The intern will work closely with the Associate Curator, Decorative Arts to select one or two communities for focused research and will gain hands-on experience conducting scholarly and public-facing research. This research will support the development of a future installation at The Ballantine House, highlighting the experiences of Ironbound communities past and present. As part of a summer internship cohort, the intern also engages with museum professionals and peers through structured programming, including lunchtime sessions, staff meetings, and other museum programs.

 

Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will:

• Develop research skills in public history, community studies, and cultural analysis.
• Gain experience using a variety of resources, including print publications, archival materials, maps, and other online resources.
• Learn how research informs interpretive material, including thematic content, object and artwork selection, and interactive components.
• Understand the process of translating scholarly research into public-facing museum experiences.
• Build professional skills through collaboration with curatorial staff and participation in cohort-based programming.
• Contribute to the Museum’s commitment to a culture of inclusive excellence.

 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on the history, culture, and key figures of selected Ironbound communities in Newark, emphasizing Latinx, Portuguese, and Brazilian populations.
• Compile, organize, and summarize findings to inform the development of a future museum installation.
• Utilize a range of resources including secondary sources, archival materials, maps, online sources, and other relevant materials.
• Participate in departmental meetings and share progress and key insights.
• Present a summary of internship experience and project outcomes to museum leadership, including the Director/CEO, at the end of the internship.
• Support the Curatorial Department with additional curatorial-related tasks as needed.

 

Work Schedule & Duration: This internship is a part-time, hybrid onsite/remote position, required to work onsite two (2) days per week / may work remotely up to one (1) day per week. This position runs for ten (10) consecutive weeks, from June to August 2026.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes: 

• Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) required.
• Residency in the State of New Jersey required.
• Major or focus in public and/or social history, art history, museum studies, or other related fields preferred.
• Collections database interest or experience a plus.
• Research skills and experience preferred.
• Creative thinking and growth attitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Good presentation facilitation and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook).

 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Ability to remain in a stationary period for extended periods of time, move about, access, and operate computer equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• Ability to move throughout the Museum’s offices, galleries, facilities, and meeting spaces to engage with staff, trustees, and external partners.
• Ability to navigate accessible public and administrative areas of the Museum, including use of elevators.

 

Rate: $20/hourly

 

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The Newark Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer. Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we can only contact those candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the open positions.