Discover What It Takes to Build a New Smithsonian Museum. Meet Four Interns Bringing Women’s History to Life
See how these interns gained new skills and perspectives while helping build the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
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What does it take to build a new Smithsonian museum? This summer, four interns at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum got a firsthand look. Working across Communications, Advancement, Operations, and Public Engagement, they researched and wrote stories, developed resources for communities, supported the museum’s operations, and learned from colleagues across the Smithsonian.
Along the way, they gained new skills and new perspectives on what it means to research, share, and make space for women’s history. Here, they reflect on the projects that shaped their summer and what they’ll carry with them into the future.
Aylin Dutt
Interned in: Operations & Finance, Museum Administration
My project was building an interactive procurement intake tool for our internal website. It might not sound glamorous, but it sharpened my design, research, and analytical skills. I combed through policy memos, documents, and files to understand what someone needs to know to fully execute a purchase order—everything from which financial account to charge, to what complies with federal policy, to how a purchase as large as a locomotive for the American History Museum makes it from idea to reality.
Interning at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum gave me the chance to visit every Smithsonian museum on the National Mall and see the Institution’s approach to sharing women’s history. I noticed efforts to share women’s history across the museums I visited, but I also see the need for a dedicated women’s history museum. Though there are efforts being made to recognize the work of women in history, I know there is so much more to share.
Grace Martin
Interned in: Advancement
This summer, I researched and wrote biographies for prospects and donors. It was really interesting to identify people who had a connection to history and might be inspired by our mission and interested in supporting our museum. Through this internship, my perception of women's history has shifted to be more considerate of where I am putting my energy in my own historical research. I'll be returning to Florida State for my Master of Arts in History, and becoming more familiar with the museum’s research has made me think more about how I can research the stories of the figures that made me fall in love with history (especially Abigail Adams) while also expanding the story of a woman or women who nobody knows much about.
I loved being able to meet with so many people across the Smithsonian. Everyone I spoke with gave me crucial advice, and I’m so grateful! I can see the larger picture of the museum and how my work makes a difference in the work of others.
Christina Ritter
Interned in: Public Engagement
One of my primary projects was developing a community toolkit for We Do Declare: Women's Voices on Independence. I created resources including discussion questions, reflection activities, planning guides, and educational materials that community organizations can adapt to facilitate conversations about women's financial independence. The goal of the toolkit is not only to introduce audiences to the women featured in We Do Declare, but also to help communities recognize, celebrate, and amplify the women leaders already creating change in their own communities. Through this project, I learned that meaningful public engagement is not simply about sharing information—it is about designing experiences that invite participation, encourage reflection, and empower people to see themselves as part of an ongoing story.
My favorite part of the internship has been the opportunity to think creatively about public engagement. I appreciated having a mentor who encouraged curiosity, welcomed new ideas, and gave me the opportunity to think through projects collaboratively rather than simply complete assigned tasks. That creative partnership made the experience both intellectually engaging and incredibly rewarding.
Jordanna Silverman
Interned in: Communications
This summer, I wrote an article on Elizabeth Van Lew, a Union spy during the Civil War whose story is represented in Smithsonian collections—and a woman from my own hometown. I did a lot of research to gain a comprehensive understanding of her life and the impact she made. Working with my mentor, I learned how to write content for a general audience and synthesize complex material into something digestible. I hope to pursue a career in the museum field, where I will be writing constantly. The skills I've learned in this internship will be transferable to any role I take on in the future.
This internship shifted how I see women's history. I've come to think differently about naming women's actions as "contributions" to a male-dominated historical record, versus identifying their experiences and centering their voices and stories. It's a mindset shift that will guide how I communicate history to others going forward.
From the systems that keep a museum running to the stories and resources that connect with audiences, this summer’s interns experienced the many kinds of work that go into building a new Smithsonian museum. They also brought their own questions, perspectives, and ideas to the work of telling a more complete American story.
Every year, interns bring fresh energy to this work. If you or someone you know would like to join us, keep an eye on our internships page, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow @SmithsonianWomen to learn when applications open for 2027.