Internship Opportunities
ARE YOU ENTHUSIASTIC, FLEXIBLE, and interested in history? Do you have good communication skills? We may be looking for you. The Litchfield Historical Society operates a research library and two museums: The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School.
You may choose to focus your internship on one of the following four areas:
Collections Interns
Each collections intern works with the Curator of Collections on either a cataloguing project or an exhibitions research project. Cataloguing interns select a group of objects from the permanent collection to catalogue. Interns become familiar with conducting inventories, reconciling any location and numbering issues, basic object handling, and numbering. They also complete catalogue worksheets, conduct research, and document the objects through digital, slide and 35 mm photography. Finally, they add records to the museum’s computerized collections database.
Interns focused on exhibitions research create detailed notebooks that list potential objects, documents, and ephemera to include in upcoming temporary exhibitions. These notebooks also contain research notes compiled from secondary sources.
Collections interns also assist with accessioning new objects, researching topics for future lectures and exhibitions, and reorganizing collection storage spaces.
Education Interns
Education interns work closely with the Curator of Education and the Education Assistant on a myriad of annual summer programs. Additionally, interns may choose to focus on public programming, curriculum development or both. Program interns may develop a program idea, plan activities, create a budget, assemble the materials, conduct publicity, and run the program. Interns who choose to concentrate on curriculum development will write and pilot lessons to use in the museums and will create pre- and post-visit materials for classroom use. Whatever the focus of the project, interns are expected to participate in all of the education activities of the institution.
Education interns may also give tours to special groups, help at special events, assist with the development and maintenance of hands-on areas, and contribute to planning and label-writing for exhibitions.
Library Interns
The Ingraham Memorial Research Library has many opportunities for interns. Interns may arrange and describe archival collections; rehouse rare books, oversized materials, or cased images; Library Science students are invited to assist in creating original catalog records for rare and new books. Internships are also available working with the Society's Web site. For examples of previous projects, see the Highlights of the Collection page and the Litchfield Families page.
Library interns may also acquire reference experience by providing research assistance to library patrons. Requests for information come to us via telephone, letters and e-mail, and on-site visits. Other learning opportunities may include transcribing archival materials, collections development and planning, or indexing, and abstracting. The archivist will work with the student to tailor projects to specific interests and career goals.
Marketing Interns
Marketing interns work with the Director to conduct audience research, publicize events, and promote the Society’s exhibitions and programs. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, interviewing museum visitors, writing press releases, and developing marketing plans for a targeted audience such as senior citizens. Marketing interns also create and distribute promotional materials.
Small museums depend on team work, and each staff member helps as needed on all projects. Interns participate in all museum activities including working with the public, setting up exhibitions and programs, and publicizing events and exhibitions.
Practical Information
- Internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- The internship length is flexible.
- Interns also have the opportunity to work as paid weekend museum guides.
- Internships can be tailored to fit college or university requirements.
Internship Requirements
- A mimimum commitment of 20 hours a week for four weeks
- A focused project for the internship-- the intern and staff work together to select the project
Characteristics of a Successful Intern
- Enthusiasm
- Flexibility
- Good communication skills
- An interest in history
- The ability to work both independently and with others
To apply
An interview, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation are required. Please send a resume and letter of interest to:
Litchfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 385
Litchfield, CT 06759
Fax: 860-567-3565
For more information call 860-567-4501 or email: education@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org