A Smithsonian Internship, According to Maggie McClure of Dominican University

Maggie demonstrates the life casting and molding skills she has learned at the Smithsonian.

Maggie McClure, a junior at Dominican University studying American History and Art History, is spending her Spring 2020 semester interning at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. We stopped by the Smithsonian to ask her what she’s been up to at her internship. Here’s what she told us:

“Usually in the mornings we clean the galleries by dusting and vacuuming and then in the afternoon do anything that needs to be done that comes up: reupholstered and installed 1959 CTA train car seats, painted walls and pedestals, reinforced tables, assembled model that will be used in upcoming exhibit, live casting and molding for exhibit.

I am most proud of making something and being part of a project that will remain in the museum for years to come. Museums, and especially NMAH, have such a large audience and I’m proud that I can be part of an institution that is promoting underrepresented stories to the public.

A misconception about interning is that you’ll be doing trivial tasks and not really contributing to the place you are working. Bosses/mentors do want to help interns succeed and learn and are usually willing to facilitate any other kind of experience you’d like to have.

I’ve learned a lot about how museums work and the various duties of the departments, but the most unique thing I will have learned is how to do life casting and molding. I’ve also learned a lot of general life skills that come from living away from your family and having to juggle a full-time job and school. In this regard, I’ve learned how to better prioritize my activities with my time and know that I also need down time to not think or do anything.”