Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is one of Washington, DC’s most distinctive cultural destinations, home to one of the most significant collections of Russian imperial art outside of Russia and the decorative arts legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Our 25-acre estate brings together a world-class museum, stunning formal gardens, and a commitment to welcoming and engaging diverse audiences.

About the Role

Hillwood’s Interpretation Department is seeking a detail-oriented and curious intern to lead several visitor studies focused on the general visitor experience. This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute meaningfully to how Hillwood understands and serves its audiences — with real research, real data, and real impact.

The intern will design and carry out research on Hillwood’s audio tour and printed visitor guide, analyze findings, and develop recommendations. This role is ideal for someone interested in museum studies, audience research, communications, or public history who wants practical, project-based experience in a working museum environment.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement visitor studies — including interviews, surveys, and observation — to understand how visitors use and value the museum’s audio tour and printed visitor guide.
• Analyze visitor data and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Interview peer museums about their interpretive tools and the role they play in visitor satisfaction.
• Support additional audience development projects, including researching expanded access to Hillwood’s lectures and programming for local families.
• Participate in Interpretation team meetings, exhibition planning discussions, and docent training preparation, as available.
• Attend and/or assist with public programs during your internship tenure.
• Connect with staff across Hillwood’s departments — from Curatorial and Horticulture to Collections, Archives, and the Museum Shop — to explore the range of career paths in the museum field.

What We’re Looking For

• Current undergraduate, post-graduate, or graduate student in museum studies, communications, public history, or a related field.
• Motivated and self-directed, with the ability to manage a project from design through completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working with data and synthesizing findings into clear summaries and recommendations.
• Availability of 10–16 hours per week during the internship period.
  Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 lbs.

Compensation & Details

This is a paid, on-site internship at $20.14/hour. Interns may also be eligible to receive academic course credit in coordination with their university. A specific project focus will be confirmed with the selected intern before the start date.

To learn more about the position, please review the full position description HERE

Hillwood is seeking applicants from all backgrounds and educational levels to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color and people with marginalized identities to apply for open positions. We strive to make the hiring process as accessible as possible. Please do not hesitate to share what will make the process best for you. We cannot guarantee all accommodation; our team will make accommodations where possible with sufficient notice.

To apply for this position, visit HERE