Museum Education and Collections Internship

We are looking for enthusiastic and people-oriented interns to join the Education and Curatorial Department staff and volunteers as we share the Shakers’ history, beliefs, material culture, and continuing relevance with visitors. As an intern in these departments, you will gain valuable experience in public speaking and interpretation (both formal and informal), historical research, visitor services, curatorial and collection management, and program planning. 

What you will do: Your tasks will include working as an interpreter (staffing historic buildings and giving public talks) alongside seasoned staff to support daily public programming at the Village; providing significant support to the Village’s summer programs (including four weeks of children’s programs); and undertaking an independent project (nature of which is mutually determined by the intern and the supervisor) that will benefit the department. Examples of such projects include researching and developing a new special-topic talk, developing and implementing a craft workshop, or creating training materials.

Additionally, you will spend time in the curatorial and collections department where you will maintain current exhibits, update the collection donor files, work within the collection to update the database, and learn curating skills as the department prepares for the fall exhibits.

Qualifications: A Museum Interpretation intern must have demonstrated experience successfully working with people of all ages, especially children; demonstrated ability both to take direction and to work independently; and excellent communication skills, both oral and written. You must be patient, flexible, organized, hard-working, and have a good sense of humor. A strong foundation in history, American studies, art history, religion, sociology, cultural studies, or another related subject is helpful; prior  museum experience and/or craft skills a plus but not required.

General Information

In 2024, this immersive, ten-week paid internship is part of a Hancock Shaker Village educational program that begins with orientation on Tuesday, June 4, and concludes on Friday, August 9.  Summer internships are full time (35-40 hours/week) and may include weekend shifts. Weekly schedules will be determined in advance of arrival by the interns and their supervisors.  On-site housing is provided (no meal plan).

Interns receive a stipend of $2,500, paid in weekly installments of $250. Interns are also offered on-site housing in the shared intern apartment in one of our historic buildings. Interns must provide their own meals and transportation. Because of the distance from shopping and other amenities, access to a car during the internship is highly recommended for a better experience but is not required. 

In addition to the duties of individual internships, all Hancock Shaker Village interns participate in weekly intern meetings to learn about the work of the Village and enjoy field trips to regional cultural and agricultural institutions. All interns will also assist with the summer fundraising gala on Saturday, August 3. 

How to Apply

Applicants should submit through Handshake OR send 1) a letter of interest (indicating the internship(s) for which you wish to be considered), 2) a resume, and 3) the names and contact information for two professional or academic references to Cindy Dickinson, Director of Education, Hancock Shaker Village, at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received no later than Friday, March 29, at 4 pm. 

Questions? Contact Cindy Dickinson at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org or at 413-443-0188 x213.