Collections Management Intern- Cataloging

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM•Washington, DC

9d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future. Position Description The National Building Museum is currently seeking a graduate-level intern to assist in cataloging new accessions to the permanent collection. The intern will perform cataloging, digitization, and rehousing tasks related to items acquired by the Museum in recent years, including but not limited to photographs, architectural drawings, 3D models, architectural tools, architectural fragments, and architectural toys. Cataloging these items may include provenance research and processing of accession documentation. The intern will be assigned a series of accessions to catalog throughout the semester and will work with the Collections Manager to determine which items best fit their interests, background, and desired skillset for the internship. The Museum's 2026 summer internships are made possible thanks to the support of the Jenrette Foundation. Interns will be invited to participate in Jenrette Foundation "enhancement" events throughout the summer.

Requirements

Candidates must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate program.
Previous experience with museum collections preferred.
Knowledge of proper archival and collections management techniques.
Self-starter that can work independently.
Be creative and a problem solver.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Interns must be available to work onsite 2-3 days each week totaling 240 hours over the internship term.
Hours of position are very flexible but must occur Monday – Thursday; between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
The position will start the week of May 25, 2026, with a mandatory orientation day the first week, based on intern cohort and staff availability.
The internship will conclude the week of August 17, 2026.
Interns will be paid $20 per hour for their work on this project including orientation, Jenrette Foundation events, and any required training.
The Museum will also work with the intern’s graduate program to ensure they receive academic credit for their work, if necessary.

Responsibilities

Undergo training in cataloging and data standards, object handling, digitization, and box-making and rehousing.
Collaborate with Collections Manager to organize, catalogue, and digitize new acquisitions.
Enter data into excel spreadsheets for bulk upload into the Museum’s collections management database and collections website.
Digitize collections using flatbed scanner, lightboard, and digital camera.
Perform provenance research and assess acquisition documentation as needed.
Develop independent skills in object assessment, rehousing methods, and object labelling.
Attend Jenrette Foundation "enhancement" events, when invited.
Participate in interviews and features on National Building Museum and Jenrette Foundation social media, as requested.
Assist with exhibition installation and deinstallation, as needed.
Other duties as assigned.