Decorative Arts of the Gulf South Graduate Internship
Learn about internship opportunities with Decorative Arts of the Gulf South (DAGS), HNOC’s ongoing research project dedicated to the material culture of the Gulf South.
Who: Graduate students and young professionals
When: Summer (June to July)
Where: Onsite at HNOC
Summary
The Decorative Arts of the Gulf South (DAGS) Graduate Internship provides advanced training inthe examination and interpretation of decorative arts objects as sources of historical knowledge. Working alongside staff curators, interns document historic objects and explore how objects reveal the social, economic, cultural, and artistic histories of the Gulf South through research-driven approaches to provenance, craftsmanship, use, and meaning. The program engages interns in curatorial inquiry that connects objects with the individuals, communities, and historical contexts that shaped their creation and circulation, while advancing the interpretation and accessibility of decorative arts within museum practice.
Expectations
Interns will:
- Apply methodologies in material culture studies to analyze objects, their makers, users, functions, and meanings within broader historical narratives.
- Develop curatorial research skills through the investigation, documentation, interpretation, and contextualization of decorative arts objects.
- Engage in field-based research experiences that strengthen understanding of historic sites, architectural environments, craft traditions, and regional material practices.
- Evaluate primary and secondary sources to support object interpretation, provenance research, and the development of museum narratives.
Eligibility
DAGS Graduate Internshipsare open to graduate students actively enrolled at a US college or university and pursuing a master’s degree. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of nine (9) credit hours of graduate-level coursework in their respective program by the time they submit their application in Spring 2027.
While applicants may come from a variety of academic backgrounds, students pursuing degrees in museum studies, art history, history, material culture, cultural heritage, conservation science, or related fields are especially encouraged.
Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
The DAGS Graduate Internship is offered annually during the Historic New Orleans Collection’s summer internship season, which takes place in June and July.
Yes, this is an on-site internship. Interns are expected to report in person to the Historic New Orleans Collection’s French Quarter campus throughout the duration of the program.
Two interns are selected for each annual cohort.
Eligible applicants are graduate students actively enrolled in an accredited academic program leading to a master’s degree.
Yes. Applications are accepted from graduate students attending accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States and US territories.
No. This internship isopen only to graduate-level students pursuing a master’s degree.
While applicants may come from a variety of academic backgrounds, students pursuing degrees in museum studies, art history, history, material culture, cultural heritage, conservation science, or related fields are especially encouraged.
No. At this time, the DAGS Graduate Internship does not accept applications from international students.
Interns are primarily assigned to the curatorial department. They will also have opportunities to work collaboratively with staff in the collections department and the Williams Research Center.
Yes. Housing accommodations are provided at no cost for interns who reside outside the New Orleans metropolitan area or beyond a reasonable commuting distance.
Yes. The DAGS Graduate Internship is a paid internship.
Fieldwork is a core component of the internship and involves hands-on research conducted outside the museum. Working alongside project leads, interns will examine, document, and catalog historic decorative arts objects in private homes, historic sites, museums, and local communities. Interns will participate in fieldwork throughout the internship. Transportation and lodging required for fieldwork are provided at no cost to the intern.
Applications for the next cohort are scheduled to open on February 1, 2027.
Decorative Arts of the Gulf South
HNOC’s ongoing research project dedicated to the material culture of the Gulf South
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Internships
Explore paid opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in museum studies and archival research.
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