Museums are the caretakers of our cultural heritage, providing engaging exhibitions and programs that help tell stories of our past. Behind the scenes, an often-underappreciated group plays a crucial role in helping institutions fulfill these tasks: interns. 

These young, enthusiastic individuals bring fresh perspectives, energy, and creativity to the museum environment, making them invaluable assets to the institution. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of interns in museums and how their contributions shape the future of these cultural institutions.

1. Bridging the Generation Gap

Interns, often students or recent graduates, bridge the gap between generations in museums. Their youthful energy and innovative thinking inject a new life into the traditional museum setting. By embracing modern technologies and contemporary trends, interns help museums stay relevant and appealing to younger audiences, ensuring the institution's longevity.

(Featured Lombard Historical Society Interns Abby Remaine and Joe Noce) 

2. Diverse Perspectives and Inclusivity

Interns come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and academic disciplines. This diversity enriches the museum's perspectives, leading to a more inclusive representation of history and art. Interns challenge existing narratives and offer alternative viewpoints, encouraging museums to be more open-minded and accommodating to various interpretations of their collections.

3. Skill Development and Mentorship

Internships provide aspiring museum professionals with hands-on experience and a chance to develop essential skills in curation, conservation, education, and public outreach. Through mentorship programs, interns learn from seasoned professionals, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of museum work. This mentorship not only benefits the interns but also ensures the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the next generation of museum curators and educators.

4. Community Engagement

Interns play a pivotal role in community engagement initiatives. They often assist in organizing events, workshops, and educational programs that connect the museum with the local community. By fostering these relationships, museums become more accessible and inviting, breaking down barriers between the institution and the public. Interns contribute significantly to creating a sense of belonging and pride within the community.

5. Research and Innovation

Interns bring fresh perspectives to research projects within museums. Their curiosity and academic backgrounds enable them to explore new avenues of study, leading to innovative exhibitions and programs. Their contributions push the boundaries of traditional museum practices, encouraging museums to embrace experimentation and creativity.

6. Cost-Effective Labor

Museums often operate with limited budgets, and interns provide a cost-effective labor force. They can assist with various tasks, reducing the workload of permanent staff and allowing the museum to allocate its resources more efficiently.

7. Career Development:

Internships serve as a valuable steppingstone for aspiring museum professionals. Many former interns go on to build successful careers in the field, becoming curators, educators, conservators, or museum directors. Museums often provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help interns further their careers.

Lastly, interns are the lifeblood of museums and breathing innovation into our institutions. Their diverse perspectives, energy, and commitment to learning enrich museums, making them more engaging and accessible to the public. As museums continue to evolve in response to societal changes, interns will remain instrumental in shaping the future of these cultural institutions. It is essential to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of interns, as they play a vital role in preserving our past and inspiring future generations in the field.

Article By Alison Costanzo, IAM Board Member and Executive Director of the Lombard Historical Society.