About
Interpretation, Collections, and Education
Collections and Registration Intern Job Description
Mission Statement:
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, honors and preserves the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We chronicle the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights. We educate and serve as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change.
History:
Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. In 2002 the museum opened an $11 million expansion, The Legacy Building, which addresses the assassination investigation and the legacy of the civil rights movement. In 2013 and 2014, the museum underwent a $27.5 million renovation which added more than 40 new films, oral histories and interactive media to the site’s already robust galleries. The museum is among the top 5% of institutions to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and one of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience worldwide. Through interactive exhibits, historic collections, dynamic speakers and special events, the museum offers visitors a chance to walk through history and learn more about a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Individuals who intern at the National Civil Rights Museum have a unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience at an award-winning institution.
Time Commitment:
· Academic year internships are 10-20 hours per week
· Summer internships are 30-40 hours per week
· Alternative arrangements can be discussed with the specific department but are subject to that department’s approval.
Reporting:
The Collections and Registration intern reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar.
Compensation:
· Students may receive course credit or be paid hourly, but not both
· Undergraduate students are paid $12/hour
· Graduate students are paid $15/hour
Roles of the Collections and Registration Department:
· Support the management and care of the permanent collection, education collection, institutional archives, and staff resource library.
· Gain practical, hands-on experience working directly with museum artifacts while learning about the day-to-day operations of managing museum collections.
Scope:
· Data entry of new acquisitions including cataloging, condition reporting, object handling, inventory, and research
· Photographing objects in the collection for internal use
· Assist with installation/deinstallation of exhibitions and maintenance of collections storage and records
· Conduct weekly exhibition check reports for permanent and temporary exhibitions
· Conduct data entry in the collections management database, Past Perfect
· Attend organizational events, such as staff meetings to gain a broader understanding of the workplace and its initiatives
· Various collections-related projects as assigned
Qualifications:
Candidates must be able to complete tasks independently, must be reliable and punctual and capable of functioning in a multi-task environment. Must be able to take direction and follow instructions and complete tasks on deadline. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The acceptable candidate must adhere to the rules and regulations governing all employees, interns, and volunteers of the National Civil Rights Museum.
Candidates should have a strong interest and/or higher education studies in museum studies, public history, history, art history, or related disciplines. Multi-tasking, scheduling, and deadline efficiency are highly important. Must have strong Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, web, and computer skills. Must possess excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented and neat, and the ability to work both as an individual and as part of a team.
Required Skills:
· Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position equipment weighing up to 45 pounds
· Knowledge of material culture and accepted standards and practices for storage and handling of objects
Desired but Optional:
· Basic knowledge of, and experience with, current practices and innovations in museum collections management.
· Experience with collection management databases.
· Previous education and knowledge of Civil Rights and Human Rights history.
· Photography