National Historic Register Study - Fire Station No. 24 Research Intern

Department
Community Engagement
Supervisor
Community Engagement Manager
Hours
20/week
Semester(s)
Spring 2025 (January - May)
Status
Paid

The International Leadership Institute (ILI), in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, seeks to conduct a National Historic Register Study for Fire station No 24, which was an all-black fire station established in 1907 by the then Fire Chief due to the existence of racial discriminatory practices, which prevented the black firefighters from mixing with their white counterparts.

ILI will assist the owners with planning and community engagement in order to get input from the public and Firefighters Descendants about exterior restoration and the placement of a Museum area in the building that reflects the life challenges of the primarily all Black Fire Brigades during 1907- 1942.

Ideal Degree(s)
  • History
  • Public history
Student Qualifications
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Knowledge of African American History
  • Strong Organizational skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to travel to site as necessary
Student Responsibilities
  • Research Descendants, historical photos and articles. 
  • Collect Descendant oral interviews.  
  • Research All Black Fire Stations in Los Angeles, St Paul, Chicago, and Ohio for artifacts, uniforms, lifestyles, menus and decor.
Knowledge Intern is expected to gain
  • Real world application of historic research skills
  • Mentorship and guidance 
  • Familiarity with MNHS resources
  • Learn about:
    • How city planning and policy may directly impact African American Community residents.
    • How agency, political engagement and homeownership prevented South Minneapolis from turning into a transient community. 
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.