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Smith College / Smithsonian Institution Internship Program
Research Project Proposal
Name of Supervisor(s): Tiarna Doherty and Dr. Virginia Mecklenburg
Department or Office: Conservation Department and Curatorial Department,
Museum/Unit: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Phone Number:
202 633 5802
Email Address: dohertyt@si.edu
1. Please provide information on your research and/or the work of your office:
The conservation department has expertise in the fields of paintings conservation, paper conservation
and sculpture conservation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The collection strengths cover the
18th through 21st century of American Art. As works of art are proposed for conservation treatment,
research must be done to coordinate art historical information about the piece as well as the history of its
display. This research includes existing files in the museum conservation, curatorial and registration
offices as well as additional sources found in Smithsonian libraries and other Smithsonian museum
departments.
2. Describe the project (include duties, nature and scope of the work), and indicate any particular
academic background or specific courses needed as preparation:
The Conservation Research Assistant will liason between the conservation department, curatorial
department and registrars department within the American Art Museum. Working with individual
conservators, the research assistant will learn about the proposed conservation treatments of paintings,
sculpture and works of art on paper and what the research questions are. The research assistant will
gather materials from existing museum records and discuss the content with museum staff.
The research assistant will be encouraged to pursue some avenues of research relevant to their own
interest as well (projects may be chosen to relate to the student’s major area of study regarding art
history, history or the sciences). This unique position will allow the Research Assistant to learn about
conducting research in a museum environment related to art history, technical study of artist’s materials,
conservation and restoration as well as the history and exhibition and display of art.
An academic background in art history is preferred. Knowledge of studio arts, history, chemistry or
biology will be helpful, although not required.
3. Please describe possible research products an intern might develop, either from the project or the
work of your office, to fulfill the academic requirement of the Smith College Program:
The research assistant will be able to produce research that is described as technical art history. Their
research projects will allow for an in depth understanding of artist’s working methods and techniques as
well as issues related to the preservation of the work. The student will be able to produce a paper on at
least one project. In addition, the Research Assistant may be able to work with staff towards a
publication related to the conservation and restoration of work in the collection of the Smithsonian
American Art Museum.