Oliver Kelley Farm Costuming Intern

Department
Greater MN Sites
Supervisor
Program Supervisor
Hours
10-15/week
Location
Semester(s)
Spring 2025 (January - May)
Status
Paid

The intern in this position will assist in the process of maintaining historic clothing used in the Oliver Kelley Farm’s K12 and Daily Experience Programs. A successful candidate will have excellent hand-stitching skills and basic competence operating sewing machinery. Depending on interest and experience, there may also be opportunities to conduct historical research with access to museum libraries. At the culmination of the internship, the intern will have added at least two new complete garments to their costume portfolio. 

Ideal Degree(s)
  • Art/Art history
  • History
  • Museum studies
  • Theatre
Student Qualifications
  • Knowledge of/interest in historic or theatrical costuming
  • Interest in history and material culture 
  • Excellent sewing skills and the ability to read a sewing pattern
  • Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to take and keep accurate notes
  • Ability to travel to the Oliver Kelley Farm
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting
  • Reliable transportation, as some travel will be expected
Student Responsibilities
  • Work with your supervisor to set goals and co-create a work and learning plan that will support those goals
  • Conduct initial condition assessment
  • Assist in mending, inventory tracking, and supply ordering. 
  • Construct at least two complete garments, from initial measurements to fitting and finishing. 
Knowledge Intern is expected to gain

Experience repairing, caring for, and constructing historic garments. An understanding of the long term preservation and maintenance needs of a historic costume collection. An introduction to project management skills. Experience documenting the condition of program materials and working with databases. Assistance in assembling a design/project portfolio. 

Additional Requirements

Hand-stitching and/or work samples

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.