Collections Management Intern chez The Henry Ford

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates* who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Winter 2026, internships will last 15 weeks, projected to begin on January 26th and conclude on May 8th.

*Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later. 

How will we work together?  

The Collections Management Intern can expect to do work in campus storage areas. Based on specific project needs, you and the team will work on-site at The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI. This internship opportunity will be led by the Chief Collections Manager at The Henry Ford. 

As a Collections Management Intern, you will be responsible for the safe handling, movement, and tracking of collections artifacts on campus. This position will focus on a textile storage inventory using our collections management system (EMu). Under the direction of the supervisor, the intern will coordinate their work with other Collections Management Team members, and members of the Historical Resources Team to ensure timely completion of tasks. 

The Collections Management Intern will assist with data standardization in EMu, location updates, tagging, and collections problem solving. This is a unique opportunity to learn data entry standards for museum collections, storage techniques for textiles, as well as understand methods for the tracking, storage, and care of museum collections.  

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with the routine movement of artifacts as required for inventory. 
• Organizing and maintaining order of collections and historical materials in processing and storage areas.  
• Assisting with campus storage inventories, documentation, and research.   
• Data entry 
• Acting as a team player and providing expertise within the Collections Team and with other teams as appropriate.  

What should you have?  

To be successful, the Collections Management Intern should have an interest in museum collections as well as demonstrated commitment to material culture through academic, professional, or volunteer experience.    We do not require candidates to have a graduate degree. If this opportunity aligns with your interests and professional goals, we want to hear from you!  

You will need:   

• Attention to detail 
• Ability to collaborate    
• Curiosity    
• Interest in data entry 
• Effective oral and written communication skills   
• Organizational skills     
• Experience working hands-on work with different materials (i.e. - metals, paper, textiles, etc.)   
• Physical capabilities to carefully lift and move objects (up to 30 lbs.)   
• Physical capabilities to climb up and down ladders (under 6 feet) to place objects  
• Maturity and composure to interact with historical artifacts and valuable objects  

  
Application Materials:   

• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment 

The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways.  

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week.  

Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our Winter 2026 orientation will occur on January 26th, 2026. 

Why work with THF?  

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.   

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can’t wait to meet you.  

Please note: International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.  

Funding for the 2026 Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation. 

The Henry Ford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.    

The Henry Ford prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer).