Virginia and its neighboring states are home to a considerable number of public history sites, many of which offer internships for undergraduate and graduate students in the summer and during the school year. Most of these internships are unpaid. An unpaid internship can be an excellent way to gain work experience and exposure to the public history field. This page compiles links to some of the many historic homes, museums, libraries, archives, and public history organizations that students interested in seeking an unpaid internship might consider. Check back often as we will continue to add opportunities as we discover them.

Please bear in mind that each organization listed below has its own internship application process and deadline. Read each website carefully for these details. For organizations which do not have formalized internship programs, please send a professionally-worded inquiry to the email address provided.

Some unpaid opportunities include:

 

Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia: Richmond, VA

Located in the historic Jackson Ward district of Richmond, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia "seeks to become a permanent repository for visual, oral and written records and artifacts commemorating the lives and accomplishments of Blacks in Virginia" through its exhibitions, educational programs, and celebrations.

Students interested in internships may contact the museum manager, Mary Lauderdale, at mclauderdale.bhm@gmail.com

Website: www.blackhistorymuseum.org

 

British Library Magna Carta Internship: London, England

The British Library is offering a six-month volunteership for an American doctoral student to join the History and Classics Department in 2013, working on the Magna Carta Project. This position has been generously funded by the American Trust for the British Library.

To learn more about the internship, follow this link. Those interested in applying should send an application letter detailing the months they would be able to be in London, a résumé, and two reference letters to Dr Claire Breay, Lead Curator, Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts, The British Library, by email to claire.breay@bl.uk, or by post to 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, by Friday 8 February 2013. A telephone interview may be held. All applicants will be notified of the results by the end of March 2013.

Website: Brisith Library Blog

 

Elegba Folklore Society: Richmond, VA

Located in Richmond, The Elegba Folklore Society explores African and African American history, folklore, and art through exhibitions, folk life celebrations, and performances. The Society also leads guided heritage tours along the trail of enslaved Africans and of other noteworthy sites in Richmond. Interns will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of substantive, meaningful projects and to engage with the community.

Students interested in internships may contact the director, Janine Bell, at jaybee@efsinc.org

Website: http://efsinc.org/

 

Grey Towers National Historic Site: Milford, PA

Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, PA, ancestral home of conservationist and Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot, has from 1 to 5 student intern positions to serve 10-12-week internships from May-October. Students will live on the estate of this 1886-mansion and be immersed in the history of forestry in America. They will have an opportunity to learn and improve skills in such areas as interpretation, public speaking, communication, research and related programs. Students of forestry, environmental, history, art, interpretive/recreation or museum studies programs are sought.

Interns will assist USDA Forest Service staff with interpretive and education programs and visitor services. Students will develop and deliver interpretive tours, assist with education and other public programs, provide visitor services and complete one research/interpretive project.

After this internship is completed, students will be:

• Able to fully develop and deliver a thematic interpretive tour, including determining key messages and weaving htem into program delivery;
• Able to work with a variety of different audiences;
• Knowledgeable about the history of forestry in America and the role played by Gifford Pinchot, his family and Grey Towers;
• Knowledgeable about Forest Service culture and history.

In addition, students will:

• Hone their customer service skills;
• Expand AV and computer skills;
• Improve written and verbal communication skills;
• Enhance research skills;
• Learn professional work standards, ethics and expectations.

Interns will be required to complete one project chosen from a list provided by GT or approved in advance by the supervisor of Programs, Partnerships and Communication that will result in a tangible product, such as an interpretive brochure or wayside exhibit, powerpoint program, specialized tour, etc.

Stipends: A small subsistence allowance may be available. Grey Towers provides housing and uniforms. Students must provide own transportation.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest to Lori McKean, Programs, Partnerships and Communication, Grey Towers National Historic Site, P.O. Box 188, Milford, PA 18337, or greytowers@fs.fed.us. Letters should include a brief description of how this internship fits with your skills, background and career goals; what you can contribute to and hope to achieve from the experience; and how the Forest Service can help you further develop or learn new skills. Please attach (or send separately if submitting electronically) a copy of your transcript, resume and 2 letters of recommendation. Internships can span any period, May through October. Deadline is March 1st for summer months and June 1 for fall. Personal interviews are helpful but not required.

For more information, call 570-296-9630 or contact Lori McKean at 570-296-9672.

Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/gt/

 

The Jewish Museum of Maryland: Baltimore, MD

Interning with the Jewish Museum of Maryland is a dynamic, interesting, educational, and fun experience. JMM offers Winter and Spring internships. There are internships available in archives, marketing, collections, development, exhibitions, oral history, and archaeology. For a full description of the available internships, please follow this link.

Students interested in internships may contact Jobi Zink at jzink@jewishmuseummd.org

Exhibition Research Intern
The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks a qualified intern to assist in research for upcoming Great Expectations: Jews, Health, and Healing The Jewish Museum of Maryland seeks a qualified intern to assist in research for upcoming Great Expectations: Jews, Health, and Healing exhibition, projected to open at the JMM in spring 2014. Tasks include, but are not limited to: research in JMM archival holdings, oral history transcription, assisting in collection of materials from community members. Interested students should be working toward a degree in history, medical history, museum studies, or curatorial studies. Experience and/or interest in conducting oral histories a plus, but previous museum or gallery experience is not required. Internship dates are flexible through fall (2012), winter and spring (2013) semesters.

Please send a cover letter, dates of availability, resume, and list of three references to Karen Falk Curator, Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore MD 21202 or to kfalk@jewishmuseummd.org. Please include "Exhibition Intern" in your subject line. Applications reviewed as received.

Website: http://www.jewishmuseummd.org/

 

Lynchburg Museum: Lynchburg, VA

The Lynchburg museum system, which includes the Lynchburg Museum and Point of Honor, the elegant Federal-style home built by Dr. George Cabell in 1815, chronicles the events and individuals that shaped Central Virginia. The museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts from Lynchburg's history, including toys, furnishings, firearms, and art.

Students interested in internships may contact the Museum Educator, Rachel Deddens, at rachel.deddens@lynchburgva.gov

Websites: www.lynchburgmuseum.org and www.pointofhonor.org

 

Strathmore Summer Internships: Bethesda, MA

Description:
College and graduate students interested in an arts management career are encouraged to apply for a summer internship at Strathmore. The Internship Program at Strathmore is designed to provide a professional and meaningful experience in arts management for students who wish to pursue further study or employment in the not-for-profit arts field. Funding is available.The internship lasts approximately 12 weeks, May through August of 2013. Applications are due no later than Friday, March 1, 2013. Internships may be based in any of the following departments: marketing and communications, visual arts, historic tours, education, development, and event planning. If the applicant is pursuing an internship for school credit, they must contact Strathmore in advance to ensure that all school requirements can be met.

To learn more about the specific duties and responsibilities, please follow this link.

Requirements:
Ideal applicants will possess at least two years of liberal arts, arts management or arts-related study at the college level, and have graduated no earlier than May 2011. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are essential. Applicants must demonstrate a sincere interest in the behind-the-scenes operation of an arts center. Access to a car and previous experience in customer service or arts administration are beneficial.

Please send complete applications to Miriam Teitel, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda MD 20852 or mteitel@strathmore.org (email submissions preferred).

Complete Applications Must Include:
• Application form (available on website)
• Cover letter including the days and hours you are available and department(s) of interest. Preference will be given to candidates available for at least 16 hours/week.
• Resume including current contact information
• Names and contact information of two references (letters of recommendations are accepted but not required)
• Transcript (unofficial is accepted)

CLICK HERE to download the intern application. Applications are due March 1, 2013.

Website: http://www.strathmore.org

 

Student PIRGs Internship Program: Various locations, VA

Student PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) organize college students to solve some of the world's most pressing public interest problems. The PIRGs are independent statewide student organizations that work on issues like environmental protection, consumer protection, and hunger and homelessness. For nearly 40 years students working with their campus PIRG chapters have been making a real difference in people's lives and winning concrete changes to build a better world. The Student PIRGs internship program allows students to learn skills and get valuable experience working on one of their campaigns. Interns learn how to build teams of volunteers, organize events on campus, and work with the media. This fall, Student PIRGs are working to support National Parks, to make campuses and communities more sustainable, stop students from being ripped off by outrageous textbook prices, and demand that National Geographic clean up its polluted paper mill and start printing its magazine on recycled paper.

Students interested in internships may fill out the automated form located here to receive more information and application.

Website: http://www.studentpirgs.org/home