Diversity Internship Program description
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, receives grant funding to sponsor internship opportunities for people of color and diversity. This program is designed to introduce upper level undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds to careers in museums and related fields. The program represents a commitment to increase staff diversity in Pennsylvania's museums and cultural organizations.
Each intern will work closely with a staff mentor on a specific project or projects at the site of his or her internship, as well as learn about the broader functions of museums through programs offered by the host institution to all its interns.
Summer 2010 locations and disciplines
Diversity Internships may be offered for Summer 2010 at the following locations: PHMC facilities in Harrisburg or one of its field sites; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center; The African American Museum of Philadelphia, Independence Seaport Museum, August Wilson Center for African American Culture and the Atwater Kent Museum. Internships are offered in a variety of disciplines and professions, including archival practice, archaeology, architecture, collections care and management, cultural resource management, curatorial management, exhibition development, fundraising, historic preservation, historical research and programming, library science, marketing and public relations, museum studies, museum education, outreach, publishing, and visitor services. Please note, however, that placement in all of these fields is not available at all locations.
Hours, pay, and requirements
Interns will work for twelve weeks, from May 17 to August 6, 2010. All interns are expected to work five 7.5 hour days per week; some positions may involve evening and weekend work. Diversity Interns will be paid a $4,000 summer stipend. Applicants must be students in good standing during the spring 2010 semester and be planning to return to school for the fall 2010 semester. Preference will be given to students who are permanent residents of Pennsylvania and/or matriculating at Pennsylvania colleges or universities.
To assist you in selecting your areas of interest within the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, go to our Specific Internship Opportunities by Location page.
For further information about the other participating institutions, consult their websites:
To apply
Submit a copy of the following by January 22, 2010:
1. Diversity Internship Application Form (Microsoft Word, 48 KB)
2. An essay of no more than one thousand words, addressing the following five points:
- why you wish to participate in the Diversity Internship Program;
- the particular fields within museum studies or public history and/or the museum program area/s that are of most interest to you;
- the City where you are interested in serving your internship; and if with the PHMC, which location (you may identify more than one)
- how a Diversity Internship will enhance your academic program and advance your career goals; and
- the background and experience, both academic and practical, you can bring to an internship.
3. Copy of your most recent transcript. You do not need to submit official transcripts
4. A current resume.
In addition, please request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can assess your background, skills, and capabilities. The letter should be sent to the Internship Coordinator separately from your application.
Email all application materials to ra-phmcinterns@state.pa.us or mail to the address below:
Diversity Internship Program
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
300 North Street
Harrisburg , PA 17120-0024
The application deadline is January 22, 2010.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by appropriate staff at partnering institutions and top candidates will be interviewed either in person or by telephone. Final decisions will be made by late March. Primary criteria for selection are the overall quality of the application (as judged by the application essay, the letter of recommendation, and the applicant's academic record); the candidate's interview; congruence between the goals of the internship program and the applicant's educational and professional goals; and the fit between the applicant's interests, skills, and prior experiences and the interests and needs of the museum where the application wishes to serve his/her internship.
Questions on this or any other PHMC supported Internship Program may be directed to:
ra-phmcinterns@state.pa.us
