OVERVIEW

The Franklin Institute holds one of the largest collections of Wright Brothers objects and drawings, which are considered national treasures. Of key significance are the original records of their 1901 tests which led to the first, successful, heavier-than-air, powered flight transforming the future of aeronautics. The 200+ unique and hand-constructed 3-dimensional Wright brothers’ artifacts in this collection are the focus of this internship
project.
The Curatorial Intern will produce comprehensive and accurate documentation of the Wright Brothers Collection in line with best practices in the museum field. The documentation will improve staff and research access through intellectual control of the collection, and the resulting content may be used in interactive kiosks in the museum’s exhibition and/or on the museum’s website.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accessing artifacts in secure storage and artifact handling

• Condition reporting including describing, measuring, photo documentation, etc.

• Rehousing including packaging and space planning

• Inventorying

• Creating complete records in the museum’s collection database

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Focused and detail-oriented

• Reliability, integrity

• Proficiency with the Microsoft suite, especially Excel

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

  • Ability to lift heavy boxes (40 lb)

  • Work in storage areas ranging from 60-80°F, accessible by stairs, with dusty items