Historical Clothing & Textiles – Production Internship, Plimoth Patuxet Museum, Plymouth, MA
Posted March 17, 2023
Description
Reproducing historically accurate clothing in a museum setting encompasses a multitude of skills and processes, including research and development, use of period and modern construction techniques, as well as sharing this knowledge and skill with our guests who visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The Historical Clothing & Textiles Production intern will experience the unique day-to-day workings of a wardrobe shop in a museum environment including learning, practicing and applying skills in period and modern construction techniques, pattern drafting, and 17th-century accessories (thread-wrapped buttons, hat making, etc.) Depending on the intern’s course of study, interest, and experience, there may be opportunities to conduct historical research with access to departmental and museum libraries. This internship reports to the Historical Clothing & Textiles Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Learn to construct garments from individual measurements to final fitting and finishing with guidance from Historic Clothing & Textiles staff;
- Assist in maintenance of wardrobe issue for the 17th-century English Village and Mayflower IIincluding mending, laundry, inventory tracking, ordering supplies, participating in fittings, etc.
- Assist with public programming and projects, as needed (summer camp program, special events, retail projects, knitting group);
- Participate in weekly seminars and other personal and professional development activities, including field trips, field work assignments, and final internship symposium.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have experience with operating sewing machinery – ideally industrial – as well as hand stitching skills, familiarity with textile vocabulary, knowledge of and/or interest in historic costuming. A successful candidate for this position will also be an enthusiastic, self-starter with good communication skills and a willingness to learn and work as part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary living history team. All candidates must provide either a PDF or link to a work portfolio.
Work Schedule
Full-time (35 hours/week) or part -time Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm with occasional weekend events required.
Salary Range
This is an unpaid internship. Housing and university credit is available. Students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.