Erina: Only to tell you that you may have been misled as to internships
available at the Smithsonian. Yes, most are unpaid (not all), but a
PhD is certainly not required for an internship! As for entry level
positions, the same is true...PhD's would be for a job as a senior
curator possibly. BUT...jobs of any kind are at a premium right now
at the Smithsonian. We are in the midst of downsizing, but you can
keep checking with the Office of Human Resources...you might get
lucky to replace someone who leaves voluntarily.

I would suggest you volunteer in a department or unit that particularly
interests you...or apply for an internship...try for some way to get
a "foot in the door." You hear more about job openings from the inside
than you do from the outside.

I am biased, but I think the track of applied history,in a museum,is
a challenging and fascinating one.  What would you plan to do with a
"general degree" in history?   Best of luck....Jane Glaser