Esther Gordy Edwards Internship

About Motown MuseumIn the 1960s, Hitsville U.S.A. was buzzing with activity. These modest buildings on Detroit's West Grand Boulevard housed dozens of the music industry's most talented, passionate and successful people. More than half a century later, the walls of Motown Museum continue to hold that entrepreneurial energy for its staff-and you could be part of our team. As a museum and cultural institution, we seek to hire talented and skilled individuals interested in careers, internships, and volunteers across a variety of functions-including staff for collections, programming, fund development, guest services, retail, management, and more. About the roleEsther Gordy Edwards Curatorial InternshipSpring 2026 | Motown Museum - Curatorial DepartmentLocation: On-Site, Detroit, MichiganStipend: $1,000 (paid upon successful completion)Hours: 120 total hours over 8 weeksInternshipThe 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 OverviewThe 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 RequirementsCompletion of 120 hours over an eight-week periodTwo workdays per week, Monday through Friday (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)Students seeking academic credit must coordinate with their school advisorInterns requesting accommodations or support are encouraged to notify the Curatorial Department as early as possibleSupervisionThe Curatorial Intern will report to the Associate Curator and Digital Media Curator, with additional oversight and mentorship from the Chief Executive Officer.Additional InformationThis internship description outlines the essential functions and responsibilities of the position. Duties may evolve based on departmental needs or project priorities.What you'll doPrimary ResponsibilitiesThe Curatorial Intern will assist with:Exhibition and collections researchOral history sourcing and documentationApplication of interpretive frameworksOutreach to Motown alumniArtifact and image sourcingSupport during exhibition installations and deinstallationsNarrative development and object interpretationGeneral assistance with curatorial workflows and project administrationQualificationsApplicants should meet the following requirements:Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for Fall/Spring 2026Studying Museum Studies, History, African American Studies, Art History, Communications, or a related fieldStrong written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated experience in academic or independent researchInterest in Motown, music history, cultural heritage, or storytellingAbility to work independently and collaborativelyDetail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skillsAble to adapt to a fast-paced work environmentProficiency in Office 365Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop preferred

Created: 2026-04-02