Internships
Danish Interns:
Would you like to promote Denmark in the U.S.?
The Museum offers a hands-on learning environment, where interns work as part of a team and complete individual projects. Previous intern projects include translation, website management, exhibit design and installation, genealogy and library management, and updating collections records. The Museum also encourages Danish interns to explore American culture through museum visits, conference and museum events, meetings, etc. Danish interns will also share the housing provided by the Museum with American interns.
Application deadlines:
- Fall semester 2013: 1 May 2013
- Spring semester 2014: 1 November 2014
For more information, please contact Dr. John Mark Nielsen: director@danishmuseum.org
Danish Interns may also apply for the Bodtker Grant offered by The Danish American Heritage Society to help fund research projects. For more information, visit www.danishamericanheritagesociety.org
Internships are available within these fields:
• Exhibits and Collections
• Library and Genealogy
• Marketing and Development
Internships are designed around program needs, the interests of the individual interns, as well as ongoing museum projects.
Students enrolled in Danish library programs are especially encouraged to apply.
Requirements:
• BA level in History or a related field
• good knowledge of English
• excellent organizational and written communication skills
• attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• good interpersonal and computer skills (including MS Excel)
Optional, but desirable for library interns: the ability to read Gothic Danish print and manuscript materials.
The internships are open to students who are Danish citizens and currently enrolled in graduate programs at Danish universities or equivalent institutions.
Please note: applicants with driver’s license are preferred!
Click here for more information on the internships and Bodtker Grant .
American Interns:
The deadline for this internship has passed. Details of the 2014 position will be released in January 2014.
INVENTORY ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP
The Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, Iowa is conducting a full inventory, cataloging, and digitization of its collection of approximately 40,000 pieces. The Inventory Assistant will be responsible for completing the remaining artifacts housed in the two primary storage areas. Once the inventory is finished, all known information about the collection will be electronically accessible through the PastPerfect 5.0 database and searchable both in-house and via the Museum’s website under “View Our Collection.”
Position Description:
Stage One: Recording the artifact’s identification number and location. Condition reports are made and photos taken. Measurements and any other pertinent information such as maker’s marks, inscriptions, and design details are also recorded at this time.
Stage Two: Inputting data and photos into PastPerfect. Information from paper files for the corresponding artifacts will also be added to provide provenance.
Stage Three: Creating a master inventory list. Each artifact in the collections will be recorded on an Excel spreadsheet with its identification number and home location.
Stage Four: Recording the identification numbers of artifacts that should be considered for deaccessioning. Pieces that do not fit the mission of the Museum, have little provenance, are heavily deteriorated, or pose health or safety concerns will be evaluated throughout the project and recommended for deaccessioning.
In addition, interns are involved in Collections Review Committee meetings where the Museum considers new acquisitions and reviews pieces up for deaccessioning. Interns are also involved in Exhibitions Committee meetings, Museum outreach activities, and in behind-the-scenes tours to other museums for professional development and networking opportunities.
Position Details and Benefits:
Duration/Hours: One-year, 40 hours per week
Pay: $9.00 hourly
Benefits: Free fully-furnished house and free utilities (costs are covered by the Museum)
Start Date: June 1 or later (can be flexible depending upon availability of accepted candidate)
Position Requirements:
Masters degree or intended graduation from a Museum Studies program, though undergraduates and candidates with a degree in History or a related field may be considered; excellent writing skills; strong attention to detail; ability to handle large work loads and meet deadlines; ability to perform the physical requirements of the position including standing for long periods of time and lifting heavy objects; and ability to work well alone and in a group. Optional, but highly preferred: museum registration and/or inventory experience, and familiarity with PastPerfect software.
Application Deadline: Typically March with notification of selected candidate in April.
Application Details: Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Send hard copy of a letter of interest and resume to:
The Danish Immigrant Museum
Attn: Angela Stanford
2212 Washington Street
Elk Horn, IA 51531
Questions about the position may be directed to: registrar@danishmuseum.org
