Classification: Internship (100% in person); non-exempt
Reports to: Collections & Exhibitions Manager
Salary: $18-$20 per hour, depending on experience
Job Summary: The Exhibitions Intern plays an integral role in helping to research, organize, and prepare items from the Doris Duke Fashion Collection for a 2027 exhibition that will focus on making and makers, as well as highlighting similar themes for the Newport Furniture Galleries of Art, Design, & Craft. The intern’s work will help NRF engagement staff to shape the exhibition content and related programming. This is a project-based position, with up to 20 hours per week (depending on the scheduling needs of the candidates and NRF) for a period of 10 weeks.
Specific Responsibilities:
The Fashion Exhibition Intern will work with the Collections Department and under the guidance of the Collections & Exhibitions Manager and regularly meet with the Director of Engagement. It is anticipated that the intern will be on site for the majority of the internship, with understanding that some time may be spent off-site to conduct research.
- Survey of Doris Duke fashion collection for items relevant to the 2027 exhibition on making and makers including couture items, custom clothing, and ready to wear. Doris Duke’s fashion collections contains over 2000 items of clothing, accessories, and related items spanning from 1928 to early 1990s
- Create an object checklist for review by Collections Staff for fashion exhibition and textiles for Newport Furniture Galleries
- Research into individual items or groups of items and how they relate to exhibition theme including assistance in writing exhibition text labels
- Contribute content (including participating in video content) to be shared across NRF communications platforms
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree; graduate degree (or working towards a graduate degree) in a relevant field (history, art history, fashion merchandising, cultural heritage, preservation, museum studies, conservation, etc.)
- Coursework in fashion history, textile conservation, museum studies, cultural studies, or similar including awareness of clothing construction techniques and methods throughout 20th century, understanding sewing techniques, needlework, and related crafts
- Experience with mending/clothing repair, or clothing conservation highly desirable
- Detail-oriented, organized, and has the demonstrated ability to work independently
- Excellent communications skills; can communicate effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences (colleagues and other stakeholders)
- A team player who is capable of collaborating across NRF departments
The job description is meant to outline the role, but not define potential candidates. If you do not meet all the qualifications, but are enthusiastic about the work of NRF and this position, please apply!
Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter, résumé, and two references to kristen@newportrestoration.org. EOE. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with an anticipated closing date of March 27, 2026.
