Medieval Textiles Curatorial Research Graduate Intern

32f45058-ce08-45f5-b35e-964951a170b1•Boston, MA

4h•$0 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The David and Roberta Logie Department of Fashion, Textiles, and Jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, holds a global collection of 55,000 artworks, spanning materials and objects from ancient textiles to contemporary garments and jewelry. The department develops exhibitions and gallery installations, conducts and publishes collections research, and supports students and scholars. As part of an initiative to evaluate the museum’s medieval holdings ahead of a permanent gallery reinstallation, the graduate intern will assist with the assessment of European medieval textiles and jewelry, particularly tapestries and other large-format objects. The intern will conduct original, object-focused research; update object records; assist with assessments of medieval European textiles; and participate in discussions of current topics in medieval art history. The department will work with the intern to identify career-relevant skills, potentially including developing a conference or publication abstract based on research in the collection. The internship provides hands-on collections experience and exposure to the day-to-day work of a curatorial department and its collaborations across the museum. The intern will participate in departmental meetings, receive training in the Museum System (TMS), and take part in the MFA’s Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course, including a three-minute final presentation. The internship runs January 22 through May 7, 2027. The intern must work onsite 20 hours per week, generally between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Attendance is required at orientation on January 22, specified Friday professional development sessions, a Meet the Leadership Team session (date to be announced), and final presentations on May 7. Compensation is $19.95 per hour, with a $90 monthly transportation subsidy. The internship includes paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.

Requirements

Be enrolled in a graduate program in history, art history, or a related field during the internship period.
Have a background in art history, material culture, medieval studies, and/or museum studies.
Demonstrate experience in original research and writing.
Have some previous office experience or related work experience.
Demonstrate attention to detail and reliability, with the ability to work independently.
Be able to work onsite 20 hours per week within Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. parameters from January 22 to May 7, 2027.
Be able to attend the required orientation and professional development sessions, including orientation on January 22, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with computer programs and databases.

Responsibilities

Conduct original research on the MFA’s European medieval textiles and jewelry, particularly tapestries and other large-format holdings.
Assist with assessing medieval European textiles and updating object records.
Participate in museum-wide conversations about medieval art and current topics in medieval art history.
Receive training in close-looking at textiles using an object-centered approach.
Receive training in TMS (the Museum System) for collections management.
Participate in departmental meetings to learn about curatorial department functions.
Assist with daily departmental and administrative activities.
Prepare and deliver a three-minute final synoptic presentation as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices course.
Attend the required orientation and professional development sessions.