Curatorial Associate

Front-facing view of the Benjamin Franklin Memorial statue

 

The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the crucial role science plays in our lives.

At The Franklin Institute, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as it is dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find the Institute offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Position Description

The Franklin Institute holds one of the largest collections of Wright Brothers objects and drawings, which are considered national treasures.  Of key significance are the original records of their 1901 tests which led to the first, successful, heavier-than-air, powered flight transforming the future of aeronautics. The 200+ unique and hand-constructed 3-dimensional Wright brothers’ artifacts in this collection are the focus of this internship project.  

Project Goal: The project goal is to produce comprehensive and accurate documentation of the Wright Brothers Collection in line with best practices in the museum field. The documentation will improve staff and research access through intellectual control of the collection, and the resulting content may be used in interactive kiosks in the museum’s exhibition and/or on the museum’s website.  

The Curatorial Associate will: 

  • Access artifacts in secure storage and artifact handling
  • Complete condition reporting including describing, measuring, photo documentation, etc.
  • Rehouse artifacts including packaging and space planning
  • Inventorying
  • Creating complete records in the museum’s collection database

 
Position Requirements 

  • College student in a museum studies or related field
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft suite, especially Excel
     

Status 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 5pm

 

To apply, please visit our Career CenterWe look forward to hearing from you!

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role.  If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Franklin Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Photograph of the inside of Franklin Hall, showing part of the large marble statue of Benjamin Franklin.

As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, and as an anchor of the local economy.

Our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Philosophy