Esther Gordy Edwards Internship at Motown Museum

Detroit, Michigan, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

06 Mar, 26

Salary

1000.0

Posted On

06 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Museum Studies, History, African American Studies, Art History, Communications, Research, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Detail-Oriented, Team Collaboration, Adobe Photoshop, Office 365

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

About the role Esther Gordy Edwards Curatorial Internship Spring 2026 | Motown Museum – Curatorial Department Location: On-Site, Detroit, Michigan Stipend: $1,000 (paid upon successful completion) Hours: 120 total hours over 8 weeks Internship The Motown Museum proudly announces the second year of the Esther Gordy Edwards Curatorial Internship, established in honor of our visionary founder, Esther Gordy Edwards. As Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice President of Motown Records, Mrs. Edwards played a pivotal role in shaping and preserving the Motown legacy. Her leadership ensured that Motown’s original headquarters—Hitsville U.S.A.—would be safeguarded and shared with the world. Today, artifacts from her personal collection, along with generous donations from Motown artists and alumni, help tell the story of one of America’s most influential cultural movements. To learn more about her extraordinary life and legacy, please visit our Collections page. Internship Overview The Motown Museum’s Curatorial Department invites a highly motivated undergraduate or graduate student to join our team for the Spring 2026 semester. This internship provides direct experience in museum research, exhibition development, and narrative interpretation for both physical and digital exhibitions. The Curatorial Intern will support the Associate Curator and Digital Media Curator in meeting project timelines and advancing curatorial initiatives. This role is ideal for students seeking real-world museum experience, professional mentorship, and deeper engagement with Motown’s cultural and historical significance. Interns will also receive guided mentorship from the Chief Executive Officer and Curatorial Staff, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Internship Requirements Completion of 120 hours over an eight-week period Two workdays per week, Monday through Friday (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) Students seeking academic credit must coordinate with their school advisor Interns requesting accommodations or support are encouraged to notify the Curatorial Department as early as possible Supervision The Curatorial Intern will report to the Associate Curator and Digital Media Curator, with additional oversight and mentorship from the Chief Executive Officer. Additional Information This internship description outlines the essential functions and responsibilities of the position. Duties may evolve based on departmental needs or project priorities. What you'll do Primary Responsibilities The Curatorial Intern will assist with: Exhibition and collections research Oral history sourcing and documentation Application of interpretive frameworks Outreach to Motown alumni Artifact and image sourcing Support during exhibition installations and deinstallations Narrative development and object interpretation General assistance with curatorial workflows and project administration Qualifications Applicants should meet the following requirements: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for Fall/Spring 2026 Studying Museum Studies, History, African American Studies, Art History, Communications, or a related field Strong written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated experience in academic or independent research Interest in Motown, music history, cultural heritage, or storytelling Ability to work independently and collaboratively Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills Able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment Proficiency in Office 365 Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop preferred

Responsibilities

The Curatorial Intern will assist with exhibition and collections research, oral history sourcing, and narrative development. They will also support exhibition installations and general curatorial workflows.