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Position: Museum Intern (summer/fall 2024)

Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) for 8 weeks (or part-time schedule to be mutually determined by intern and supervisor, with the expectation that 300 hours of work are completed)

Reports to: Collections & Education Direction

 

To Apply

Applications must include a resume, a cover letter, and two professional or academic letters of reference. Applicants may apply through the internship posting on their school’s Handshake, via Shaker Village’s employment portal (package documents as a single file and upload under “Apply with a Resume”), or by submitting their application directly to the Collections & Education Director at rsoules@shakervillageky.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a final deadline of March 15, 2024. Applications will only be reviewed if they are complete and include all requested materials.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience. Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venue, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
 

Museum Intern Job Summary

Intern/s will work under the direction of the Collections & Education Director, assisting with projects in both the Collections and Program Departments and gaining an understanding of the scope and breadth of museum operations. After an initial training and orientation period, intern/s will divide their time between general collections work and public-facing programming. Collections work may include entering biographical information about Pleasant Hill Shakers, updating existing artifact records, or scanning/describing historic photographs. As part of the Program Team, intern/s will be trained to give dynamic, engaging tours on various topics related to the Shakers and the history and culture of Pleasant Hill. Time and interest permitting, intern/s may also work on a research project to further departmental priorities (such as researching and compiling content for a new public program or exhibit). This internship is a career development opportunity designed to give college students a venue for learning and improving museum-related skills.

Responsibilities  and Duties

  • Complete assigned project/s responsibly, with care and attention to detail 
  • Develop accurate, in-depth knowledge of Shaker life, culture, and history
  • Behave in a professional manner at all times
  • Follow the SVPH Employee Handbook, particularly with regard to policies for harassment/discrimination, drugs, weapons, and workplace bullying
  • Assist with projects as directed by the Collections & Education Director
  • Work courteously and cooperatively with fellow interns, employees, and volunteers
  • Maintain open communication with the Collections & Education Director about work assignments and expectations, the internship process, and any issues that may arise

Skills and Qualifications 

  • Currently enrolled or recently graduated (two years or less) college student with a strong interest in museum programming, studying history or other relevant fields (students from non-traditional majors are encouraged to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how museum work is relevant to your field of study or your professional aspirations)
  • Enthusiasm for the Shakers and the Village’s mission
  • Willingness to learn new skills quickly
  • Self-starter, comfortable working independently and taking initiative
  • Articulate and confident when speaking; outgoing personality comfortable interacting with the public 
  • Precise and attentive to details; good at performing repetitive tasks (like scanning photos or entering content into collections database) without losing focus
  • Comfortable working outdoors and in indoor spaces that have only minimal heating/cooling
  • Optional: Prior experience interning, working, or volunteering at a museum, special collections library, or archive
  • Optional: Prior experience with databases, data entry, or other similar, computer-based operations
  • Optional: Prior experience leading tours, speaking with the public, or a theatrical background

 Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to maintain visual attention for considerable lengths of time
  • Ability to sit and stand for considerable lengths of time
  • Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis
  • Ability to operate computers and general office equipment
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. and lift and/or move heavier loads as needed

Working Environment and Conditions

  • This position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, during all seasons and types of weather conditions.
  • This position requires work on weekdays, generally 9am-5pm
  • This position is subject to a background check and drug testing.

Benefits

  • $1000 stipend, dispersed in 4 equal payments over the course of the internship
  • Complimentary Annual Pass for SVPH (good for one year)
  • Staff discounts on meals and purchases at The Shops for the duration of the internship