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Historic Trades at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is accepting applications for the George Washington: Entrepreneur summer internship program.

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Internship Dates

Applications Due

Feb. 10, 2023

A Summer Internship for Undergraduate Students

With a focus on the Farm and George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill, this internship provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to become immersed in 18th-century history, agriculture, and industry.

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has maintained the home of George Washington since 1858. Located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon is the most visited historic home in America.

Situated on the main estate, the Farm is a four-acre working farm that interprets Washington’s innovation in the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill highlights the industrial aspects of Mount Vernon. Located three miles from the main estate, the reconstructed gristmill utilizes waterpower to operate millstones grinding corn and wheat. The gristmill is equipped with an Oliver Evans automated milling system for processing flour. The site also is home to a fully functional reconstruction of Washington’s whiskey distillery.

Requirements

This program is open to undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of college.

Applicants should be comfortable with public speaking and available during the entire ten week internship period. Candidates with a background or a keen interest in history are preferred.

This position requires the ability to:

  • work outdoors in hot and humid weather
  • do rigorous physical activity including demonstrating 18th-century farming methods, field work, and milling/distilling
  • work in a dusty environment
  • lift and carry 50 pounds
  • work with 18th-century tools and implements
  • conduct hands-on activities
  • greet and talk with numerous guests of all ages

Training Program

All interns will complete a training program in interpretive methodology and historical content. Key topics include 18th-century economics and agricultural methods, distilling and milling, and slavery.

Upon completion of training, interns will work as full-time Historic Trades interpreters under the direction of the professional interpretive staff. Interns will be expected to work a five-day, 40-hour week that will include some weekends and evenings. Interns will be expected to wear period clothing, provided by Mount Vernon.

In addition, interns will participate in department-sponsored field trips to other historic sites and museums in the region.

Interns will be required to complete a short research project on George Washington, agriculture, 18th-century trades, or related topics. Historic Trades staff will work with colleges and universities to ensure that, if applicable, course credit requirements are met.

Salary

This is a paid internship, and interns receive reimbursement for travel expenses to and from Mount Vernon.

As employees of Mount Vernon, interns are required to adhere to Mount Vernon’s Employee Handbook policies. Proof of up-to-date tetanus vaccination will be required before the first day of work.

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