Public Programs Ten Years, Ten Objects, Ten Stories Programming Internship

NOTE: Applications submitted through Handshake will NOT be considered.

Desired Majors and Areas of Study: Museum Studies, History, Education, African American Studies

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Public Programs Department creates educational public programs (theatrical and musical performances, author talks, dance, films, book-signings, workshops, etc.) in support of our exhibitions. Many of our public programs highlight NMAAHC’s stories and collections. 

The Public Programs Ten Years, Ten Objects, Ten Stories Programming Intern will support the creation and delivery of engaging, and mission-driven public programs at NMAAHC. This internship provides practical experience in cultural programming, public engagement, and museum education. Working closely with Program Producer, the intern will learn by supporting the development of programing that celebrates the NMAAHC’s 10th anniversary (September 2026–August 2027). The program will feature: 

• Five pre-recorded presentations, each highlighting two objects from What a Dream Can Do: Building the Collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture 
• A virtual and in-person audience engagement activity inviting visitors to select their favorite objects 
• A dedicated microsite to host these components 

By the end of the internship, the intern will, in collaboration with the program producer, be able to: 

• Design a template that can be adapted for all five virtual discussions
• Fully develop one panel discussion
• Create and pilot an audience engagement activity about favorite objects
• Conduct historical research using primary and secondary sources to support the development of the 10th Anniversary Celebration 
• Design a plan for an engaging virtual panel discussion that includes stories, historical narrative, and museum objects.  
• Develop an activity that will allow visitors to easily identify and share their favorite object on display.  
• Communicate effectively with a variety of departments in the Museum, including Curatorial, Collections, Public Affairs and Visitor Services.

Excellent research skills are preferred for this internship.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct background research on how museums present object-based programming and utilize microsites to support virtual engagement
• Use research findings to develop an outline/template for object-based programming and create a template for a complementary microsite. 
• Collaborate with the museum’s media archivist to identify relevant film clips 
• Summarize media content and compile list of media assets to enrich the 10 Objects programming initiative
• Participate in departmental and team meetings. Select and interview two to three museum staff members to learn about their work
• Work with Intern Supervisor, Office of Public Affairs, and Office of Visitor Services to brainstorm and pilot an interactive activity that invites visitors to choose their favorite object. Develop a method for capturing and sharing these selections