Historical Interpreter Internship

Historical Interpreter

Historical interpreter interns help park visitors understand and appreciate complex historical events. They staff information desks in visitor centers or guide visitors through one of the park's historic structures. Historical interpreters should demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for both their subject matter and for sharing their knowledge with the public.

Duties:

·         Answer visitors' questions about the park's location and points of interest.

·         Assist visitors in general Civil War research or the research of specific ancestors

·         Develop and conduct a 35-minute walking tour over one of the area battlefields

Internships in excess of 400 hours are assigned to work two duty stations. Interns will be assigned to two of the following four stations:

1. The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center: Includes guiding a walking tour along part of the Confederate line known as the Sunken Road and staffing the information desk.

2. The Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center: Includes guiding a walking tour over the area where Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson was mortally wounded and staffing the information desk.

3. The "Stonewall" Jackson Shrine: Includes showing visitors through the building in which Jackson died and an informal presentation on Jackson's illness and last days.

4. Chatham Manor: Includes leading visitors through the diverse history of this historic home which served as a headquarters and a hospital during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Internship Availability:1) March through mid-May; 2) mid-May through mid-August; and 3) mid-August through end of October.

When to apply: The park fills internship positions from December to February for the summer season.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.  Interviews and selections for summer interns are ongoing in December and January, and after February 1^st potential applicants should contact the park to see if positions remain available before submitting an application.

Housing: When housing is available, it is provided free of charge to interns working full-time. Interns share the houses with seasonal employees and other volunteers, and must participate in housecleaning assignments.  Housing is almost always available for summer Historical Interpreter interns, and interns can usually expect to have their own rooms but share kitchen and laundry facilities and the house telephone.The park will also provide intern uniforms.

Length of Internship: Historical Interpreter internships typically require a commitment of twelve weeks.

Benefits:

- Experience working with the National Park Service that could lead to a future position as a paid employee.

- School credit as arranged by applicant with the college/university.

- The opportunity to educate and provide service to park visitors.

- Free housing in park quarters.

How To Apply: Fill in the attached internship application form and send to the address below or send as an attachment to e-mail us.  

Forward internship applications to:

Beth Parnicza                                                                                                120 Chatham Lane                                                                                  Fredericksburg, VA 22405