Navy Museum: Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

Internships at The U.S. Navy Museum

The Museum tells the history of the United States Navy through a series of chronological and thematic exhibits. Currently, the staff is producing exhibits on the Cold War. About 150,000 people visit the Museum each year. Visitor interaction is encouraged throughout the Museum. Temporary exhibitions deal with a range of American naval themes. The Naval History & Heritage Command has a rich collection of documents, books, photographs, and artifacts as well as specialists in naval history who can be consulted by the Museum staff. Internships are available in four specialties at The U.S. Navy Museum:

CURATOR: An intern with a history or art history major would be closely involved with exhibition or publication programs, reinforcing learned research and writing techniques, as well as providing work experience in a museum environment. English, French, anthropology, political science, American studies, and international relations majors have also interned in the Curator section. The intern is supervised by the U.S. Navy Museum Curator who assigns tasks that might include research and development of an exhibition script, catalogs or brochures. Projects involve research in the photographic, art, and artifacts collections of the Command. The intern is expected to have excellent research skills, the ability to write clearly and concisely and to work independently. A prior knowledge of American naval history is not essential, but it would be an important asset in candidate selection.

HISTORIAN: The historical internship program provides benefits for both the Museum and the participant. The ability to pursue the exhibition and publication schedule more quickly and to add new projects enhances the Museum's visibility. The intern learns the dynamics of successful teamwork and reinforces habits of self discipline. Research for the Museum further develops the historical skills of persistence, accuracy, and critical analysis. Writing for the Museum audience teaches an intern how to communicate complicated historical themes to the general public. The opportunity to work in a museum allows the intern to determine whether that career holds any attraction. It also improves the possibilities of acceptance into museum studies programs.

Education intern shows visitors objects from sailor's box EDUCATION: An internship with the Education Department is open to students with backgrounds in education, history, or art history. The intern works both independently and with the Director of Education to conceive, develop, or implement education programs directly related to the Museum's collection. Education programs may be developed for elementary and secondary school students, special education students, senior citizens, and the "casual" visitor. School programs are geared to the curriculum. Or, interns may work directly with visitors, such as interpreting hands-on materials like the intern pictured to the right. This internship provides an opportunity for a student to apply education and history skills to interpret artifacts in a museum setting and allows students to explore the museum field as a career choice. The intern should have a knowledge of age-group characteristics, skill levels, and age-appropriate activities. He or she should also possess strong research skills. A background in American history or American Studies is preferable, but not required.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: An internship is also available in the field of public relations. The intern should possess strong communication and writing skills and be familiar with the different kinds of media. One of the Museum's objectives is to increase the community's awareness of the Museum and its programs. An expanded and well developed public relations effort is an integral part of fulfilling that objective. The intern may write press releases and public service announcements and develop mailing lists. He or she would develop and implement strategies appropriate to increasing the visibility of The U.S. Navy Museum locally and nationally. The intern is supervised by the Director of Education but is expected to work independently. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to explore the field of public relations while providing The U.S. Navy Museum with new avenues of publicity.

DESIGN: The design intern will assist in all phases of mounting major exhibitions that are the responsibility of the Design Department. These responsibilities may include model-making, preparing shop drawings, typesetting, graphic photography, photo silk-screening, and mounting photographs. The intern may also assist in preparing the artifacts for installation. It is also possible for interns to select a project related to the needs of the Museum, the intern's abilities and interests, and the length of the internship. The intern works with the Curator or project director responsible for the exhibition, publication or event, but under the supervision of the head of the Design Department. A graphics project might involve developing a design solution and preparing camera-ready art for a small museum publication or a series of graphic materials for an upcoming exhibition or event. The project might also involve the design of a small installation in the Museum. The intern would take this project from concept stage through working drawings to installation.

Volunteer Docent Program

Docent and visitors The U.S. Navy Museum offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in conducting tours and leading special programs for elementary and secondary school students and adult groups. As docents, they provide the link between the community and the Museum. This program is an excellent volunteer opportunity for senior citizens, retired workers, stay-at-home mothers and fathers, students and part-time employees. An interest and enthusiasm for history and working with the public are recommended.

Prospective docents participate in an intensive training program that includes sessions in naval history and museum interpretation techniques. Through this program they learn to interpret the Navy's rich collection of artifacts and fine art in a lively and informative manner.

To learn more about The U.S. Navy Museum's Docent Program, call the U.S. Navy Museum's Education Office at 202-433-4995.