Application Information

POSITION TITLE: Intern

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Adams County Historical Society preserves millions of historic items (archival and three-dimensional artifact) from all eras of our community’s remarkable history. Collections Assistants will work with our Collections Manager to organize, re-house, index, and arrange new and existing acquisitions. Many of these collections contain fascinating, Gettysburg-related primary source material that has never been cataloged or digitized before.

Museum Interpreters will work inside our brand new, 5,000-square-foot museum experience called Gettysburg Beyond the Battle. They will help ACHS develop and implement visitor engagement and interpretation strategies, with an emphasis on providing meaningful experiences for younger (school-age) visitors. These interns will work directly with our historian and director of programs to assist in group presentations, docent responsibilities, and strategic discussions related to operating an innovative and financially successful museum.

The internship will begin on May 22nd and end on August 11^th, 2023.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Hardworking and independent
• A strong interest in history, especially civilian perspectives and the Civil War era.
• Good communication skills and willingness to present and interpret history

TRANSPORTATION: A car is not necessary, as the ACHS facility is located within walking/biking distance from the college campus

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Small staff of 5 (2 full-time, 3 part-time). We are building a new headquarters that will be completed by 2023. For more, see www.achs-pa.org/campaign

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Gettysburg College Summer Housing

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Resource Education and Visitor Services

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Intern will be assigned to the RE & VS Division at Antietam National Battlefield under the direct supervision of the Division Chief, Park Ranger Keith Snyder. Duties will include working at the park visitor center assisting visitors; performing roving/informal interpretation at various sites on the battlefield; presenting at a minimum 30-minute battlefield orientation programs and one specialized interpretive program the subject of which will be negotiated based on interest and skills of applicant. Intern will also be assisting the park with special events. Other potential opportunities, based on the skill set of the applicant, include working with other divisions within the park, web and social media outreach, research and writing. Intern will be required to work weekends on a normal day shift. There is potential for standing for long periods of time and working outdoors during periods of heat and humidity. Intern will be required to wear a volunteer shirt and hat provided by the park. Intern will be required to return to the park on September 17 to assist with anniversary programming.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Ability to effectively and politely interact with National Park visitors
• Good communication & public speaking skills
• Ability (with training) to research, organize and present interpretive programs

TRANSPORTATION: A personal vehicle will be necessary.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: Current sophomore, junior, or senior

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Antietam National Battlefield is located in a rural setting with a staff of approximately 35 employees (all divisions). Shepherdstown, West Virginia is located 5 miles to the west, Hagerstown, Maryland is 10 miles north and Frederick, Maryland is 20 miles southeast. All of these communities offer shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The closest hospital is located in Hagerstown.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Intern will be provided a private bedroom in a house owned by the park. Living areas (kitchen, dining, and living room) are shared with three other members of the house. Laundry facilities are located on site. Internet access is not available in park housing, but is available in other park buildings.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern - Volunteer Park Guide (front-line interpreter)

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Education and Visitor Services

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Acts as park greeter, storyteller, and guide to visitors from across the world. Shares key park resources like the McLean House, the freed Robinson family home, and the village’s first building, the Clover Hill Tavern to visitors through informal interpretive conversations. What was the significance of General U. S. Grant accepting General R. E. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia? What did the promise of freedom mean to the enslaved people as close as McLean’s back yard and as far away as Texas? Interns research, write, and deliver 35-minute formal programs about the surrender and its legacy, and they present hands on parole pass printing demonstrations. Interns also staff the park’s Visitor Center information desk and produce content for the park’s social media platforms. Note: All dates and duties are contingent upon normal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may dramatically change operations and the viability or nature of this internship.

The internship will begin around May 22 and end around August 6, 2023.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Friendly and engaging personality
• A genuine interest in history, specifically the Civil War (military & civilian), early Reconstruction, and the legacy/memory of the war.
• Good public speaking skills and/or the desire to improve them

TRANSPORTATION: A car is highly recommended but not absolutely necessary. The housing is about 1/3 of a mile from the work stations and interns can walk to work. However, a car or shared rides will be necessary to get groceries or run other errands in town about 3 miles away.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Rural setting, small staff. Groceries, gas, Walmart, and some restaurants are available three miles away in Appomattox. Shopping, movies, minor league baseball, hospital, most medical facilities, and entertainment are 25 miles away in Lynchburg

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Interns at Appomattox live in a modern 5-bedroom home, with private bedrooms and bathrooms shared with only one other person. The house has a community kitchen, living room, dining area, and laundry facility. Limited TV reception is available (DVD’s and Netflix, etc. are recommended). Limited internet connection may be available in the house. It is also available at park offices, and numerous locations around the town of Appomattox offer Wi-Fi.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend. Appomattox interns will likely also receive a $12/day stipend for each day worked. Students will be required to set up an electronic transfer at the beginning of the internship and will be paid electronically.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern - Park Guide with the Social Justice Team

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Interpretation

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: In 2023 the intern(s) will conduct primary and secondary source research on subjects relating to the lives and legacies of the free black community in Boston to create and enhance new and existing interpretive resources. When working with the Interpretation team, the intern will be working both in and outdoors, sometimes in warm weather, working with staff and visitors along the Black Heritage Trail and at Faneuil Hall.

SKILLS DESIRED: The ideal candidate will have strong grades and an interest in African American history or public history, storytelling, research, and/or public speaking. The intern will need to be familiar with Microsoft Office, enjoy writing, and be detail oriented.

Ideally, the park would like the intern to work from approximately June 6 through August 12, 2023. This corresponds with the busy summer tourist season and seasonal staff development sessions.

TRANSPORTATION: A vehicle is not required.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The largest African American community in Boston during the decades before the Civil War was on the northern slope of Beacon Hill, in the shadow of the Massachusetts State House. Although some black Bostonians lived in the North End and the West End north of Cambridge Street, over half the city’s 2,000 blacks lived on Beacon Hill just below the homes of wealthy whites. The historic buildings along today’s Black Heritage Trail were the homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community that organized, from the nation’s earliest years, to sustain those who faced local discrimination and national slavery, struggling toward the equality and freedom promised in America’s document of national liberty.

Today, the Social Justice Team is comprised of staff from Boston African American National Historic Site and Boston National Historical Park. This team is responsible for visitor services and interpretive programming at Faneuil Hall and the African Meeting House and along the Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail. 

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Boston African American National Historic Site has housing available in the Marine Barracks, which is similar to a dormitory-style studio apartment with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Laundry facilities are located on-site. The housing is within a historic neighborhood with stores and mass transit easily accessible.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Interpretation and Resource Education

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The interpretive intern’s primary duties and responsibilities are directly related to personal services, which includes staffing information desks at the park’s two visitor centers and researching, preparing, and presenting original formal interpretive programs and tours for the visiting public.

The purpose of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is to preserve, protect and interpret for the benefit of the public the nationally significant history, stories, and resources associated with the Civil War campaign for Chattanooga including the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga; and the 12,000 years of American Indian presence on the Moccasin Bend Peninsula.

The park has two visitor centers, Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, located in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center, located in Lookout Mountain, TN. Duties while assigned to these visitor centers include greeting visitors, basic orientation to the park and the surrounding area, answering questions, both historic and non-historic, engaging visitors in meaningful dialogue associated with the Civil War and other historic eras of the park, and answering research questions associated with the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battles for Chattanooga, including knowledge and use of the park’s library and vertical files to answer specific questions relating to a certain unit’s participation and location during the various battles.

Programming at Chickamauga Battlefield and at Lookout Mountain Battlefield differ due to accessibility and visitor center placement. When assigned to Chickamauga Battlefield, interns will be expected to conduct 90-minute car caravan tours of the battle, where visitors follow the interpreter to various sites (route chosen by the interpreter) to learn more about the Civil War’s second deadliest battle. While working at Lookout Mountain Battlefield, interns will be expected conduct 30-45 minute walking tours inside Point Park (stops chosen by the interpreter) to orient visitors about the strategic siege and battles fought to control Chattanooga, the “Gateway to the Confederacy.” 

Note: All dates and duties are contingent upon normal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may dramatically change operations and the viability or nature of this internship.

The internship will begin on May 14 and end on August 12, 2023.

SKILLS DESIRED: Interpreters should have a working knowledge of the causes and context of the Civil War era. Selected interns will be expected to do some advanced reading about their assignments prior to beginning their internships. Interpersonal skills, good communication, and public speaking abilities are important to being successful in this position.

TRANSPORTATION: Possession of a vehicle for use over the summer is required.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: Students who have completed their sophomore year are preferred, but all qualified candidates will be considered for this position.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Division of Interpretation and Resource Education has 7 permanent employees. The park is busy during the summer season and averages about 350 visitors per visitor center, daily. Interns will be expected to split their time between working inside the visitor centers and outside in the park. Fort Oglethorpe, GA, where housing is located, is 9 miles south of Chattanooga, TN. The national military park, established August 19, 1890, as the very first of its kind, preserves and protects over 9,000 acres of land in 4 counties and 2 states, making it the largest national military park in the United States.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Free shared housing (co-ed) is available within the park, located in Chickamauga Battlefield. The house has 2 bedrooms, a shared living space, a shared bathroom, and a shared kitchen. The house also has a laundry room. DirecTV is included and a DVD player. 

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 2

HOST SITE: Eisenhower National Historic Site (Gettysburg, PA)

POSITION TITLE: Intern - Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Interpretation and Education

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: A typical internship in the Division of Interpretation at Eisenhower National Historic Site includes conducting house tours and front-line operations, developing and presenting interpretive programming to the general public, and assisting on education, social media, and research projects.

• Interns at Eisenhower NHS assist staff in conducting daily operations of the site, including, but not limited to, conducting tours of the Eisenhower home, providing visitor services at the site reception center, and informal pop up programs throughout the day for park visitors. House tours can include providing a short orientation tour to visitors arriving on site via shuttle bus and staffing the living room of the Eisenhower home to provide formal and informal interpretation. Working the reception center includes answering visitor questions, providing park brochures and assisting with the park Junior Ranger program.
• Interns are also sometimes assigned short interpretive programs to present on the Eisenhowers, their Gettysburg farm, and events involving the Eisenhower story in and around Gettysburg. These programs are done in close consultation with permanent park staff.
• Interns are also assigned various projects, including, but not limited to, assisting with the park social media presence, filming and editing virtual programming for the park, assisting in the preparation of park educational programs and materials, and conducting research for new park programs and exhibits. Past examples include filming short videos for the park Facebook page, conducting research on WWII soldiers buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and putting together a list of important Eisenhower related dates to use as a calendar for posting on social media.

TRAINING: Eisenhower NHS Interns are provided training on park policies and procedures, as well as training on interpretation and how to conduct daily park operations. Interns also traditionally participate in portions of the Gettysburg National Military Park seasonal training course, which takes place for two weeks immediately after Memorial Day.

The typical internship season runs from late May through mid to late August, and interns should plan on working as much of that season as possible. The typical intern work day is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, but start and end times can vary depending on park events and programs. Interns will also have two consecutive days off each week, though will be expected to work weekends and holidays. Also, throughout the summer we provide additional opportunities to learn about other park service careers in museum curation, preservation, public information and more.

Note: The duties outlined above are contingent upon normal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may dramatically change operations and the viability or nature of this internship. A virtual option may be possible.

SKILLS DESIRED: Eisenhower National Historic Site interns must be comfortable speaking publicly to large and diverse groups. The ability to conduct research using secondary and primary source material is also a valued skill. A friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor are also required. Additionally, experience in effectively working with families and children (or a willingness to learn how to do so) will be necessary. Finally, since interns live and work together during a very hectic summer, the ability to work and communicate as a team is necessary. 

TRANSPORTATION: A vehicle is strongly recommended. Most intern housing is not within walking distance of the Eisenhower National Historic Site and a vehicle will be necessary to travel to and from the park, as well as to nearby shopping facilities.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: Students who have just completed at least their sophomore year are preferred, but all qualified candidates will be fully considered.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves, protects, and interprets the home and farm of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. Acquired in 1950, the Eisenhower farm became a getaway retreat for the Eisenhowers while they were president and first lady, and it served as their primary retirement home in the 1960s. Our interpretive themes and topics include the American Presidency, the Cold War, American and World history in the 1950s and 1960s, World War I and World War II, as well as a variety of other topics related to political, military, and cultural history.

The Eisenhower NHS has a small staff of 6 permanent employees covering interpretation, education, and curatorial operations. Additionally we typically have 2-3 seasonal interpretive park rangers, as well as other interns to assist in daily operations and interpretive programming. Eisenhower shares law enforcement, cultural and natural resource, maintenance, and administration staff with Gettysburg National Military Park.

Interns typically spend their days at the Eisenhower National Historic Site, though opportunities for off-site research and programming may present themselves.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Free shared housing is available within the park; most bedrooms are shared and wifi is available but limited. There are laundry facilities onsite. Pohanka interns will likely share housing with other Eisenhower interns or other Pohanka interns from Gettysburg National Military Park.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Historical Interpreter Intern

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Interpretive Branch

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a Civil War battlefield park comprised of four major battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. The park also includes a National Cemetery, historic Salem Church, and a variety of historic structures.

Interns’ primary duties consist of staffing the visitor contact center stations including the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, Chatham (part of a historic slave plantation), Ellwood (part of a historic slave plantation), the Spotsylvania Battlefield Exhibit Shelter, and the Stonewall Jackson Death Site (also part of a historic slave plantation). Please see http://www.nps.gov/frsp for more information on these sites.

Interns also present interpretive public programs. As a Civil War battlefield park, we expect all park interpreters to engage with both the history and relevance of the war, including slavery as the cause of the war and major point of conflict throughout the war. Applicants should consider if they are comfortable discussing potentially controversial topics with the public, including but not limited to, Confederate monumentation, slavery as a cause of the Civil War, and the history of inequality in the United States. 

The intern will work roughly 11-12 weeks, generally from the week before Memorial Day through the first week of August.

SKILLS DESIRED: The main qualification for this position is a willingness to learn! This internship program provides two-weeks of intensive training on the specific history of this park as well as interpretive skills. Applicants need not have experience in either one in order to apply. However, a functional understanding of United States history and experience working with the public are useful.

Interns will participate in 2 weeks of seasonal training at the beginning of their internship.

TRANSPORTATION: Given the spread-out nature of the park, possession of a vehicle for use over the summer is required.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: Sophomore and above. 

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Fredericksburg area is an urban area located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, V.A. Interstate 95 passes through our area, and development follows along that corridor in central Virginia. Shopping centers, restaurants and grocery stores are plentiful. Many National Park and other visitor attractions are daytrips from the park and many interns with common days off visit nearby battlefields, Washington attractions, colonial sites and Shenandoah National Park. The park is a medium-sized National Park.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: This park has several buildings available for housing, used predominantly to house the summer staff ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms each.

The housing provides no frills and is very basic. It has no cable or satellite TV. All buildings have a laundry room with a washer and drier. The bedroom doors all have locks for your security. Interns will need to bring all bedding -- sheets, blankets, pillow and pillow case – as well as towels and washcloths. The kitchen has a lot of small appliances, cookware, cooking utensils, plates, cups, knives, forks and spoons. If relying on the community cookware, interns may have to wait for a housemate to finish using and cleaning something before you can prepare your meal, so we advise bringing along some essential cookware of your own.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1-2

POSITION TITLE: Intern - Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Interpretation and Education

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: A typical internship in the Division of Interpretation at Gettysburg NMP consists of three things: visitor services, program development and presentation, and working with children and families.

• Interns at Gettysburg National Military Park help staff the information desk at our visitor center, and rove throughout the park and the museum. This offers experience in meeting and greeting the public, and providing information/orientation to the park and general area.
• Interns are also responsible for researching, preparing, and presenting interpretive programs. First programs are almost always tours of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Second and sometimes third programs are chosen and prepared as the summer progresses, in cooperation with supervisor, among the over 20 programs offered each day. There are first-person interpretation opportunities if interested.
• Interns also assist with the daily “Join the Army” children’s program, coordinate and present the daily hands-on history cart program, and work with families and children throughout much of the battle anniversary and other special events. Working with families and children develops important and necessary skills for anyone looking for an NPS career.

TRAINING: Two weeks of required training is provided, and includes all three areas (above); this training begins immediately after Memorial Day. The summer season runs through mid-August, and interns should plan on working as much of that season as possible. The typical workday for an Intern is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but can sometimes be 9:00-6:00. Interns will also have two consecutive days off each week, though will be expected to work weekends and holidays. Also, throughout the summer we provide additional opportunities for behind-the-scenes opportunities and to learn about other park service careers in museology, preservation, public information and more; the culmination of this training is a session on USAJobs application procedures.

Note: The duties outlined above are contingent upon normal operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may dramatically change operations and the viability or nature of this internship. A virtual option may be possible.

SKILLS DESIRED: Gettysburg National Military Park interns must be comfortable speaking publicly to large and diverse groups. The ability to conduct research using secondary and primary source material is also a valued skill. A friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor are also required. Additionally, experience in effectively working with families and children (or a willingness to learn how to do so) will be necessary. Finally, since interns live and work together during a very hectic summer, the ability to work and communicate as a team is necessary. 

TRANSPORTATION: A vehicle is strongly recommended. Most intern housing is not within walking distance of the museum and visitor center and a vehicle will be necessary to travel throughout the park for programs, roves, special events etc., as well as to nearby shopping facilities.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: Students who have just completed their junior year are preferred, but all qualified candidates will be fully considered.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The division of interpretation is comprised of 13 permanent employees, as well as 10 seasonal rangers during the summer months. Gettysburg National Military Park is a very busy place during the summer season, with thousands of visitors per day. Interns will split their time between the visitor center and the outdoors. There are a total of 5 interpretation interns at Gettysburg, and 2 research interns. Additionally there are five interpretation interns at Eisenhower National Historic Site, and additional resource management, maintenance, and law enforcement interns and seasonal staff that the Pohanka intern may also live and work alongside. 

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Free shared housing is available within the park; most bedrooms are shared and wifi is available but limited. There are laundry facilities onsite.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and the $2,500 Pohanka stipend.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC) is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County. To date, LCAC has preserved over 12,200 acres through 180 permanent conservation easements on privately owned farms, forests, and other open spaces throughout the county. Please see PreserveAdams.org to learn more about the Land Conservancy.

Through this internship the student will learn about the work of land trusts in preserving the working landscape around us, as well as how a small non-profit pursues its mission. The internship will include documenting the resources present on current conservation projects, assisting staff with monitoring visits to preserved properties, and enhancing our records where insufficiencies exist.

Although most of our projects focus on natural or agricultural resource protection, many of the places we protect have historic significance relating to some aspect of Adams County’s rich history, including not only events associated with the Battle of Gettysburg, but also our unique agricultural landscapes and the vernacular structures that harken back to the lives and economies of the first Europeans who settled here. The intern will research and document these histories to supplement the records that we maintain on each property.

Primary duties of the internship will be:

• investigate and document the historical importance of property: research ownership history using county deed records at the Adams County Courthouse and the the Adams County Historical Society, determine how the property’s size and use has changed over time using historical maps and aerial photography, document how it fits into the historic landscape
• help conduct annual inspections of preserved properties to confirm that owners are adhering to the terms of the conservation easements
• help identify properties in Adams County that are not preserved but that have historic significance warranting preservation

This is a 10-week internship running from approximately May 30 - August 4. The typical hours of the LCAC office are Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm with a 1-hour lunch break (37.5 hours worked per week). The exact schedule of the intern’s hours are flexible.

The intern’s daily direction will be provided as needed by Sarah Kipp, LCAC Conservation Director, with assistance from LCAC board president Dave Salisbury (Gettysburg College Class 1985).

SKILLS AND INTERESTS DESIRED:

• Research skills (primary and secondary sources)
• Self-directed and has attention to detail
• Interest in local history and conservation
• Ability to research and create a product or a project with minimal supervision
• Must enjoy walking/hiking and being outside, even in the heat. Property inspections in the summer months are typically hot, buggy, muggy, and muddy!

TRANSPORTATION: Vehicle not required.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference.

ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Land Conservancy office is located in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Center on Old Harrisburg Road across from HACC in Gettysburg - a short walk from the college. The intern may be provided with a cubicle workspace in the office suite, but should bring their own computer. Research and writing tasks may be done remotely as needed.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Gettysburg College Summer Housing

COMPENSATION: Free campus housing and $3000 stipend (jointly provided by LCAC and the Gallagher Fund)

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

Position Title: Interpretation Intern

Division/Department: Division of Interpretation and Education

Nature of work/Primary responsibilities: This internship is in the Division of Interpretation and Education; the student will be supervised by the Division Chief & mentored by other staff. Duties include operating the information desk of the park Visitor Center, research, orienting visitors to the park, and providing them with information for touring the battlefield. Interns will research, develop, and conduct 30- 40 - minute interpretive talks showcasing multiple perspectives on the history of the site. These programs will be offered multiple times each day during the summer season.

Skills desired:

• Good public speaking and communication skills
• Ability to write strong program outlines, essays, and social media text
• Friendly and professional demeanor
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and/or lead outdoor walks
• Experience with retail sales
• Willingness and ability to present emotionally difficult and/or contentious historical content
• Willingness and ability to connect the history to multiple time periods

Class year preferred: No preference

Park/Organization setting: The Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought along the ridges, steep bluffs, and ravines of the Little Bighorn River, in south-central Montana on June 25-26, 1876. The combatants were warriors of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, battling men of the 7^th Regiment of the US Cavalry, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer, along with their Crow, and Arikara scouts. The battle was one of the last armed efforts on the part of western tribes to preserve their way of life. The Battle of the Little Bighorn has come to symbolize the clash of two vastly dissimilar cultures: the buffalo/horse culture of the northern plains tribes, and the highly industrial/agricultural based culture of the United States. This battle was not an isolated soldier versus warrior confrontation, but part of a much larger strategic campaign designed to force the capitulation of the non-reservation Lakota and Cheyenne.

Little Bighorn Battlefield is a rural setting on the Crow Reservation in south-central MT, & has a small staff. Groceries, gas, restaurants, some shopping, hospital, and medical facilities are available 15 miles away in Hardin, MT. Any major shopping, Walmart, Costco, etc., and entertainment are 65 miles northwest in Billings, MT. Sheridan. WY is 73 miles to the south. For more info, see http://www.nps.gov/libi

Transportation: Little Bighorn Battlefield is in rural south-central Montana. A car is REQUIRED.

Housing accommodations: Housing for the intern will be either shared housing (with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, shared living room & kitchen) or a one-bedroom apartment with living room, bathroom, & kitchen. Both units have a TV & WIFI. Where the student will be placed will depend upon availability.

Compensation: Free housing, $3,500 Pohanka stipend (due to the remoteness of the area requiring significant travel to meet daily needs)

Number of available positions: 1

POSITION TITLE: Interpretation Intern

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Interpretation and Education

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: This internship is in the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services and will be supervised by the Division Chief. Duties include operating the information desk of the park Visitor Center, orienting visitors to the park, and providing them with information for touring the battlefield. Interns will research, develop, and conduct a 45-minute interpretive walking tour of Henry Hill, covering the most significant action of the First Battle of Manassas. This program is offered multiple times each day during the summer, and each staff member or intern assigned to the Visitor Center should anticipate offering this tour at least twice during the workday.

Interns may also be assigned to staff the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center to orient visitors to the Second Manassas battlefield. Interns assigned to work at Brawner Farm may research, develop, and conduct a 45-minute interpretive walking tour of Brawner Farm, giving visitors an overview of the events leading to the Second Battle of Manassas and providing details on the opening action of the battle. This program is offered several times each day during the summer, and each staff member or intern assigned to work at Brawner Farm should expect to give this tour at least twice during the workday.

Interns will also operate the historic Stone House, the park’s best preserved landmark, which is opened on a seasonal basis. Staff and interns assigned to work at the Stone House provide informal interpretation to visitors on the history of the structure and its role during the two Manassas battles. Interns may also have the opportunity to develop and present additional interpretive programs, depending upon their interest, knowledge and understanding of the park story and interpretive themes. In particular, the park is looking to present more formal and informal interpretive programs that highlight the stories of the civilians who called the battlefield landscape home.

Duties may also include answering visitor questions about the park, its history, and its resources; researching and drafting responses to visitor inquiries; developing content for the park’s website and social media sites, such as the park’s Facebook page; assisting with museum housekeeping duties; assisting with the annual visitor use survey; recording visitation attendance for buildings and programs; and operating audio-visual equipment in the Visitor Center. Interested interns may also assist with special events, including the opportunity to work with other staff and volunteers in the living history program to portray soldiers during historic weapons demonstrations. Interns will also participate in the creation of virtual materials that help further the mission of the battlefield. These will include Facebook posts, videos, virtual tours, educational materials, and articles for our website.

The typical workday is from 8:30 – 5:00, with a half-hour lunch break. These hours are subject to change during the summer, with the potential for shift work to cover extended hours designed to provide more building access or cover evening programs. Interns will have two days off each week but should expect to work weekends and holidays. Days off may be subject to change, depending upon scheduling needs during the busy summer season. The internship will begin on May 15 and run for 11 weeks, ending around August 5. Interns should anticipate to check in to park housing beginning on Friday, May 12.

TRANSPORTATION: Vehicle required (Park housing and grocery stores are not within reasonable walking distance).

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Manassas National Battlefield park is situated approximately 25 miles west of Washington D.C. in the Piedmont region of Virginia in both Fairfax and Prince William Counties. The park encompasses over 5,000 acres of historic landscape upon which the battles of First and Second Manassas were fought during the American Civil War. The park contains numerous historic resources and structures including three wartime houses as well as nearly pristinely preserved historic landscape features of the 19^th century piedmont farmsteads. The park has 25 permanent employees across all divisions and numerous seasonal employees and interns throughout the year.

The park is located approximately 5 miles north of the City of Manassas with numerous retail stores, grocery stores, gyms, hospitals, and restaurant locations within immediate proximity to the park. Because of the accelerated growth rate of the surrounding area, the preservation and protection of the park’s resources and values has become even more important to the NPS and the general public.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: The park has three fully furnished housing units in the park that the intern may reside in. The housing units have all necessary amenities (including laundry) and meet the standards to be audibly and visually accessible. The park housing will be shared housing and placement will be determined by the needs of the park.

COMPENSATION: Free Shared Housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Cultural Resources Intern (Interdisciplinary)

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Resources Management

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: This internship is in the division of Resources Management and will be supervised by the Cultural Resource Specialist. Duties include assisting the park cultural resource specialist with the following tasks: annual condition assessments and reports, section 106 compliance, archival research, CR planning, architectural conservation work, CR related contract and project management, and field studies/research (including ongoing HSRs, CLRs, and Archeology). Other duties may include conducting documentation of historic structures/resources and completing minor studies or reports for identified historic resources. Additionally, the intern may have duties including drafting cultural resource related social media posts, assisting with museum housekeeping duties, and performing housekeeping duties related to archives/records management.

The nature of work at Manassas National Battlefield Park requires an interdisciplinary approach to the management of the park’s cultural resources. As such, the intern will have the opportunity to work with specialists within the CRM field touching on all facets of the profession. This will include opportunities to work with regional/agency wide programs as well as contracted private sector services. The experience from an internship at the park will provide a primer to CRM work and the various sub-specialties within the field. 

The typical workday is from 7:00 – 3:30, with a half-hour lunch break. The hours are subject to change during the summer, depending on the project work and associated timelines. The nature of the work will require a mix of time in the office and in the field. The intern should be prepared for full workdays in the field during the summer season, sometimes consecutive days. The internship will begin around May 15 and run for 11 weeks, ending around August 5. Interns should anticipate to check in to park housing beginning on Friday, May 12.

NOTE: In the event of COVID restrictions during the summer of 2023, a virtual or telework opportunity may be possible especially if the candidate is proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS DESIRED:

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment in a collaborative and independent capacity
• Attention to detail in all aspects of the duties and responsibilities
• Interest in cultural resource management or associated fields (i.e. archeology, historic architecture, etc.)
• Knowledge of 19th century Virginia history and the American Civil War
• Interest in vernacular historic structures, cultural landscapes, or monuments
• Oral and written communication skills (reports, social media, etc.)
• Research (primary and secondary sources) skills in both remote and physical archives/locations
• Proficiency with the Basic Microsoft Office Suite

TRANSPORTATION: Vehicle required (Park housing and grocery stores are not within reasonable walking distance).

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Manassas National Battlefield park is situated approximately 25 miles west of Washington D.C. in the Piedmont region of Virginia in both Fairfax and Prince William Counties. The park encompasses over 5,000 acres of historic landscape upon which the battles of First and Second Manassas were fought during the American Civil War. The park contains numerous historic resources and structures including three wartime houses as well as nearly pristinely preserved historic landscape features of the 19^th century piedmont farmsteads. The park has 25 permanent employees across all divisions and numerous seasonal employees and interns throughout the year.

The park is located approximately 5 miles north of the City of Manassas with numerous retail stores, grocery stores, gyms, hospitals, and restaurant locations within immediate proximity to the park. Because of the accelerated growth rate of the surrounding area, the preservation and protection of the park’s resources and values has become even more important to the NPS and the general public.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: The park has three fully furnished housing units in the park that the intern may reside in. The housing units have all necessary amenities (including laundry) and meet the standards to be audibly and visually accessible. The park housing will be shared housing and placement will be determined by the needs of the park.

COMPENSATION: Free Shared Housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Editorial Intern, Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Center for Digital History, Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: One of the nation’s most beloved historic sites, Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life through beautiful gardens and grounds, intriguing museum exhibits, and immersive programs honoring George Washington’s life and legacy. The intern will work at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, under the supervision of the Center for Digital History.

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington serves to increase scholarship in and access to the life, leadership, and legacy of George Washington. The Library comprises three areas of work: Center for Digital History, Leadership Institute, and Library Programs. The Library provides access and training to many audiences and works in concert with George Washington’s Mount Vernon (located across the street) to support over a million visitors per year as well as millions more who explore our resources online.

The Intern will work with the Manager and Digital Projects Editor in the Center for Digital History on a special project on the Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington. The DEGW explores a wide variety of topics related to the life and world of George Washington. The intern’s duties will include auditing current articles in the Encyclopedia, revising articles where needed, and contributing to meetings about the future of the Encyclopedia. They will also have the option of writing an article to contribute to the Encyclopedia or another project at the CDH. An ideal candidate will have strong writing skills and an interest in early American history. In addition, to the stipend and housing, the intern will receive discounts at the Mount Vernon Inn and Shops.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Strong editing and writing skills
• An interest in early American History
• Willingness to work on a team and contribute to team discussions
• Previous experience with publications (school newspaper, yearbook, content creation) not required but helpful

CLASS YEAR PREFERED: No preference

TRANSPORTATION: Several public transit options exist, including the Metro Subway and buses, but student may decide if they want a car for convenience. Parking is free at Mount Vernon.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Mount Vernon and the Washington Library are located in a suburb south of Alexandria and Washington D.C. Housing in Arlington is situated in a more urban environment.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Housing will be provided through the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) Summer Residential Program. The student will live in a shared apartment on the LCWS campus in Arlington, Va (within walking distance of a Metro station). The selected student will be responsible for completing the housing application process with LCWS and may need to pay the fee up front, to be reimbursed by CWI. 

COMPENSATION: Free housing and $2,500 stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Production Intern

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Center for Digital History, Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: One of the nation’s most beloved historic sites, Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life through beautiful gardens and grounds, intriguing museum exhibits, and immersive programs honoring George Washington’s life and legacy. The intern will work at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, under the supervision of the Center for Digital History.

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington serves to increase scholarship in and access to the life, leadership, and legacy of George Washington. The Library comprises three areas of work: Center for Digital History, Leadership Institute, and Library Programs. The Library provides access and training to many audiences and works in concert with George Washington’s Mount Vernon (located across the street) to support over a million visitors per year as well as millions more who explore our resources online.

The Intern will work with the Manager and Digital Projects Editor in the Center for Digital History on a special project creating a podcast on Washington’s presidency. The intern’s duties will include assisting with interviews, compiling bibliographies, creating show notes, creating promotional materials, and training in podcast production. They will also have the option of writing an article to contribute to the Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington or another project at the CDH. An ideal candidate will have an interest in early American history and in audio/video production. In addition to the stipend and housing, the intern will receive discounts at the Mount Vernon Inn and Shops.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Strong communication and research skills
• An interest in early American History
• Willingness to work on a team and contribute to team discussions
• Previous experience with video or audio production preferred but not required

CLASS YEAR PREFERED: No preference

TRANSPORTATION: Several public transit options exist, including the Metro Subway and buses, but student may decide if they want a car for convenience. Parking is free at Mount Vernon.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Mount Vernon and the Washington Library are located in a suburb south of Alexandria and Washington D.C. Housing in Arlington is situated in a more urban environment.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Housing will be provided through the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) Summer Residential Program. The student will live in a shared apartment on the LCWS campus in Arlington, Va (within walking distance of a Metro station). The selected student will be responsible for completing the housing application process with LCWS and may need to pay the fee up front, to be reimbursed by CWI. 

COMPENSATION: Free housing and $2,500 stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Museum Education and Interpretation

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: This opportunity at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will provide students a broad introduction to various aspects of small museum work, focusing particularly on the operational side of museum practice and programming.

The intern will work in the following areas for during their internship which can be tailored to fit what works best for them:

1. Programming – Intern will receive an introduction to education and interpretive theory and gain practical experience in creating and leading Museum and walking tours.
2. Visitor Experience – Intern will shadow Guest Services staff in dealing with daily inquiries and issues with a focus on customer service. Intern will have the opportunity to interact directly with guests as they staff the front desk.
3. Digital Interpretation – Intern will learn about and participate in the digital side of Museum through social media posts, live streams, and video planning, recording, and production.
4. Original Research – Intern will have the chance to conduct original research to author and publish articles for the Museum blog or journal.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Strong writing, researching, and public speaking skills
• Exemplary customer service, public speaking, and conversational skills.
• Interest in nonprofit museum work
• Attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to work outside
• Familiarity with 19^th century material culture, military decorum, and/or civilian life.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is located in the heart of downtown Frederick, MD. The Museum’s exhibits tell the story of Civil War medicine and how it continues to impact our lives today. By working to connect the past to the present through the story of Civil War medicine, we aim to show the importance of learning from our past.

HOUSING ACCOMODATIONS: Gettysburg College Summer Housing

TRANSPORTATION: Since no housing is available near the Museum, a personal vehicle is required. There is a parking garage next to the Museum for which the Museum can provide a parking pass.

COMPENSATION: Free on-campus housing, $2,500 Pohanka stipend, and transportation stipend of approximately $500.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Curatorial Assistant

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Resource Management

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Pohanka Intern will work closely with the Museum Curator, primarily out of the Resource Management office. The intern will work one week 8 hours Monday-Friday and the second week 8 hours Monday-Thursday. The intern will be off Memorial Day and Independence Day. Interested applicants should ensure their resume includes the full contact information for their supervisors/references and hours worked at specific jobs. The intern will need to complete a Federal background check (paid for by the park and worked out between the intern and the museum curator at Petersburg).

The intern should be able to exhibit an ability to work in a team environment as the office building contains the park’s archeologist, the curator, and the park’s biologist and any other interns and volunteers assisting the resource management team. Furthermore, this work often involves coordination most often with the Maintenance and Interpretation divisions at the park.

Duties of the position will include relabeling and inventory of museum artifacts, cataloging or classifying objects, transcribing original documents, and digitizing museum records. The intern will learn how to handle museum objects and assist with exhibit housekeeping duties. The intern should also expect to conduct some research as well as present information to the public using artifacts to tell stories of people and events at Petersburg. Although many prospective interns inquire about the feasibility of putting together an exhibit, the park rarely can implement new displays, so this is unlikely.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Knowledge of and interest in the Civil War.
• Ability to work well with and around the public and other park employees/volunteers/interns.
• Interest in museum studies and/or curatorial and archival practice.
• Ability to engage with the public.
• Flexibility to adjust to changes in work schedule.
• Ability to read and decipher historic handwriting.
• Desire to convey interpretive messages to the public digitally or in person using museum objects.

The intern will work 12 weeks from Monday, May 22 through Wednesday, August 9, checking out of park housing on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Check in is expected between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Friday, May 20, 2023.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

TRANSPORTATION: Student is required to have their own car or other reliable means of transportation to and from work.

BATTLEFIELD/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. The park is spread out across 32 miles from the Grant’s Headquarters at City Point unit to Five Forks Battlefield. Petersburg, Virginia (a city of approximately 32,000) is 30 minutes south of Richmond, and 2 hours from Washington, DC, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Grocery stores, a shopping mall, and a movie theater are located within 1-3 miles of housing.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: There are several buildings available for housing, used predominantly to house the summer seasonal staff and interns. At present, the park generally uses two non-historic buildings for housing which are located near park headquarters and the law enforcement office.

The housing provides no frills and does not include cable or satellite TV and no internet access; however, the house is already wired for it and the intern along with other staff in the house can make arrangements to have cable and/or internet access for the summer if they desire. Housing is co-ed and the intern can expect to have their own private bedroom and shared bathroom. All rooms are furnished. Housing has a washer and dryer which are free for use by the intern. In all houses, the bedroom doors have locks. Interns will need to bring all bedding -- sheets, blankets, pillow and pillowcase – as well as towels and washcloths. The kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, small appliances, cookware, cooking utensils, plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons. The house cleanliness must be maintained by the intern and other staff during occupancy. The intern must clean their space before moving out.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend.

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Education Intern

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Division of Interpretation

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with the park staff, as well as park partners such as the Penn Center, to assist with visitor center and interpretive operations. This includes assisting employees with staffing visitor centers, leading interpretive programs. There will be opportunities to assist in developing interpretive products such as writing web and social media entries, site bulletins, and temporary exhibits. The park will work with the selected intern to finalize exact starting and ending dates, but ideally, the intern would be on site by late May and stay through early August, 2022.  

SKILLS DESIRED

• Willingness to engage with members of the public on potentially challenging subjects
• Basic knowledge about the process of Emancipation as a consequence of US Military victory during and after the Civil War.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Strong writing and speaking skills.

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

TRANSPORTATION: A personal vehicle is required. Park sites are located scattered throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina, and there is very limited public transportation or ride share services available. 

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a fairly new unit of the NPS, just established in 2017. The park is comprised of three locations – A visitor center in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, the campus of the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, and the site of Camp Saxton in Port Royal. The park works with a wide variety of community partners to interpret the story of Port Royal Experiment during the Civil War and at the dawn of Reconstruction. Park partners include Penn Center, the town of Port Royal, the US Navy, the congregation of Brick Baptist Church, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, and a wide variety of other organizations or local institutions. 

The park is located in and around Beaufort, South Carolina, on South Carolina’s Sea Islands about halfway between Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. During the summer it is very hot, humid, and buggy. 

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS:  Interns will be housed in the student housing complex, at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Museum Education and Operations

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: This opportunity at Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center provides students with a broad introduction to various aspects of small, non-profit museum work. Focus is particularly strong on museum operations and museum education/interpretation (both on-site and distance).

The intern will work in the following areas for approximately equal periods during his/her internship:

1. Programming – Intern will receive an introduction to education and interpretive theory and gain practical experience in delivering content. The intern will also assist in conducting research and building modules for our on-site and digital education repository.
2. Visitor Experience – Intern will shadow Visitor Services staff in dealing with daily inquiries and issues with a focus on customer service. Intern will have the opportunity to interact directly with guests as he/she builds their skills.
3. Marketing and Events– Intern will gain an introductory understanding of the role of print and social media marketing and relationship-building in attracting visitors. Intern will assist Marketing staff in planning and promoting annual the Battle of Gettysburg anniversary (July), Legacy Weekend (September), and other special summer events.
4. Development – Intern will learn about the importance of donor relations, fundraising, and endowment in maintaining museum operations.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Strong writing and public speaking skills

• Exemplary customer service, public speaking, and conversational skills.
• Interest in nonprofit museum work
• Attention to detail

• Ability and willingness to work outside
• Familiarity with 19^th-century history a plus

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center is located on the campus of the United Lutheran Seminary—Gettysburg Campus. The Museum opened in July 2013 with exhibits on the first day of the battle, the care of the wounded, and issues of faith and freedom in the 19^th century. The Museum is open to the public 7 days a week during spring, summer and fall.

HOUSING ACCOMODATIONS: Seminary campus housing

COMPENSATION: Free housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

POSITION TITLE: Pohanka Intern – Special Collections and College Archives

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Special Collections and College Archives, Musselman Library

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The summer intern will be introduced to a variety of archival skills including processing collections, cataloging, transcription, and digitization. The intern will be trained in basic preservation/conservation and material handling techniques as well as archival theory and practice. They will create a finding aid and other research assistance tools. The intern will gain experience working with PastPerfect museum software, CONTENTdm image managing software, and MUSCAT Plus cataloging software.

In addition to supporting our public history mission by providing care and improved access to our primary sources, our intern will work with our Civil War Vertical File Manuscript Collection which consists of letters, diaries, orders, and other documents of the Civil War era. Tasks will include enhancing current descriptions, re-housing, digitization of selected material, and creating cataloging records in MUSCAT Plus. Opportunities to catalog regimental histories and learn about the conservation of Civil War era books are also possible. Intern will assist with open houses and tours of exhibits within the Special Collections Reading Room.

Intern will assist with the Civil War Institute Summer Conference and also welcome Gettysburg College Alumni, Gilder Lehrman participants, and other visitors to Special Collections. Care will be taken to connect the intern with projects that match their historical interests, whenever possible.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• A friendly and professional demeanor
• Interest in historical research
• Attention to detail

CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

MUSSELMAN LIBRARY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT: Musselman Library is committed to creating, through our learning spaces, programs, services, collections, and policies, an environment that supports, values, and respects everyone in the Gettysburg College community. At Gettysburg, diversity includes but is not limited to age, country of origin, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, geography, learning differences, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic level.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: The Special Collections and College Archives department is located on the 4^th floor of Musselman Library.

Special Collections and College Archives is home to the College’s collection of rare books, letters, diaries, College publications, photographs, historic maps, memorabilia, artifacts, oral histories, and media. The College Archives includes documents related to the history of the College. Significant portions of our manuscript, book, artifact, and vertical file collections are focused on the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. Special Collections and College Archives supports research on soldiers, townspeople and College students/faculty who witnessed the effects of the Civil War. Our collections promote an understanding of the Civil War Era and the commemoration of its memory.

HOUSING ACCOMODATIONS: Gettysburg College Summer Housing

COMPENSATION: Free housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

POSITION TITLE: Intern – Education/Programs/Collections/Research

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Department of Collections and Public Engagement

NATURE OF WORK/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Special projects relating to various aspects of public history including museum education and programming, social media, collections management, archaeology, and research will be available. Specific duties will be arranged by mutual agreement between the site and the selected candidate. Previous Stratford Hall interns have worked on researching and re-housing objects in the museum collection, preparing and updating artifact records in the collections database, installing and updating exhibits, creating on-line exhibits for Stratford’s website, assisting with mobile and digital interpretation projects, helping to update interpretation to reflect current research and findings, scanning and organizing archival image collections, organizing archival maps and blueprints, compiling research on the Lee family from other institutions, and transcribing Lee documents and uploading them to the Lee Family Digital Archive website/database.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Interest in museum education and programming, material culture, archives and/or collections management and research
• Good communication skills
• Comfortable with interacting with the public
• Ability to work independently

 CLASS YEAR PREFERRED: No preference

TRANSPORTATION: Student is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have their own car.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Stratford is in rural Westmoreland County on the beautiful Northern Neck of Virginia. Westmoreland County is a 45-minute drive from Fredericksburg, two hours from Washington, DC, and 90 minutes from Richmond. Stratford is approximately a 15-minute drive to Food Lion, and a 35-minute drive to the nearest Walmart.

Stratford Hall is a National Historic Landmark and 18th century plantation museum which sets on over 1,800 acres with 2.5 miles of Potomac River waterfront. The Great House and related dependency buildings were constructed beginning in the late 1730s and are among a handful of exceptionally intact survivals from colonial Virginia. Stratford was the home of the Lee family of Virginia, including Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War hero Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee III, and birthplace of Robert E. Lee. The property was also home to multiple generations of enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and labor for the benefit of the Lee Family. In addition to its rich history, Stratford also features a reconstructed 18th century gristmill, historic gardens, miles of walking trails, a mill pond for fishing and beach for fossil hunting.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: The intern will be housed onsite in an air-conditioned guest facility with Wi-Fi and kitchenette. Laundry facilities are a 10-minute drive off-site in Montross, Virginia.

COMPENSATION: Free shared housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1

POSITION TITE: Intern - Interpretation

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Interpretation, Education & Visitor Services 

SCHEDULE: The position schedule is 40-hour work weeks including weekends, and holidays. Intern reports to their scheduled duty station at 8:00 am till 5:00 pm. An hour lunch is included. The position will begin in mid/late May and run for 10 weeks; specific start/end dates will be left up to the student and supervisor’s discretion.

JOB DUTIES FOR INTERN: The intern is a vital asset of the interpretive division! Serving as a uniformed front-line interpreter, they will be responsible for staffing the visitor center desk, the U.S.S. Cairo Museum desk, and working alongside volunteers, fellow staff members and park partners to provide information and informal interpretation to the public.

Additionally, the intern will be responsible for a variety of traditional ranger programs including: interpretive talks, guided hikes, educational programs for school groups, and aiding in specially scheduled tours of the military park. There is a strong emphasis on incorporating audience-centered techniques into programs and ensuring that all programs meet the new standards set forth in the Foundations of 21st Century Interpretation. There is a renewed focus to reach new audiences, explore contemporary meanings of the military park and furthering our efforts to engage the local community as well as our robust visiting public. A federal background investigation is required for computer access.

Collateral duties may include cultural resources, archives, natural resources, living history, and social/physical media development. Park staff will work with the intern for training and to concentrate on specific topics or interests.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, interpretive programming and priorities have changed to adjust to conditions. Depending on pandemic conditions, intern experiences may be adjusted to account for the pandemic conditions. Additional potential opportunities depending on conditions may include: (digital media projects, research projects, culture resource projects, visitor services evaluation assistance, training opportunities, and park interpretive media development).

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Work with diverse teams to accomplish the park’s mission.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Public speaking and communication skills.
• Ability to write strong program outlines, essays, and social media text.
• Friendly and professional demeanor.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and/or lead outdoor walks.
• Willingness and ability to present emotionally difficult and/or contentious historical content.
• Willingness and ability to connect a Civil War story to multiple time periods.

UNIFORM: The National Park Service’s uniform policy (Reference Manual #43) is firm in professional attire and appearance. Interns will wear a VIP uniform that is required for this position which consists of: button down shirts, jacket and ball cap. The selected candidate will provide khaki slacks and comfortable dress shoes (no sneakers). Uniform sizes will be confirmed prior to the intern arriving to the duty station. Exceptions are taken into account on a case by case basis.

TRANSPORTATION: Vicksburg National Military Park is in an urban environment with city, county, US Highway and park roads. A vehicle is required for this position. Government vehicles are for driving within the park boundary only.

OPERATION OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLE: The intern will use government vehicles for transportation inside the military park and a valid driver’s license is necessary. A government background investigation is required for this position for operating park vehicles.

PARK/ORGANIZATION SETTING: Vicksburg National Military Park protects close to 2,000 acres in and around the city of Vicksburg, MS, commemorating the story of the siege of Vicksburg from May 18-July 4, 1863. Both Union and Confederate governments saw the vital importance in Vicksburg and its location for controlling the Mississippi River. Victory here gave the Union army control of the Mississippi River throughout the rest of the Civil War. The Military Park includes 1,325 historic monuments and markers, making it one of the largest collections of outdoor art in the world. The Military Park also tells the story of the occupation and post-war period of Reconstruction in Vicksburg. This is a unique time in the history of the park as it is in the initial stages of an expansion to manage new sites to better protect and interpret the larger Vicksburg Campaign. Over half a million visitors visit the Military Park every year. For more information on Vicksburg NMP, visit their website.

The Military Park lies just to the east of the city of Vicksburg. Vicksburg is a vibrant community with over 46,000 people living in the city and surrounding area. The immediate area offers plenty of amenities including restaurants, grocery stores, doctors, hospital, daycare, and a robust housing market. The closest airport is located in Jackson, MS, approximately a 45 minute drive east of Vicksburg. New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee are approximately 3 hours away, Dallas, Texas is 5 hours away, and Nashville, Tennessee is 6 hours away. More area information can be found on their website.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: Housing will be provided through park partner connections, likely in a shared capacity with another intern.

COMPENSATION: Free housing and $2,500 Pohanka stipend. 

NUMBER OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS: 1