and exhibits. 
• Assist with accessioning, processing, cataloging, and digitizing items within the Beach Institute Museum collection. 
• Create finding aids for those collections. 
• Conduct artifact inventories, to include condition reporting, measuring, photographing, and labeling objects, and updating home locations. • Develop proficiency in using Past Perfect, the museum's collection management software, for artifact inventories and to update collections data. 
• Conduct condition assessments and undertake the conservation and preservation of objects and artifacts as directed. 
• Assist with research, special projects, archival organization, and other duties as assigned. 
• Maintain a cooperative and pleasant work relationship with fellow employees, volunteers, and guests of The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center. 

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. Recent graduate or currently enrolled in advanced training in museum studies, history, special collections, anthropology, or a related field, with a 2.5/4.0 GPA, is preferred. Pre-arranged course credit, if applicable, is the responsibility of any student and his or her institution of learning. 
• Demonstrated understanding of museum fields and related curatorial responsibilities and a genuine interest in gaining experience in museum methods and processes. 
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills

Email your resume and cover letter, with the subject line: Museum Internship, to: engage@beachinstitute.org. This is a non-paid academic internship.

Description: The Beach Institute is seeking junior and senior level college students to assist in the research and development of content for its Genealogical Research Support Center (GRSC). The GRSC will focus primarily on providing resources, including information and access to international databases, contacts and expert support and guidance to individuals (primarily African-Americans) seeking to trace genealogical roots. The Research Specialist will find and catalog available resources in an accessible database.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have strong interest or curiosity in genealogy. Requisite research skills consist of the ability to conduct logical online searches and the ability to confirm contact information. Organizational skill is astorng asset, as is the discipline to work somewhat independently and with consistency. Research Specialists are expected to devote at least 5-hours per week to the project. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

Benefits: Research Specialists interns will work closely with the Project Director, other Research Specialists and staff of the Beach Institute to produce a top-quality data and international network of genealogical resources in a collegiate environment conducive to the further development of professional and technical skills essential for future success. Interns will experience collaboration at a high-level, thereby developing an essential skill for 21st century success.

A small stipend to offset personal expenses related the the internship will be provided bi-monthly.

Please email your cover letter CV/resume to: alicia@beachinstitute.org with subject line: GRSC Research Specialist.