What are the responsibilities and job description for the Museum Programs Intern position at The Henry Ford?
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) 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 Summer 2025, internships will last 12 weeks, projected to begin on May 27th and conclude on August 22nd.
*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 Museum Programs Intern can expect to work an onsite schedule at The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI. Your weekly work schedule will be 5 days each week, including at least one weekend day each week. For example, a standard weekly schedule could be Sunday-Thursday or could be Tuesday-Saturday.
The Museum Programs Intern will learn first-hand how guests engage with our exhibits and programs. Led by our Museum Programs Manager and working closely with our team, you will spend a few days each week as a presenter in the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, including in the forthcoming Our War Too exhibition.
The remainder of each week will consist of program planning, coordination, and implementation. We will rely on you to assist with special programming, as well as contribute to proactive planning for fall and winter programs. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to create your own program and pitch your ideas, with the possibility of your program being implemented in the future.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Delivering presentations and programs to the public, collaborating with other presenters as needed
- Contributing to the review and evaluation of department programs
- Supporting the Museum Programs team with maintaining relationships with external partners
- Participating in ideation of new programming
- Reviewing and adapting current materials and resources organization systems
What should you have?
The most successful candidates will have experience with the arts, museum studies, cultural studies, history, education, or other related areas.
You will need:
- Ability to collaborate well with others
- Dynamic public speaking skills
- Curious mindset
- Ability to take direction and receive feedback
- Ability to commute to The Henry Ford’s campus
Application Materials:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
The DEIA Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment
The DEIA 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.
Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our Summer 2025 orientation will occur on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at 8:30am
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 2025 Diversity and Inclusion 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).
