Museum & Historical Preservation

  New Zealand

• Wellington: 
Wellington

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: Fascinated by the human past, I.C.E. and Wellington's premier city museum have teamed up to offer an unequaled opportunity to both learn about and share the fascinating story of New Zealand's capital city. The Museum itself is housed in one of the finest and most architecturally significant heritage buildings in the country. It exhibits both social history, as it relates to the city, as well as the maritime history of the region. Learn about shipwrecks of the past and present; read the diaries of abandoned fur traders who survived, on birds' eggs and seal meat, and experience the moving and poignant film commemorating a ferry disaster in modern times. Maori mythology will captivate you during a visual show depicting two legends: sea monsters or mythical creatures who inhabited the harbor long ago, and the demi-god, Maui, with his mischievous behavior.

At the Museum you will have an opportunity to gain real hands-on experience working with trained professionals who will share this unique resource. Upon arrival, take the time to learn about the exhibits displayed on the Museum's three floors. Once familiar with these, you will have the opportunity to put this new-found knowledge to the test by assisting Visitor Services and sharing Wellington's exciting history as you go.

Every few months, the Museum features a new exhibition. Preparing these temporary exhibitions demands hard work and lots of behind the scenes preparation. Your internship may allow you to be involved in this ever-changing and challenging area of the Museum. For those of you with a particular interest in research, you may wish to spend much of your time in the Museum's Research Service. The collection is mainly maritime- and shipping-focused, and the research requests range from information on ships, shipping companies, and seafarers to lighthouses, maritime art, and archaeology. Another component of your work may include community research--the collection and collation of oral histories. This is a great opportunity to engage the community and to meet Wellingtonians firsthand. Additional divisions include the extensive, off-site Collections Division, and the Education Service, with its bustling pace and programs in which thousands of school children passing through annually. The Museum is willing to work with you to make this an internship experience that truly fits your special interest.

Highlights: see above

Qualifications: Good health, adventurous spirit

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.