Summer 2026 Collections Intern (Paid)

Internship: Collections (Paid)

For application deadlines and internship dates please visit: Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum documents and interprets the history of country musica musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city the state and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums the Museum proudly combines subject expertise ambitious research and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music art and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs publications and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print a letterpress print shop opened in 1879 and it operates Historic RCA Studio B where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

Internship Program Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museums mission. The Museums internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.

The application process for prospective interns includes the submission of:

• An online application for the specific internship you are applying for via our internal hiring system
• A resume
• A one-page cover letter; it is recommended that your cover letter explain how your education and experience will contribute positively to this internship and how this internship relates to your academic pursuits and/or career goals

What We Offer Interns:

• The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelors degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a masters degree or higher
• Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
• Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
• Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
• Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print Historic RCA Studio B and the Museums galleries
• Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants
• Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music the Opry Ryman Auditorium and more!
• Fun friendly and supportive learning environment

Field Forward Stipend: Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship that supports students with demonstrated financial need and students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers. Field Forwards goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more including important deadlines please visit: Overview: The Museum Services department is responsible for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museums collections exhibitions and editorial direct support of the Museums mission statement we preserve and protect the Museums collections using best practices while incorporating emerging technologies to provide access to these collections and ensure the histories of our collections and the artists associated with them are recorded for the future and reported to the public accurately. Within Museum Services there are teams of registrars collections specialists librarians archivists exhibit managers curators and writers.

Collections Internship Overview: Collections internships are designed for a commitment of 12-18 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks depending on availability with consideration given to individual university requirements. The supervisor and intern will schedule internship hours during available working hours (Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT). Additional adjustments to this schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor.

The goal of this internship is to learn the necessary skills to provide exceptional care to artifact collections as well as the importance of proper collections care within a museum setting. The Collections intern will work closely with the team of registrars who focus on collections processing and will assist with organizing photographing and cataloging artifacts in the Museums collection including but not limited to awards clothing and accessories document collections and memorabilia. The intern will also learn and use collections and digital content management software providing qualitative improvements to collections information and improving its accessibility for prospective researchers. Additionally this work may also include research projects aimed at improving information found in these systems.

Prior to the start of this internship registrar staff will meet with the Collections intern to assess goals and further focus internship duties to include skills most applicable to the interns educational objectives as well as most beneficial to the collections needs at that time.

Specific Internship Duties:

• Create artifact inventories
• Photograph artifacts as needed
• Catalog artifacts using collections management software specifically PastPerfect
• Label pack and house artifacts according to museum standards
• Assist with collection software maintenance such as updating records and photographs
• Assist with interdepartmental projects as needed

Minimum Requirements:

• Working toward a masters degree or higher in public history museum studies history library and information science or another related field

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with PastPerfect or a similar collections management software
• Experience handling fragile and rare archival materials
• Basic knowledge of photography and photography equipment
• Basic knowledge of best practices in collections management policies such as labeling artifacts properly packing artifacts and inventorying collections
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize diverse materials and to identify subject matter of value
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently on projects as well as to collaborate with a team to achieve long-term goals
• Basic knowledge of country music history or willingness to learn

Conditions of Internship:

• Lift 25 lbs. or less
• Internship must be completed for course credit

Notes to Applicant:

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect communication and understanding while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills experience and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) national origin political affiliation gender identity sexual orientation disability genetic information or characteristics age membership in an employee organization military or veteran status or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification including federally mandated E-Verify processes as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: Experience:

Intern