Exhibition Design Intern at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates* who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Summer 2026, internships will last 12 weeks, projected to begin on May 26th and conclude on August 21st.

*Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later. 

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment   

The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways. 

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance.  

Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our 2026 Summer Intern Orientation will occur on May 26th, 2026.

How will we work together?

The Exhibition Design Intern can expect to work a hybrid schedule. Based on specific project needs, there are times when you and the team will work on-site at The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI. 

This internship opportunity will be led by Wing Fong at The Henry Ford and supported by our Exhibition Design Team.  

As our Exhibition Design intern, you will be fully immersed into the exhibition design process for permanent and temporary interpretive projects. Our work is collaborative across the organization with a wide array of stakeholders and departments. Our multi-disciplinary team works in a studio environment to create meaningful storytelling experiences for permanent exhibitions or temporary pop-ups.  

Primary responsibilities will be focused on digital interactives. Work will vary based on active projects at the time. It may include:  

• Conceptualizing new experiences for an exhibition 

• Preparing production files 

• Conducting evaluations of existing or future projects  

• UI studies  

• Recreating exhibition artwork 

• Documentation of exhibition design practices 

• Creating presentation material 

• Participation with the team at various stages of exhibition projects

What should you have?  

To be successful, you should have an interest in exhibition design within a museum, trade-show, or other similar environment, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the design field through academic, professional, or volunteer experience.   

You will need:  

• Curiosity  

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities  

• Effective and flexible communication  

• Organizational and time management skills   

• Self-motivation, ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team 

• Able to present work, ideas, and concepts visually and verbally 

• Able to take direction and receive feedback  

• Willing to ask questions or ask for help when necessary 

• Attention to details, but also able to see the larger picture 

• Interest in a future role in exhibition design or it’s related fields 

• Ability to work in Adobe Creative Suite  

  

 
Application Materials:   

• Resume  

• Statement of Purpose  

• A portfolio of 3-8 projects. Include projects that show what you’re most proud of, work that demonstrates your thought process, and work that captures what you’d like to explore further in this internship.  

Why work with THF?  

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.   

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can’t wait to meet you.

Please note: International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.  

Funding for the 2026 Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation. 

The Henry Ford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   

The Henry Ford prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer).