Fall 2026 Firearms Assessment Internship

The Ohio History Connection’s mission is to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.

About the role

The firearms assessment intern will perform tasks under the guidance of a history curator to research and assess the Ohio History Connection’s firearm collections (approximately 750 firearms and accessories) to determine provenance, connection to Ohio history, and proper storage at the Collections Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. The supervisory history curator ensures the practices that guide their work adhere to organizational standards for ethics, cultural responsiveness, and equity.

Responsibilities

• Research current firearm collection and accessories
• Determine if firearms should be retained or deaccessioned
• Store and organize retained firearms

Required Education & Experience

• Must be enrolled in an academic program (grad school preferred) OR a recent graduate from an academic program (within one year)
• Majors in Museum Studies or related field
• Basic understanding of object handling
• Knowledge of historic firearms

Desired Skills & Experience

• Works well both independently and with and in support of colleagues to complete work
• Demonstrates a potential to communicate well in written and verbal communications, including informal mediums like email and meetings
• Capable of taking direction and managing time effectively
• Patience and attention to detail

Required Competencies

• Work independently, with, and in support of a team of curators, archivists, collections managers, and registrars to complete work; set priorities and appropriate boundaries in order to fully focus on projects with clarity and a feeling of accomplishment
• Ability to work with a high degree of initiative, prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work well with minimum supervision
• Responsible, reliable, organized, and willing to learn new skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment (aligned with organizational best practices) in internal and external communications

Other Requirements

• Must complete a background check and internship onboarding paperwork
• Must present at the semester’s internship summit
• Must attend professional development opportunities and meetings when requested

Work Environment

Work typically takes place in a temperature-controlled office environment and collections storage facility. Some work may take place offsite.

Physical Demands

Daily work requires a combination of sitting in an office; working at a computer; lifting, examining weapons in the collections.

Schedule: Part-time 8 hours/week internship starting October 12–December 31, 2026. Must be available weekdays for a minimum of 3 hours per day and a maximum of 8 hours per week. Intern must arrange schedule with supervising curator.

Pay: $20/hour