MPM strives to provide internship programs that support the mission of the Museum and the goals of our interns through challenging and meaningful opportunities.
We offer paid summer internships for students and professionals from all sectors of the community.
Eligibility
Internships are open to adult students (18 years or older) of all genders, backgrounds, and nationalities. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a college or university or have graduated following the spring 2026 semester. See internship descriptions for additional requirements.
TERMS
Internships are located at the Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and may include outside field work. Internships are available annually June-August, with a $2,000 stipend, plus $500 travel benefit. Placements are 160 hours from June-August. Some flexibility in scheduling may be possible, but hours will typically fall during the standard workday. Some positions may occasionally require weekend hours. Interns will be required to complete a W9 tax form and background check. Housing and transportation are not provided.
If you have questions about the positions listed, please contact internships@mpm.edu.
To Apply
Digitizing the Details: Establishing Best Practices for Specialized Digitization
Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced imaging (macrophotography, digital microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) and digital data management for museum collections. They will develop protocols for documenting insect morphology and strategies for curating non-traditional specimen types. These skills are directly applicable to contemporary species discovery, biodiversity informatics, and museum-based research. The experience will also strengthen cross-cutting abilities useful in any data organization or collections/inventory management setting.
This project will develop novel protocols for documenting, storing, and accessing non-traditional specimen types and disarticulated lepidopteran (butterflies and moths) body parts. These often-overlooked collections items can be crucial for species discovery and development of modern AI tools. Interns will assist in re-imagining morphological documentation, utilizing advanced imaging from macrophotography to scanning electron microscopy. Best practices will be established for capturing fine details of structures like antennae, proboscis, palps, and wings that are vital for species identification and studies of trait evolution. Additionally, participants will have an opportunity to help design innovative strategies for safely storing, cataloging, and retrieving diverse specimen derivatives, including frozen tissues and ethanol-preserved materials. Ideal candidates will have strong photography skills, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills. Knowledge about insects (especially Lepidoptera), morphology, and databases would be beneficial but not required. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the modernization of natural history research infrastructure.
Museum Accessibility Intern
The Accessibility Intern will work closely with the Accessibility & Inclusion team to support the development of accessible exhibits, assist with visitor accommodations, and help make the museum welcoming to everyone. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in accessibility, universal design, and museum operations while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance equity and inclusion.
- Assist in creating and testing exhibit accessibility features such as tactile elements, large-print materials, and sensory tools.
- Help manage the audio tour checkout program, ensuring devices are maintained, charged, and easy for visitors to access.
- Support accessible programming and events, including preparing materials and providing on-site assistance.
- Provide general administrative support—organizing materials, tracking inventory, and assisting with documentation.
- Work collaboratively with staff across departments to improve visitor access and inclusion.
- Interact with visitors and assist those using accessibility tools or accommodations.
Harbor District and Milwaukee Public Museum Field Survey Internship, two positions available
The internships will be carried out in partnership with Marquette University, Harbor District, Inc (HDI), and the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM). HDI is a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to achieve a world-class revitalization of Milwaukee’s Harbor that sets the standard for how waterfronts work -- economically, environmentally, and socially -- for the next century. This project will collect baseline data about the biotic communities present in the Harbor District in order to inform future ecological restoration work and support research projects in collaboration with other community-science partner sites across Wisconsin. Rigorous data collection and analysis will be crucial to formulating and evaluating strategies to increase urban biodiversity. Processing, identification, and preservation of samples for long-term storage will occur at MPM.
To Apply
Please email cover letter and resume to internships@mpm.edu by February 1, 2026.
NOTE: Responses will be sent to all candidates following the February 1 deadline.