Internships

We are currently seeking applicants for the following internships:

• Archaeology/Preservation Internships
• Interpretation - Historic Trades Internships
• Curatorial Internship Fall 2013 (see Description below)

Curatorial Internship Fall 2013

George Washington’s Mount Vernon  (Mount Vernon, VA 22121)

Introduction:
Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, originally extended over eight thousand acres and was divided into five farms. The property remained in the Washington family until 1858, when it was purchased by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, a non-profit organization founded by Ann Pamela Cunningham in 1853 to “perpetuate the sacred memory of ‘the Father of his Country’” and to “preserve the relics at Mount Vernon.” The current historic site encompasses George Washington’s original Mansion House Farm and consists of 500 acres; in addition to the Mansion and outbuildings, it also features an Orientation Center, Education Center, and Museum. The estate welcomes approximately 1 million visitors a year. Major responsibilities of the Collections Department include ensuring that the objects on view in the Mansion and outbuildings are historically accurate and preserved for these visitors and developing and maintaining permanent and changing exhibitions in the Museum galleries of the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center and Museum.

Internship description:
Under the immediate supervision of the Associate Curator, the intern’s primary responsibility will be to assist with research and development of a comprehensive furnishing plan for the nine bedchambers in the Mansion. The intern will also create “desiderata” sheets for any proposed objects needed to implement the furnishing plan. 

Other responsibilities may include:
Contributing information for object-based blog entries (www.georgewashingtonwired.com).
Other projects as assigned.

Compensation and hours:
The intern is expected to fulfill a 100-hour commitment during the Fall 2013 semester  (approx. 8-10 hrs/wk during the period Sept. 30, 2013 – Dec. 2013).  The exact schedule will be determined in consultation with the supervisor. Compensation in the amount of $3,000 is offered for this internship, payable on Mount Vernon’s bi-weekly pay schedule. Mount Vernon is happy to work with the intern’s academic program to provide credit for the internship period.  

Qualifications:
Applicants should be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of M.A. or Ph.D. programs in American material culture or decorative arts, Museum Studies, American Studies, or Public History. Preference will be given to applicants who possess a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of 18th-century fine or decorative arts or Chesapeake social history.  The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and possess strong research and writing skills.

How to apply:
By May 24, 2013, Please send a résumé and letter of interest stating how you would benefit from an internship at Mount Vernon, plus contact information for three references, to Amanda Isaac, Associate Curator (aisaac@mountvernon.org). 

Archaeology/Preservation Internships

Mount Vernon's professional archaeologists love working with undergraduate, graduate and recent graduate students.  We are currently seeking interns for Spring 2013.  Read more about our intern opportunities.  Unfortunately, we offer no lodging or stipends, and cannot pay any expenses.

Don't live near Mount Vernon?  Consider helping with a large documentary transcription project as an E-tern!

 

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Interpretation - Historic Trades Internships

Each year, Mount Vernon’s Department of Historic Trades accepts a select number of applicants for summer internships. With focus on the Pioneer Farm and George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, these internships provide an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to become immersed in 18th-century history, agriculture, and industry.

After completing a brief training program, interns will work as full-time Historic Trades Interpreters for a period of 10 weeks under the direction of our professional interpretive 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.

Candidates interested in Historic Trades internships should have a background in history or agriculture, be comfortable with public speaking, and be available during the entire internship period (June 3 to August 9, 2013). Interns will be expected to work a five-day, 40-hour work week that will include some weekends. Students accepted into the program will receive reimbursement for travel expenses to and from Mount Vernon,
accommodations on the estate, and estimated biweekly wages of $450 (based on hours worked, accommodations in addition,
all before taxes).

• Historic Trades Internship Application 2013
  Click here to download a PDF

All applications are due February 22, 2013. Please email PFGMinterns@mountvernon.org or call 703-799-8611 with questions.