Interpretive Programming Documentation Intern

Department
Experience Development
Supervisor
Program Manager
Hours
10-20/week
Semester(s)
Spring 2025 (January - May)
Status
Paid

The Interpretive Programs Team is collaborating with Historic Sites and Museums staff to standardize and update program documentation. During the semester the intern will learn best practices in the planning of interpretive programs and assist members of the Interpretive Programs team to coordinate the transfer of Historic Sites and Museums’ programming materials into  drafted templates. Interns will also assist sites in documenting their research for these programs. The project can be adjusted based on intern experience and hourly requirements. 

Ideal Degree(s)
  • Education
  • History
  • Museum studies
  • Public history
Student Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Ability to work both collaboratively with diverse individuals and independently to complete projects.
  • Effective communication skills, including ability to write clearly and concisely and effective oral communication with individuals and groups
  • Computer skills necessary to develop quality project and program documentation, including video conferencing, email, and the Google suite. Project may necessitate sitting/standing at a computer for extended periods of time. 
  • Willingness to travel to MNHS historic sites throughout Minnesota (up to three hours from the metro). This might include carpooling in state vehicles or personal vehicle use. Personal vehicle use would include mileage reimbursement.  
  • Undergraduate coursework in history, education, museum studies, evaluation, or a related field
  • Ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

 

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Graduate coursework in history, education, museum studies, or a related field. 
  • Experience creating and/or presenting public education programs.
Student Responsibilities

Coordination & Assistance Standardizing Program Documentation : 50%

  • In collaboration with sites, transfer programs from the current program documentation style into the preferred templates. 

Research : 20%

  • Conduct necessary research in support of the program documentation. 
  • Create program bibliographies or citations as needed

Site Visits & Collaboration : 20%

  • Visit MNHS Historic Sites and Museums to meet staff and learn about their public programming. 
  • Build and maintain positive rapport with colleagues.

Administration: 10%

  • Participate in team meetings.
  • Provide input on improving the project’s processes.
Knowledge Intern is expected to gain

The intern will gain knowledge of interpretation best practices and their implementation in public programs at MNHS directly managed sites and museums. 

 

The intern will gain knowledge of interpretive planning and documentation methods. They will implement their knowledge through collaboration on program documentation with MNHS Historic Sites and Museums staff. 

 

The intern will gain a better understanding of public history in practice at the Minnesota Historical Society. 

Additional Requirements

None.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.