Mount Vernon annually accepts a select number of applicants for summer internships at our Pioneer Farm site and our Distillery and Gristmill site. These internships are excellent opportunities for undergraduate students interested in American and agricultural history as well as the museum education field. Please note that while these internships include a research project, they are principally working internships. Interns will become immersed in 18th century history, agriculture, and industry as they actively interpret George Washington’s farming and business operations at Mount Vernon. After the completion of a short training program, interns will develop their interpretive, teaching, and public speaking skills by working on site in period dress under the direction of the Trades staff. Interns live on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate during the internship. In addition, interns participate in special field trips to other historic sites and museums in the region. Six internships will be awarded, four at the Pioneer Farm site and two at the Distillery and Gristmill. Information about both types of internships can be found below.
George Washington's Pioneer Farm
George Washington was deeply interested in and devoted to farming and agriculture. At the Pioneer Farm, visitors learn about our Founding Father’s innovations, including crop rotation, the use of different fertilizers, and his improvements to existing farm implements. The farm is also the site of the 16-sided treading barn, a fascinating structure designed by Washington to improve the threshing of wheat. The recent reconstruction of a slave cabin at the farm site provides a new opportunity for the interpretation of slavery and slave life at Mount Vernon. Interns selected to work at the Pioneer Farm will engage and educate visitors in an outdoor setting while wearing the clothing of the period. Specific duties include:
- Teaching visitors about Washington’s innovative farming methods using various third-person interpretive techniques.
- Working with the Trades staff and the Livestock and Horticulture departments to prepare fields and plant and harvest crops.
- Cooperating with Livestock staff to perform treading demonstrations at the 16-sided barn.
- Demonstrating different tools used by Washington’s enslaved workers to carry out his vision for progressive farming.
- Developing knowledge of George Washington, 18th century agriculture and business, and life at Mount Vernon by working in the field as a historic interpreter.
George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill
George Washington was an astute businessman as well as a farmer. His reconstructed Whiskey Distillery and Gristmill are located three miles from the main estate grounds and mansion. The Gristmill, where Washington’s wheat was milled into flour for export, is a working mill producing flour and cornmeal. The reconstructed Gristmill also includes the Oliver Evans automated system, installed by Washington in 1791 to improve the efficiency of his milling operation. The Distillery was a business Washington established after his presidency. Originally constructed in 1797-1798, Washington’s whiskey distillery was one of the largest in the country. Recently reconstructed on its original foundation, the working whiskey distillery adds a new dimension to Washington’s business endeavors. Interns at the Distillery/Gristmill site must perform "hands-on" work at both structures and dress in period clothing. Specific duties include:
- Educating visitors about Washington’s business ventures, his entrepreneurship, and the operation of the distillery and gristmill using various third-person interpretive techniques.
- Working with the millers and other Trades staff to assist in the operation of the Gristmill and Distillery. This includes carrying 50 lb. bags of grain, general mill and distillery maintenance, and clean up.
- Developing knowledge about 18th century technologies that enabled Washington to run profitable businesses.
- Learning about and interpreting to the public the key role of the skilled slaves who labored as millers and distillers.
Internship Expectations and Compensation
Candidates interested in Pioneer Farm and Distillery/Gristmill internships should have a background in history or agriculture, be comfortable with public speaking, and be available during the entire internship period, which runs from June 7 through August 13, 2010. Interns will be expected to work a five-day, forty-hour work week that will include some weekends. Interns receive travel expenses, a stipend of $200 per week, and complimentary lodging on the Estate.
George Washington's Gristmill Intern Application
George Washington's Pioneer Farm Intern Application
Applications are due February 15, 2010. Please call the Pioneer Farm office at 703-799-8611 or email PFGMinterns@mountvernon.org with any questions.
