Summer Costuming Intern Storrowton Village Museum

Storrowton Village Museum is seeking a hands-on Costuming Summer Intern to research and construct costumes for use by volunteer and staff interpreters representing New England fashion of the 1830s–1840s
. Depending on the skill level of the intern this project may be a singular, complex garment or multiple simple garments needed for every-day interpretation.

This project-based internship centers on creating a completed, wearable reproduction garment for use in active living history programming while also assisting with day-to-day needs related to costuming. By summer’s end, the intern will have a fully finished 1830s–1840s reproduction costume and documentation suitable for a professional portfolio.

Commitment:
Mid-May through Mid-August | 8–10 hours per week Stipend: $1,200 for the full internship (paid in installments)

• Research 1830s–1840s New England silhouettes, fabrics, and construction methods
• Select appropriate materials in consultation with staff
• Draft or adapt period-appropriate patterns
• Construct the garment(s) using both machine and hand-finishing techniques
• Participate in fittings and final adjustments
• Document sources, materials, and process for museum records

• Assist with organizing, inventorying, and labeling historic and reproduction garments
• Support basic garment care, including laundering, pressing, minor repairs, and proper storage
• Assist with measuring and fitting interpreters and volunteers
• Help construct or alter simple reproduction garments and accessories
• Develop basic documentation for costume pieces (materials, period accuracy, usage guidelines)
• Support preparation of costuming needs for summer and fall programs

• Background in theater costuming, fashion design, fashion history, museum studies, or related field
• Strong basic sewing skills (machine required; hand sewing preferred)
• Interest in historic dress and material culture
• Ability to work independently on a long-term sewing project
• Ability to lift storage boxes (up to 25 lbs)
• Comfortable working in historic buildings irregular climate control
• Able to climb up to 12 stairs regularly throughout shifts
• Ability to sit, stand, and perform detailed handwork for extended periods

• A completed 1830s–1840s reproduction garment
• Applied experience in historical costuming for living history
• Portfolio documentation of research and construction process
• Clear knowledge and hands-on experience with day-to-day needs of museum costuming
• Mentorship in a working museum environment

To apply, submit a resume, brief letter of interest, and (if available) photos of past sewing work samples.