Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Collections Internship

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a new world-class museum dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and teaching current generations about the need to fight hatred, indifference and genocide in today’s world.

The overall goal of the collection management internship is to gain an understanding and gather experience of collections management and registration practices within a museum environment. In addition, interns in collections management may learn proper object handling methods, re-housing and documentation of the collections through digital photography. Other projects may include research projects and work on updating the Museum’s collections and museum policies.

As a collections management intern, students will receive professional guidance and mentoring from the Illinois Holocaust Museum's Registrar. Interns will be trained on both the Museum’s paper and computerized collections management system.

About the Collection:

The Illinois Holocaust Museum’s scope of collection focuses on the events and experiences associated with the Holocaust and the Nazi occupation of Europe–between the years 1933 to 1945. In order to properly understand the associated events, pre-Holocaust and immediate post Holocaust time frames are also included in the scope of our collection. In addition, we accept materials related to Holocaust war crimes trials; testimonies about the Holocaust and its aftermath; materials regarding restitution efforts; contemporary documentation concerning Holocaust deniers; and both Holocaust commemoration and memorialization.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

Applicant must be highly sensitive to the necessity of confidentiality and absolutely accurate record keeping. S/he must be extremely detail-oriented, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, possess the ability to see projects through to completion, and be able to work well both with others and independently.

Physical demands include the ability to see and write or type; the ability to lift and carry moderately heavy objects; the ability to crouch, climb, balance, sit, and stand for long periods of time; and the ability to safely handle and transport artworks.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

Familiarity with database programs like Excel or museum collections database programs preferred. Ideally, candidates should have a basic knowledge of history, art history, and/ or an interest in museum studies. Some experience/knowledge of digital photography and/or previous office or museum experience a plus.

Students in this position will learn about:

See section on Role of Intern

Location where the student will be working:

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie IL 60077

Days/hours available for student interns to work:

Flexible; minimum of two/three full days per week (14-21 hours), normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)

Number of positions available:

1-3, depending on time of year

Internship is: UNPAID

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