Costume Collection Intern
Background
Serving as the headquarters for the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland History Center shares the story of Northeast Ohio through items, documents and artifacts.
Through the use of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s extensive collections Cleveland History Center provides the public with a much-needed sense of place in today’s mobile society. Each document and artifact tells a story that personally engages individuals, young and old to make these stories come alive.
Journey through Cleveland’s history from 1796 to today, with the extensive collection and interactive exhibits at the Cleveland History Center. Ride on the restored Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, walk through two historic mansions, experience the evolution of the automobile in Cleveland and the world in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, and discover "why Cleveland."
Costume Collection Intern Overview
As a Costume Collection Intern, you will work closely with the Curator to assist in managing and exhibiting a diverse and extensive collection of over 40,000 costumes and textiles. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in curatorial processes, including preparation for an upcoming exhibition featuring renowned designers such as Nettie Rosenstein, Hattie Carnegie, Irene Zerner, and Pauline Trigre. This position promises a rewarding experience for those passionate about fashion history and museum work.
Responsibilities
The Costume Collection Intern will:
- Conduct garment and contextual research for the exhibition.
- Write interpretive content and didactic materials.
- Photograph objects for documentation and exhibition use.
- Participate in collections management tasks, including cataloging, rehousing, and inventory.
- Develop a research project culminating in a display proposal, which may be integrated into the upcoming exhibition or other museum areas.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
- A background in art history, fashion, or history is preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (or Google products).
- Willingness to learn new skills related to curatorial work, including but not limited to sewing, Photoshop, and Canva design.
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 16 – August 18
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: Monday to Friday (select Fridays), 9AM–5PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
How to Apply:
This internship is through the Studio Institute Arts Intern program.
You must first apply to Arts Intern to be eligible for this internship. Once your application has been approved, we will provide you with the next steps to apply for the Costume Collection Intern position at the Cleveland History Center.
Eligibility Criteria:
Please watch our information video below to ensure you are eligible to apply for Arts Intern.
Student Info Session- Arts Intern Summer 2025
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Arts Intern Summer 2025 - Cleveland, OH
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