Esther Gordy Edwards Internship

Motown Museum•Detroit, MI

32d•Onsite

About The Position

Esther Gordy Edwards Curatorial Internship Spring 2026 | Motown Museum – Curatorial Department Location: On-Site, Detroit, Michigan Stipend: $1,000 (paid upon successful completion) Hours: 120 total hours over 8 weeks Internship The Motown Museum proudly announces the second year of the Esther Gordy Edwards Curatorial Internship, established in honor of our visionary founder, Esther Gordy Edwards. As Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice President of Motown Records, Mrs. Edwards played a pivotal role in shaping and preserving the Motown legacy. Her leadership ensured that Motown’s original headquarters—Hitsville U.S.A.—would be safeguarded and shared with the world. Today, artifacts from her personal collection, along with generous donations from Motown artists and alumni, help tell the story of one of America’s most influential cultural movements. To learn more about her extraordinary life and legacy, please visit our Collections page. Internship Overview The Motown Museum’s Curatorial Department invites a highly motivated undergraduate or graduate student to join our team for the Spring 2026 semester. This internship provides direct experience in museum research, exhibition development, and narrative interpretation for both physical and digital exhibitions. The Curatorial Intern will support the Associate Curator and Digital Media Curator in meeting project timelines and advancing curatorial initiatives. This role is ideal for students seeking real-world museum experience, professional mentorship, and deeper engagement with Motown’s cultural and historical significance. Interns will also receive guided mentorship from the Chief Executive Officer and Curatorial Staff, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Internship Requirements Completion of 120 hours over an eight-week period Two workdays per week, Monday through Friday (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) Students seeking academic credit must coordinate with their school advisor Interns requesting accommodations or support are encouraged to notify the Curatorial Department as early as possible Supervision The Curatorial Intern will report to the Associate Curator and Digital Media Curator, with additional oversight and mentorship from the Chief Executive Officer. Additional Information This internship description outlines the essential functions and responsibilities of the position. Duties may evolve based on departmental needs or project priorities.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for Fall/Spring 2026
Studying Museum Studies, History, African American Studies, Art History, Communications, or a related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated experience in academic or independent research
Interest in Motown, music history, cultural heritage, or storytelling
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment
Proficiency in Office 365