Public Programs Intern

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding about the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages the public about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Position Description

The National Building Museum’s Public Programs bring to life stories, perspectives, and voices shaping the world we design and build. Through workshops, lectures, symposia, walking tours, and more, we aim to empower the public. Engaging designers, engineers, builders, and scholars, our programs inspire new ways of seeing the world. The Museum's programs amplify bold and inclusive conversations exploring the significance and impact of the built environment on our lives and communities. 

This 3-month internship (September-November) will support research and production for programs currently in development. The intern will focus on supporting an Oral History project documenting the diverse voices that contribute to the built environment, as well as researching the Visible Vault Open Storage Collection to develop interactive programs. 

Ideal working days are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday on-site.

Oral Histories Project 

The National Building Museum seeks to engage wider voices in exploring the powerful connections between the built environment and human experience. The museum is documenting practitioner oral histories, to amplify more nuanced perspectives of those shaping the built environment.  

The Intern will work on editing interview transcriptions and supporting the video editing team with content review.  

Visible Vault

Last year, the museum opened our permanent collections storage to the public through an open storage project called Visible Vault. It is the only collection solely dedicated to the built environment and helps us show the inspiration and process behind structures. The museum is thrilled to share the collection more widely.  

The Intern will support research on the collection to develop interactive and engaging workshops for visitors to have hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging audiences to engage with architecture, construction, and the building trades.

• Currently pursuing a degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Museum Studies, History, Architecture, or other related fields.  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Computer skills: Microsoft suite required. 

• Previous experience in oral history documentation is a plus. 

• Enthusiasm for public education. 

• A sense of curiosity and a collaborative spirit.  

• Enthusiasm for the mission of the National Building Museum. 

What We Offer

Interns are eligible for the following benefits:

• Sick and Safe leave.
• 403 (b) plan with match.
• Museum Shop discounts.
• Free on-site parking when available.
• Enrollment in pre-tax deduction for commuter benefit.

The National Building Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, or any other category protected by law. The policy applies to all aspects of employment with NBM, including but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.