Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship

Topics Covered | Important Dates | Eligibility | Requirements | Application Process | Selection Process

 

The Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship (NAUMF) Program will expose undergraduates to the museum field by participating in a 10-week paid program: 3 weeks of seminar/workshops, 7 weeks in an internship program designed to engage and expose undergraduates to the professional opportunities within the museum, cultural resource, public history, and tribal historic preservation fields. Fellows will learn about various career paths and academic requirements for working in these types of organizations, both on and off reservations, as well as particular challenges faced by American Indian Communities related to preserving tribal history and challenging the traditional historical narratives of Native people.

The first three weeks of the program will be an in-depth seminar that will focus on the function of museums and the roles and responsibilities of several departments. Through a mix of readings, discussions, exhibit analysis, and guest speakers, fellows have a better understanding of the day to day workings and the values and practices that inform public history, museum and tribal historic preservation institutions. Participants will be placed within the Minnesota Historical Society for the duration of the fellowship where they will have a hands-on internship experience.

Participants in the program will receive a living expense stipend, a stipend at the completion of the seminar portion of the program, and a paid internship for the remaining 7 weeks. 

Topics covered

  • Collections
  • Conservation
  • Tribal and Institutional partnerships
  • Tribal Historic Preservation
  • Exhibitions
  • ​Archaeology/NAGPRA
  • And more!

Important dates

  • Priority Deadline: March 22, 2024
  • All application materials must be submitted or postmarked no later than April 5, 2024
  • Screening, interviewing: April 10-17, 2024
  • Confirmation of selection: April 22, 2024

  • Tentative program run dates: June 3 - August 9, 2024

    • June 3 - June 7: In-person seminar (St. Paul, MN)
    • June 10 - June 21: Virtual seminar
    • June 24 - Aug. 7: Internships (virtual, hybrid, or in-person)
    • July 29 - Aug. 9: In-person field experience (St. Paul and greater MN)

    Please Note: Mileage and lodging will be covered or reimbursed to eliminate financial barriers during your time as a NAUMF fellow. 

Eligibility

Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship participants are selected through a competitive application process. Eligibility is limited to undergraduates who are currently enrolled in a program for Spring 2024 or have recently graduated from a post-secondary school (trade, community, 2 or 4 year school) within the last year. Students are not required to be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe; however, the considered applicants must be affiliated with an Indigenous community.

Program requirements

  • We are utilizing a hybrid program, which will require access to the internet for the online portion of the seminar, as well as travel availability to the Minnesota History Center, located in St. Paul. As such, we are requesting flexibility from participants. 
  • Participation in the virtual seminar and discussions are mandatory.
  • Complete all necessary coursework.
  • Participate in paid remote internship through MNHS, as well as travel to historic sites during the in-person portion of the fellowship. 

Application process

The following materials must be submitted (mailed, emailed, or dropped off) on or before the posted deadline.

  • Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship Program
    Within the application you will be asked to provide a Statement of Interest where we will you ask you these questions:

    1. Please describe why you are interested in participating in the Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship. This is a chance for us to learn more about you and why you want to learn about representation within museums and other cultural institutions. (No more than 200 words.)
    2. Please describe any experiences that you have had with museums. This can include visitation, classes, and professional experiences. These experiences can be positive or negative; please explain how this experience has shaped your opinion of museums and the field. (No more than 200 words.)
    3. Please describe what community means to you and your relationship with your community. How do you think your experience in the fellowship might benefit your community? (No more than 200 words.)
    4. The purpose of the Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship is to provide training and exposure to future Native museum leaders about careers, function, and issues within a museum. Through a seminar and a hands-on internship experience, a successful graduate will be well positioned to continue their studies through an academic and/or national museum fellowship program.
    5. Please tell us about your unique skills that you will bring to the program. This can include your academic experience as well as personal experiences. (No more than 200 words.)

  • One letter of recommendation
  • Additional documents such as a resume and employment history may be attached but are not required for consideration

Please submit a completed application to: Regan Kluver, Program Specialist for NAUMF, 345 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN 55102.

For questions, contact Regan Kluver at regan.kluver@mhns.org.

Selection process

Applicants applying to the priority deadline will be considered first. Applicants meeting the criteria will be selected for interviews with program staff. Applications will not be accepted into the program until a formal interview is conducted either via phone or virtual meetings. An interview does not guarantee selection into the program. Selection will be based on the information provided in the application form and supporting documentation and through the interview process.