Minnetrista is a museum and cultural center that opened to the public in 1988. Minnetrista offers exhibits and programs that focus on nature, history, gardens, and art. The 40-acre campus includes beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and much more.
Being an intern at Minnetrista can be the first step in the development of your career. Internships offer you the chance to integrate classroom theory with career-related work experience. Interns have made strong contributions to the success and growth of Minnetrista. We are proud to offer diverse learning opportunities to the students of East Central Indiana and beyond. We look forward to working with you! Contact us for more information.
Monik Vitorino Barbosa, Ball State University, 2011 Marketing Intern
Download an internship application form.
Intern Testimonial:
I first heard of Minnetrista three years ago through my American host family. I went to the Enchanted Luminaria Walk at Minnetrista with them for the first time in 2008 and fell in love with Minnetrista. I especially love the beautiful and peaceful campus with its amazing architecture by the river. Minnetrista was the first place I considered when I started looking for an internship in Muncie.
My experience working for the Marketing department has been really enriching. I have been able to have a hands-on experience and utilize the skills I have learned in the classroom at Ball State Univeristy. I also feel fortunate to work with a team of great people who are always supportive and willing to help each other. I know this experience at Minnetrista will have a very positive influence on my career. Working here involves much more than learning how the real world works.
Minnetrista is also an educational and enjoyable place to work. I am surrounded by history, inspiring displays, and beautiful landscape. Thanks Minnetrista folks for this incredible experience! – Monik Vitorino Barbosa, Brazil
Internship Opportunities at Minnetrista
Collections Intern: General
Positions available: Varies
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will have the opportunity to learn and participate in various aspects of objects and archival collections management by assisting staff with daily duties in the collections department. Duties may include cataloging, researching and photography. The collections staff will work you to develop a project that will benefit both you and Minnetrista, with the opportunity to focus on the specific project from start to finish.
Ideally, you should possess an interest in museum object and archival collections and history. To be successful, you should be detailoriented, have a legible handwriting and the ability to work independently. You should also be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds and climb a ladder.
Oral History Interviewer
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will conduct and record oral history interviews. Recordings will utilize digital video when appropriate. A particular area of emphasis is military veterans, especially veterans of World War II. You will work with collections staff to develop questions for the interview, set the appointment with the interviewee and conduct the interview. Collections staff will provide training on how to conduct and record oral histories. The ideal candidate will be interested in local, regional and/or military history. A major in history, journalism or anthropology is a plus. You must be professional in appearance, possess organizational skills, and be self-motivated. Excellent verbal communication skills are a must. You must also be discreet and able to work without constant supervision. Experience conducting oral histories is a plus.
Catering Culinary Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will work with the Certified Executive Chef to prepare and serve catered events. The internship will include food preparation experience, inventory and ordering opportunities, and work directly with leasing clients to create menus to ensure event success. This internship works closely with the sales and events department and will include some event planning experience as well. You must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively. Basic culinary experience is a must. Knowledge of or experience with nonprofits and/or banquets is helpful. You should possess good verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Outlook is helpful.
Events Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will work with the Sales & Events Manager to administer the event budget, provide leadership for the event team and coordinate information flow between institutional departments and teams, including producing event documentation. You will work with the reporting supervisor to coordinate the actual event and work with other staff to coordinate the event set up and to troubleshoot questions and issues. You’ll develop and implement an assessment plan of the event, working directly with clients to ensure event success.
You must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively. Basic experience with event planning is a must. Knowledge of or experience with hospitality, education, non-profits and/or team leadership helpful. You should possess good verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Outlook is helpful.
Marketing Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
This position offers you the opportunity to assist the marketing department with planning, marketing, and analysis for an established
organization. Duties will include assisting with marketing plan implementation and event promotion, assisting with the creation of promotional pieces and their distribution, and working with various media. You will write copy as needed for newsletters and other publications. You will be asked to write and disseminate press releases to regional media outlets. You must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently while paying attention to detail and accuracy.
Ideally, you should be working toward a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. You should have strong verbal and written communication skills, including proper grammar, be familiar with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must be creative, able to manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines, flexible, reliable, and able to work well with staff, volunteers and other interns. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Research Internship
Positions available: One
Durations: One Semester
Stipend Provided
The new Oakhurst house visitor experience will include three characters based on (1) George A. Ball; (2) Mrs. Woodworth, mother-in-law of George Ball; and (3) a fictional composite character representing a cook/housemaid. The intern in this position will do historical research that will inform the development of these characters and other interpretive elements of the experience. The research will be conducted using resources both in the Minnetrista Heritage Collection and in other repositories.
Main duty:
- Do historical research that will be used to develop interpretation for the Oakhurst House visitor experience including three possible first-person characters.
Other duties may include:
- Locate purchase sources for reproductions of books collected by George and Elisabeth Ball.
- Scan a selection of primary source material in the Minnetrista Heritage Collection.
Qualifications: To perform this internship successfully an individual must have excellent research and writing skills. Pursuing a degree in arts and humanities is a plus. Must possess excellent organizational and orderly thinking skills. An important requirement of the position is the ability to work without constant supervision. A valid driver’s license is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Social Media Marketing Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will have the opportunity to create original visual and editorial content to support social media content development. Projects will be focused on generating excitement with Minnetrista visitors, staff, and community about our activities. Content may include producing short video spots, engaging followers on social networks, and documenting events and programs. You must have a working knowledge of digital imaging and video, editing, and social media. Your duties will include creating multiple types of content and meeting deadlines. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
School and Public Programs Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: 2 months minimum
Stipend may be provided
You will assist in the development, facilitation and assessment of a program offering. Depending on the season and your interests, this may include: school tours, family fun days, Camp Minnetrista, workshops, special events, or other program offerings. You will collaborate with staff from the various programming teams, develop and design activities, develop and obtain supplies and materials needed, research background information, assist with coordination of the event, collect feedback data as needed, and assist with other duties as needed.
Basic experience with project management is helpful. Knowledge or experience with marketing, education, non-profits and/or team leadership would be helpful. Familiarity with Indiana state educational standards is helpful. You must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively. Must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Outlook is helpful.
Exhibit Design Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: 2 month minimum
Stipend may be provided
You will gain experience in the installation of exhibits, including some aspects of planning, design of exhibitions, including graphics, labels, and some structural design. You will gain experience in the coordination of traveling exhibits, and provide maintenance of all exhibit spaces as required. Some research may be required in regard to exhibit materials and new products.
Ideally, you should be organized, creative, and have a background in museum studies, graphic design, architecture, art, or carpentry/woodworking. Must be willing to learn new skills and work in a team environment. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and Internet Explorer is beneficial. Some experience with publishing or design software is preferred. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.