Founded in 1799 in Salem, Massachusetts, 15 miles from Boston, the Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. Now among the top 8% of American art museums, PEM is also one of the nation’s fastest growing art museums and operates on a global stage in terms of networks, partners, and patronage.

PEM has achieved unprecedented growth over the past two decades. In 2003, PEM completed one of the most striking museum transformations in American history, including exponential growth of the operating budget and the addition of over 250,000 square feet of new and renovated gallery and public spaces.  This includes 26,000 square feet of changing exhibition galleries and 55,000 square feet of galleries devoted to collection installations. In 2011, the museum announced a comprehensive and singular advancement campaign for $650M. The campaign focuses on increasing an already healthy endowment to support an expanded exhibition program; programmatic initiatives ranging from the interpretive to the digital and educational; global leadership initiatives; and an institutional culture of creativity, all in concert with fiscal stability and sound management, based on annual budget of $31 million.

PEM is adding a 40,000 square-foot wing scheduled to open in summer 2019. It will include 15,000 square feet of galleries for collection installations and additional public and educational spaces. The museum is also developing a 110,000 square-foot offsite collection center for the care and study of the museum’s collection of more than 1 million works. Between 2017 and 2022, PEM will develop new collection installations museum-wide, based on innovative experience, interpretation and design strategies that reflect the museum’s commitment to drawing on multiple fields of inquiry, including neuroscience.

Annually, the museum welcomes 250,000 people. It employs 250 staff and engages over 110 docent guides in support of PEM’s educational mission.

Travel & Leisure

Peabody Essex Museum

You must have strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, salesmanship, relationship-building abilities, a positive attitude, and evening availability on Saturdays.

You will assist in event planning, create logistics and floor plans, manage social media, organize images, support event setup, supervise vendors, and learn about catering sales processes.

Marketing

Salem

<div>Join the Functions &amp; Rental Department as an intern. You'll be working with us during the peak of wedding season to assist in planning and execution of events at PEM. You will assist in the office with pre-planning by creating floor plans, logistics, and organizing upcoming events. You will also develop the Private Rentals Social Media platforms. As part of this project you will collect and organize event images. You will also learn about the marketing and sales process as we plan for the next year. The night of events, you will work closely with the Event Facilitator and the PEM events team to support set-up of event spaces, assist vendors, supervise photo shoots, greet guests, and be part of the team that makes the one night our couples will remember forever amazing! You will also have the opportunity to work with our exclusive caterer to learn about their sales and execution process.
Qualifications: The candidate must possess strong organization and communication skills w/ great attention to detail and have the ability to manage multiple priorities. Impeccable presence with well developed salesmanship and relationship building skills. Client and customer focused with a positive, can do attitude. Ability to function with grace under pressure. Must be available to work Saturday evenings.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
<ul><li>June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person, Rowley.
</li><li>July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person, Salem.
</li></ul>This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.</div>

Join the Functions & Rental Department as an intern. You'll be working with us during the peak of wedding season to assist in planning and execution of events at PEM. You will assist in the office with pre-planning by creating floor plans, logistics, and organizing upcoming events. You will also develop the Private Rentals Social Media platforms. As part of this project you will collect and organize event images. You will also learn about the marketing and sales process as we plan for the next year. The night of events, you will work closely with the Event Facilitator and the PEM events team to support set-up of event spaces, assist vendors, supervise photo shoots, greet guests, and be part of the team that makes the one night our couples will remember forever amazing! You will also have the opportunity to work with our exclusive caterer to learn about their sales and execution process.
Qualifications: The candidate must possess strong organization and communication skills w/ great attention to detail and have the ability to manage multiple priorities. Impeccable presence with well developed salesmanship and relationship building skills. Client and customer focused with a positive, can do attitude. Ability to function with grace under pressure. Must be available to work Saturday evenings.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person, Rowley.
July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person, Salem.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Private Events Intern - Peabody Essex Museum

Private Events Intern

You should have a strong interest in HR, project flexibility, commitment to development sessions, availability from June 12 to August 25, and a desire to foster inclusivity and diversity.

You will assist with HR projects, administrative duties, systems implementation, performance management, and support initiatives that promote a human-centered environment at PEM.

People, HR & Administration

Education & Teaching

<div>The Human Resources team provides consultation partnerships for employment, employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, human resources information systems (HRIS), performance management, equal opportunity and labor relations. HR leads the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) by demonstrating the behaviors in a human-centered environment that requires us to listen, understand, respond to and create dialogue opportunities to address needs, support opportunities for growth, and streamline processes for efficiency.
We have several strategic goals to achieve. Do you like working on a variety of projects and administrative duties? Are you interested in assisting with systems implementation and review, and performance management, and other human resources initiatives? HR&rsquo;s mission is to be forward-thinking and compassionate in our efforts to serve the PEM campus community. Join our team!
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
<ul><li>June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM), In person.
</li><li>July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
</li></ul>This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.</div>

The Human Resources team provides consultation partnerships for employment, employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, human resources information systems (HRIS), performance management, equal opportunity and labor relations. HR leads the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) by demonstrating the behaviors in a human-centered environment that requires us to listen, understand, respond to and create dialogue opportunities to address needs, support opportunities for growth, and streamline processes for efficiency.
We have several strategic goals to achieve. Do you like working on a variety of projects and administrative duties? Are you interested in assisting with systems implementation and review, and performance management, and other human resources initiatives? HR’s mission is to be forward-thinking and compassionate in our efforts to serve the PEM campus community. Join our team!
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM), In person.
July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Human Resources Intern - Peabody Essex Museum

Human Resources Intern

You need reliable transportation, can commit to 180 hours from June 12 to August 25, attend orientation, and participate in professional development sessions.

You will digitize collections, conduct provenance and copyright research, create metadata, prepare materials for external partners, and shadow library staff while participating in various activities.

Customer Relations

Research & Development

<div>Join the Phillips Library, PEM&rsquo;s research library, as a digital projects intern for Summer 2025! Our digitization program exponentially increases free, worldwide access to our collections and demonstrates that the library is a vital and engaged part of the museum and its communities. The project will include digitization for our online collections portal, including the imaging and post-processing of collections. The incumbent will conduct research into the provenance and copyright of our collections and create metadata using Dublin Core and local rules. The incumbent may also prepare materials for digitization to be completed by our external partners and help to inventory our glass plate negative collection.
In addition to time spent on the main project, the intern will have dedicated time to shadow other library units and staff. We will provide a broad view of the entire library operation and encourage interns to participate in meetings, small projects, outings, and other opportunities as they arise.
Please note that this position is in Rowley, MA, and reliable transportation is required.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
<ul><li>June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person in Rowley.
</li><li>July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person in Salem.
</li></ul>This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.</div>

Join the Phillips Library, PEM’s research library, as a digital projects intern for Summer 2025! Our digitization program exponentially increases free, worldwide access to our collections and demonstrates that the library is a vital and engaged part of the museum and its communities. The project will include digitization for our online collections portal, including the imaging and post-processing of collections. The incumbent will conduct research into the provenance and copyright of our collections and create metadata using Dublin Core and local rules. The incumbent may also prepare materials for digitization to be completed by our external partners and help to inventory our glass plate negative collection.
In addition to time spent on the main project, the intern will have dedicated time to shadow other library units and staff. We will provide a broad view of the entire library operation and encourage interns to participate in meetings, small projects, outings, and other opportunities as they arise.
Please note that this position is in Rowley, MA, and reliable transportation is required.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person in Rowley.
July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person in Salem.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Phillips Library Digital Projects Intern - Peabody Essex Museum

Phillips Library Digital Projects Intern

You should have an interest in museum collections, strong attention to detail, proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite, and preferably some experience with collections databases.

You will catalog objects, inventory items, report conditions, enter data, photograph pieces, create digital assets, tag objects, handle items, and assist with related tasks as needed.

Creative Arts & Fashion

Rowley

<div>At the Peabody Essex Museum, the Registration Department handles all aspects of processing and documenting the collections in accordance with museum best practice standards and procedures. This internship affords the applicant the unique opportunity to gain insight and experience working directly with the museum&rsquo;s diverse collections and new acquisitions.
Internship Responsibilities: Object cataloging, inventorying, condition reporting, data entry, photography, creating image files and digital assets, numbering and tagging objects, moving and handling objects, and other related tasks as needed. This position will report to the Associate Registrar.
Qualifications: Interest in museum collections work or a related field. Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and discretion when working with sensitive and confidential materials. Successful candidates must be adept at Microsoft Office and the Adobe Suite. Additional experience or knowledge of working with a museum collections database is a plus, but not required. Students working toward Museum Studies, Library Science, Art, History or other related degrees are encouraged to apply. Please note this position is located in Rowley, Massachusetts and is not easily accessible by public transportation.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
<ul><li>June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person.
</li><li>July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
</li></ul>This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.</div>

At the Peabody Essex Museum, the Registration Department handles all aspects of processing and documenting the collections in accordance with museum best practice standards and procedures. This internship affords the applicant the unique opportunity to gain insight and experience working directly with the museum’s diverse collections and new acquisitions.
Internship Responsibilities: Object cataloging, inventorying, condition reporting, data entry, photography, creating image files and digital assets, numbering and tagging objects, moving and handling objects, and other related tasks as needed. This position will report to the Associate Registrar.
Qualifications: Interest in museum collections work or a related field. Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and discretion when working with sensitive and confidential materials. Successful candidates must be adept at Microsoft Office and the Adobe Suite. Additional experience or knowledge of working with a museum collections database is a plus, but not required. Students working toward Museum Studies, Library Science, Art, History or other related degrees are encouraged to apply. Please note this position is located in Rowley, Massachusetts and is not easily accessible by public transportation.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person.
July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Collections Registration Intern - Peabody Essex Museum

Collections Registration Intern

You need horticulture knowledge, full availability June 12-August 25, 2025, hands-on maintenance skills, teamwork, and a commitment to diversity. Orientation on June 12 and 180 hours required.

You will engage in landscape maintenance, planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and assist with record keeping and historic research while supporting events and educational programs.

Sustainability

<div>As a Horticultural Intern, you will immerse yourself in an engaging 10 week summer program that emphasizes hands-on experience in the fascinating field of horticulture. This opportunity is specially designed for students and early career professionals eager to deepen their understanding and skills. Throughout the program, you will benefit from valuable on-the-job training, and dedicated mentorship from the experienced horticultural staff at the Peabody Essex Museum.
In this role, you will gain practical experience by engaging in various landscape, arboriculture, and greenhouse maintenance tasks across the Peabody Essex Museum campus. Your responsibilities may include planting, weeding, watering, and pruning, among other activities. You will also assist with administrative tasks such as record keeping, IPM logging, and historical research. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in diverse landscapes that range from the 17th to the 21st century, each with its own style and maintenance requirements.
Moreover, you will work closely in small groups with volunteers and employees, gaining insights into teamwork and leadership while supporting special events and various educational programs. This internship not only enhances your hands-on skills but also allows you to contribute to the community and learn the art and science of horticulture in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
<ul><li>June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person.
</li><li>July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
</li><li>August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
</li></ul>This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.</div>

As a Horticultural Intern, you will immerse yourself in an engaging 10 week summer program that emphasizes hands-on experience in the fascinating field of horticulture. This opportunity is specially designed for students and early career professionals eager to deepen their understanding and skills. Throughout the program, you will benefit from valuable on-the-job training, and dedicated mentorship from the experienced horticultural staff at the Peabody Essex Museum.
In this role, you will gain practical experience by engaging in various landscape, arboriculture, and greenhouse maintenance tasks across the Peabody Essex Museum campus. Your responsibilities may include planting, weeding, watering, and pruning, among other activities. You will also assist with administrative tasks such as record keeping, IPM logging, and historical research. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in diverse landscapes that range from the 17th to the 21st century, each with its own style and maintenance requirements.
Moreover, you will work closely in small groups with volunteers and employees, gaining insights into teamwork and leadership while supporting special events and various educational programs. This internship not only enhances your hands-on skills but also allows you to contribute to the community and learn the art and science of horticulture in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
The summer internship program will run from June 12 to August 25, 2025, or an agreed-upon end date with the hiring manager. There will be a mandatory in-person orientation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in our professional development sessions on the following Thursdays. Times are subject to change, and some sessions may be hybrid.
June 26 (10 AM to 1 PM). In person.
July 10, 17, 24, and 31 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 7 (10 AM to 12 PM)
August 14 (12 PM to 2 PM). In person.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes the professional development programs and translates to approximately 18 hours per week, onsite.
PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions, and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Peabody Essex Museum

Mission