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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.
Contents:
Collections Internships
Education Internships
Library Internships
Marketing Internships
Practical Information
Internship Requirements
How to Apply
| You may choose to focus your internship on one of the following three areas: |
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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.
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Education
Interns:
Education interns may choose to focus on public programming or curriculum development. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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: |
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Internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. |
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The internship
length is flexible. |
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Housing is available. |
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Interns also have the opportunity to work as paid weekend museum guides. |
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Internships can be tailored to fit college or university requirements. |
| Internship
Requirements: |
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A mimimum commitment of 20 hours a week for four weeks |
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A focused project for the internship--
the intern and staff work together to select the project |
| Characteristics of a Successful Intern: |
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Enthusiasm |
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Flexibility |
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Good communication skills |
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An interest in history |
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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
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