Sabathani Baptist Church 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), Friendship Community Services and Sabathani Community Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, will work on a Church History project featuring the history of Sabathani Baptist Church which purchased Bryant Junior High School and created Sabathani Community Center in order to stop the devastation in the Black community caused by 35W construction. Interiors of homes and tablescapes with holiday menus provided by Descendants will be displayed at Sabathani Community Center 310 East 38th Street. Friendship Community Services is located at 2600 East 38th Street.

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. 
    • Lifestyle and cultural celebrations in private homes and churches within the African American 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.