Intern Lyndsay Graham works with volunteers.

Mount Vernon’s Department of Archaeology offers an ongoing internship program designed to give high school, undergraduate and graduate students experience in the field of historical archaeology. In the past, students have focused on different themes of colonial historical archaeology including African-American archaeology, industrial archaeology, landscape studies, museum education and outreach, website development / public relations, and material culture studies. We are currently accepting applications for summer and fall 2009.

Internships Available for 2009:

• General Archaeology

We are always seeking graduate or undergrad students interested in gaining experience in archaeology.  These interns do a variety of field, laboratory and office tasks and the variety makes this a wonderful opportunity to explore historical archaeology.  Internships are not funded and successful completion of an archaeological fieldschool is required.  Preference is given to students who have experience and a commitment to historical archaeology.

• Collections Management / Old Collections

Participate in an ongoing project to upgrade and document the collections from over 20 years of archaeology at Mount Vernon.  Interns are needed to assist with rehousing, digitizing, cataloguing and assessing both the artifacts and their associated paper and photographic records.  Applicants should have experience in an archaeological laboratory or classes in archaeological laboratory methods and / or artifact identification.

• Report Preparation

This internship involves gathering images, entering data, and preparing graphics that will go into the report on the distillery excavation. Applicants interested in this opportunity should provide detailed information on their computer skills.

• Public Outreach

Interns are sought to interpret ongoing excavations in Mount Vernon's Upper Garden.  The interpretation will take a variety of methods including talking with the public while archaeologists are conducting excavation, posting details about the project on websites and writing updates for Mount Vernon staff. 

• Material Culture Studies

There are many opportunities to study the archaeological collections at Mount Vernon. Interns are currently being sought to analyze a ca. 1775 assemblage excavated from the South Lane Fenceline Project.  Applicants should be familiar with 18th century material culture and archaeological methodology.

Applying for an Internship:

Internships are available year round, although the nature of the project offered may differ depending on the season. Generally, the internships offered at Mount Vernon are not funded. Additionally, housing is not included in the internship program. Mount Vernon does not offer academic credit, but can work with the student to arrange credit from their university. To apply for an internship, please send your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest, and 2 references to Esther White (ewhite@mountvernon.org). Please note if you wish to receive credit through your institution.