Paid Summer Museum Internship

Montpelier, the General Henry Knox Museum, an historic house museum in beautiful midcoast Maine, is reopening its search for an education intern for the summer of 2011, a position that will transition into a temporary employee for up to twelve weeks in the fall. The museum, a reconstruction of the 1794 mansion built by the country’s first Secretary of War, houses an important collection of Federal Period furniture and decorative arts, as well as primary and secondary resources related to the economic development and settling of midcoast Maine. The museum has a permanent staff of four FT employees and over sixty active volunteers, and offers a very active range of programs, classes and events during the summer. For more information, see www.knoxmuseum.org.

The education internship is part of the museum’s Center for the Study of Early American History, and will provide a focused experience in museum educational programming, research, and library development. One of the educational intern’s primary responsibilities will be to provide support for the Center’s summer teacher institute, including answering phones, preparing mailings, handling teachers’ logistical concerns, assisting teachers with research projects, and assisting with program delivery, working with noted experts in the field of history. Another primary responsibility will be working with the education coordinator on developing the Museum’s research library and improving intellectual access to two major Knox manuscript collections. The intern will also be trained to give tours and assist in other Museum operations as needed. A very high level of organization, motivation and energy is required. This internship is 5 days a week (35 hours) for 12 weeks, and pays a stipend of $4,000.

The education internship will also serve as training for a temporary position of up to twelve weeks in the fall, covering for the education coordinator. In this role the candidate will be responsible for the implementation of school programs and tours, including the roll out of a major revision to the Museum’s Knox Box program, managing the final logistics of the 2011 summer teacher institute, assisting in the planning for 2012 programming, and continuing work in the research library, overseeing volunteers.

Recent undergraduate or graduate students with a background or strong interest in history, education, library and archival science or museum studies are encouraged to apply. A high level of self-motivation and initiative is required. Some Saturdays and special evening and weekend events are required, particularly in the summer months. Starting date must be by June 15. We regret that the museum can not provide housing.

To apply, please send a letter describing your interest and experience with museums and/or nonprofits, a resume and three references to Intern Search, General Henry Knox Museum, PO Box 326, Thomaston, ME 04861 or by email (Word documents or pdf’s only, please) to center@knoxmuseum.org (please contact the museum through this email address only). The review of applications and interviews will begin immediately.