Public History Internship Opportunity with Ligonier Valley Historical Society
Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Compass Inn Museum offers internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students studying American history, education, museum studies, public history, and other related fields. Ligonier Valley Historical Society is willing to work with you and your school to arrange your receiving course credit for your internship.
Join the living history interpreters and program team at Compass Inn Museum. Combine public speaking and storytelling to bring the 1800’s to life and invite all people to connect with the history of our region. Ligonier Valley Historical Society is a non-profit that preserves and protects several of Ligonier Valley’s treasures, including Compass Inn Museum, 7 historic cemeteries, and an 1845 iron furnace. Compass Inn Museum interprets life at a stagecoach stop along the original Pennsylvania Turnpike during the 1800’s. The site includes the original inn, a reconstructed and functioning cookhouse, and a blacksmith shop, in addition to a barn housing a stagecoach and Conestoga wagon. The museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places features guided tours, Living History weekends, field trips, summer camps, and other educational programming.
Interns will be trained, with ongoing mentoring, in various aspects of living history and will have the opportunity to help develop and participate in additional stories and programs.
The Intern Should Expect to:
Gain valuable hands-on experience to increase professional skills in a variety of fields related to history museum practices.
Learn to lead guided tours of the museum for the general public and scheduled tours.
Gain experience in planning and implementing programs including school field trips, Living History weekends, candlelight tours, etc.
Gain skills in working with children and adults through summer camp, adult bus tours, and other educational programming.
Gain skills in the development of training materials for new and existing volunteers.
Gain skills in museum operations.
Gain experience in professionally interacting with the public in the gift shop, during events, and giving tours.
Participate in bi-weekly (every other week) progress meetings with Executive Director and Head Museum Interpreter.
Qualifications:
Interest in and curiosity about museum education.
Some experience or studies in a field such as education, history, art history, or museum education or studies, a plus.
Ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Willingness to wear period clothing. (Provided or approved by Head Museum Interpreter)
Excellent organizational skills with an ability to adapt and/or problem-solve.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The internship will require weekday, weekend, and some evening hours. Actual days and hours of work will be determined by mutual agreement.
Interested students should submit questions and/or a cover letter and resume to lvhscompassinn@gmail.com.
