Museum Textile Services internships provide the opportunity to observe and perform treatments while gaining hands-on experience with a variety of objects. Interns put into practice what they’ve read about in a real-world setting with actual clients. Read more about becoming a conservator to see if you are a good candidate.
Requirements
Interns must have excellent eye sight and hand sewing skills. Previous museum or conservation experience is preferred but not required. Applicants are normally professional adults, graduate students or pre-program students with a BA. All interns must commit to a minimum of one day a week for an initial 120 hours. Internships are unpaid. Credit may be available through your institution. Click here to download our Internship Guidelines and Internship FAQs.
Conservation Internsip: Summer 2025
Museum Textile Services, is seeking candidates for a paid summer internship. Funded jointly by University Products, Inc. and MTS, this internship consists of 100 hours of on-site conservation and project research.
The opportunity will provide a practical introduction to hands-on conservation treatment of historic textiles and clothing, as well as a research component. The ideal candidate will be a new or emerging museum professional with knowledge of textiles, collections care, and museum practices. This internship can be done part time or full time, during the months of June and July, 2025. A $2,000 stipend will be distributed to the successful candidate.
Our Andover studio is convenient to routes 495 and 93, and is easily accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Additional MTS Internships:
Three levels of intern certification are available:
Level 1
Core readings and treatments
3 types of textiles
20 hours of admin
120 total hours
LEVEL 2
Core readings and treatments
5 types of textiles
40 hours of admin
1 professional development credit
1 outreach credit
240 total hours
Level 3
Core readings and treatments
7 types of textiles
60 hours of admin
2 professional development credits
2 outreach credit
360 total hours
Intensive Sessions for Advanced Interns
Museum Textile Services can offer a more intensive experience for advanced candidates. MTS has a diverse study collection, and occasionally hosts conservators looking for a collaborative environment in which to pursue research and professional development. These intensive internships are focused, often in the areas of materials research or developing and executing novel treatments on individual pieces.
Requirements
Advanced interns must be in the process of earning their MA in conservation or allied field, or have already completed an advanced degree. Considerable advanced educational or professional experience will also be considered.
Advanced interns must commit to an intensive schedule over a short term. Internships may make use of the MTS study collection, or join an ongoing project. Please contact the Director to discuss your proposal and goals for an intensive internship.
Advanced internships come with a fuel stipend. Credit also may be available through your institution.