Position Details

Stewards Individual Placement Program (SIPP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

The mission of this position is to foster an appreciation of the historical figures of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Mary McLeod Bethune. Knowledge about the important contributions of these figures to American history is crucial at this point. The goal of the historic interpreter is to foster this intellectual and emotional connection between the visitor and these figures. Visitors want to learn about Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Carter G. Woodson as well as experience a tour at the homes of these individuals and also need orientation. 

The Carter G. Woodson Home NHS, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site are looking for interns to learn what it means to work in the fields of resource management, and public history.  Interns will provide visitor services at one of three premier African-American heritage sites in Washington, D.C. and learn the basics of resource management. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to share and foster an appreciation of African American history and the Civil Rights Movement with visitors from all over the nation and the world.  Candidates will be working in the original buildings that served as the homes for some of the most prominent people in American History and perform some curatorial duties.

Interns will have the opportunity to receive firsthand training from some of the best university professors and NPS staff about the history and legacy of Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune and Carter G. Woodson.  You will also be provided training in historical interpretation by NPS professionals. This internship is ideal if you are a college student and majoring in African American Studies, Museum Studies, History or Public History Ask your professor about internship opportunities through this program.

Interns should feel comfortable in public speaking.

Position Responsibilities will include:

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• Leading guided tours of one of these historic homes: Carter G. Woodson Home NHS, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, Frederick Douglass NHS.
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• Giving educational programs to schoolchildren
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• Meeting and greeting the general public
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• Learning about curation and resource management and how that relates to public history
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• Reading and researching topics relating to African American Studies
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• Representing the National Park Service as an Intern.
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Benefits:

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• $15/hour
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• $200/week in housing assistance
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• Professional training in historic interpretation
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• The opportunity to network with leading researchers in the field of African-American Studies
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• An overview of curation and resource management with hands-on practical experience 
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• Coaching, a research packet and a script to begin your public history experience
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• Special “behind the scenes” tours that are part of the training program
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• The chance to socialize and develop friendships with others who share your interest in history and enjoyment in speaking to the public.
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• Public speaking experience 
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• Customer service and public relations 
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At least two years of college preferred


Questions about the position? You can contact:
Jack McCann, Program Coordinator at Stewards East
Email: jmccann@conservationlegacy.org
Phone:6816663621