Job Summary:

The Research Intern will support the Research, Exhibits & Collections (REC) team through a structured research project focused on building a verified and comprehensive database of Medal of Honor Recipients with connections to Texas.

Reporting to the Senior Historian, this role will contribute to the Foundation’s goal of becoming the trusted source of information on the Medal of Honor by conducting detailed research, validating historical data, and developing source-backed documentation. The intern will gain hands-on experience in a museum setting while contributing meaningful work that supports content development, donor engagement, and public inquiries.

Internship Time Frame: Ideal candidates would be interested in an internship for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026!

Hourly Pay and Perks: $15 per hour, complimentary admission for friends and family to the museum, exclusive in-museum employee discounts

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research to identify and verify Medal of Honor Recipients with connections to Texas.
• Collaborate with the REC team to define criteria and categories for what constitutes a “Texas Recipient,” including but not limited to birthplace, residency, and other affiliations.
• Develop and maintain a structured database of Recipients, including detailed source documentation to support all research findings.
• Identify, evaluate, and compile primary and secondary source materials, including archival and genealogical records.
• Ensure accuracy, organization, and integrity of all research data and supporting documentation.
• Support the development of a research framework and database structure that can be replicated for future projects.
• Prepare written content, including a 1,000-word article highlighting a selected Recipient for potential publication.
• Participate in regular check-ins with the Senior Historian to review progress, receive feedback, and adjust project scope as needed.
• Present final project findings, including research methodology, database structure, and key insights, to the REC team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams as needed to support research requests that inform exhibits, programming, and development initiatives.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion & follow policies related to research materials and organizational information.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong research and analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and document large amounts of information.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate sources and synthesize information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor and willingness to learn in a museum environment.

Education and Experience:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a graduate-level degree in history, museum studies, public history, library science, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting academic or historical research.
• Familiarity with archival research, genealogy research, or database management is preferred.
• Experience with research tools such as Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold3, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Strong interest in history, museums, and mission-driven work.

Additional Internship Details:

• This is a part-time internship providing approximately 16–24 hours per week, with flexibility based on academic program requirements.
• Posted for an internship for summer or fall 2026.
• This role requires in-office work and access to Foundation systems and research tools.
• The internship includes mentorship from the Senior Historian and exposure to the broader Research, Exhibits & Collections team.
• Candidates seeking to complete this internship for academic course credit are encouraged to apply and should be prepared to provide any program requirements or documentation for review and consideration.

The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Foundation’s leadership is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and access to facilities and programs.