Simmons Graduate Internship Program,
The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Michigan
The Henry Ford’s Simmons Internship Program is designed for current graduate students pursuing careers in museums, historical agencies, conservation labs or related fields. This internship provides participants with a great opportunity to gain in-depth work experience in a major American history museum.
Each intern will work directly with a curator, registrar, educator, archivist, librarian or conservator who serves as a mentor. In addition to completing specific project assignments and giving a public presentation on the project results, Simmons interns are encouraged to participate in the larger life of the institution in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the varied aspects of museum work.
Stipend and Terms of Internship
Simmons interns are awarded stipends for the summer full-time internship. Projects typically begin at the end of the spring term, but starting and ending dates for individual internships are negotiable. The Simmons Internship Program is funded by the Vera W. and Walter E. Simmons Endowment Fund.
Intern projects for summer 2012:
Conservation Project
The Conservation Intern will work with a Senior Objects Conservator at The Henry Ford to examine, document, conserve and re-house a variety of composite artifacts. Objects including equestrian saddles, automobile design models, scientific patent models and an assortment of small historical artifacts will be prepared for digital photography and improved housing for storage. This is a 12 week full-time commitment. Must have good communication skills and thrive in an active, dynamic work environment. Storage areas may be dusty and contain some mold. Experience working on historical artifacts including organic materials and metals is preferable.
Education Project
The Education Intern will conduct comprehensive benchmarking research for best practices of existing teacher education models in museums. Of particular interest will be teacher programs that effectively and innovatively utilize museum collections onsite and online.
The intern will work collaboratively with The Henry Ford’s education team, teacher fellows and other museum staff to understand the institutional needs as well as learning priorities and education principles. He/she will conduct the research through a combination of online resources and phone interviews with other museums. The resulting Education Benchmarking report will provide relevant case studies augmented with other necessary information such as sustainable funding resources, staffing needs, and schedule feasibility. This is a 12 week full-time commitment. Excellent research, oral and written communication skills required. Prior experience with museum education programs a plus.
Deadline for Application is Monday, March 26, 2012 (emailed by 11:59 PM EST)
Please submit the following items via email, HistoryInternship@TheHenryFord.org
- A letter of application, which states how your graduate studies, work and/or volunteer experience and personal interests qualify you for the specific project
- A CV or résumé
- Two letters of recommendation regarding your qualifications for the internship must be submitted directly by the author of the recommendation
For Additional Information:
Via email
HistoryInternship@TheHenryFord.org
Or contact
Marilyn Zoidis, Chair, Simmons Internship Committee
Director, Historical Resources
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48124-5029
Clark Travel-to-Collections Research Grant Program
The Clark Travel-to-Collections program provides support for research using the automotive history collections of The Henry Ford. Donation of the Henry Austin Clark, Jr. Library in 1991 substantially increased these collections. Applications are welcomed from researchers who want to use the automotive history collections and plan to publish or publicly present the results of their research. Researchers may include automotive researchers, journalists, teachers, librarians, museum curators, archivists, and students. The grant covers a minimum two-week period up to a maximum of two months. The research may cover any area of automotive history, including design, manufacturing, marketing, corporate history, or labor relations. Research should be directed toward production of a specific product, such as an article, chapter of a book, lecture, film, etc. The program will award two travel grants annually.
Grant Amount and Terms of Grant
The Clark Travel-to-Collections Research Grant Program provides up to $1,200 to defray travel expenses for researchers coming to use the Henry Austin Clark, Jr. automotive history material. Recipients are to be in residence or at least travel to The Henry Ford on a regular and consistent basis. Recipients should be prepared to devote their full time to the research funded by the fellowship. Two fellowships will be awarded annually. View topics of past grant recipients.
Application Process
Applications require a statement describing the project, submission of a budget, a timeline for completion of the research, and two letters of support along with a curriculum vitae. Applications accepted annually by October 15 for research in the next calendar year.
Clark Travel-to-Collections Program
Kathy Steiner
Head of Access Services, Benson Ford Research Center
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd
Dearborn, MI 48124-5029
KathyS@thehenryford.org
The Clark Travel-to-Collections Grant Program is supported by the Henry Austin Clark, Jr. Endowment Fund.