My time as a Historical Interpreter Intern at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park has been some of the most fulfilling months of my life. Unsure that a career in the National Park Service was right for me, I quickly discovered my love for interpretation and sharing the stories of such important places in our country's narrative. The incredible staff made interns feel nothing but welcomed, encouraged us where needed, but were also super receptive to all our interests and comfort levels. The friendships I've made this summer will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Not to mention the important skills I've gained and developed this summer - from research and public speaking, to confidence and empathy, to critical thinking and asking the tough questions - I will take all of these with me as I move forward with my career in the NPS.
Shannon Doherty, Interpretation Intern, Summer/Fall 2021
An internship with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park provides an unforgettable, invaluable experience.
While we offer a variety of internships, the most plentiful position is in the Branch of Interpretation and Eduction. Summer interns can expect to work 5 days a week. Spring and fall interns work 2-5 days per week. Weekend work may be required. Other internships are offered as available, depending on workloads and available projects.
Interns share park housing with seasonal employees and other volunteers, and must participate in housecleaning assignments. Interns can expect to have their own rooms. Park housing include kitchen and laundry facilities. A stipend providing meals and mileage reimbursement is offered to residential interns.
If you are looking to apply for seasonal employment, the check online at USAJobs to see which parks are hiring.
Interpretation and Education Internships
Summer 2026 internship applications are now open on volunteer.gov!
About the Position
Interpretation Interns will be stationed in front line positions under the guidance of park staff and provide orientation and interpretation to the public at large. Interns participate in two weeks of intensive interpretive training to prepare them for their roles, after which they will staff front-line positions across the park and develop their own tours. Duties include:
- Greet and orient visitors to the battlefield.
- Engage with visitors about the history of the battlefield.
- Develop and present interpretive programs.
- Help facilitate visitors’ experience in the park.
- Summer interns may have a targeted project in addition to front line work that meets both park needs and the developmental goals of the intern.
As a Civil War site, we expect all park interpreters to engage with both the history and relevance of the war, including slavery as the cause of the war and major point of conflict throughout the war. Interns may have to discuss controversial topics with the public, including but not limited to: Confederate monumentation, slavery as a cause of the Civil War, and the history of inequality in the United States.
Requirements
- General knowledge of American history. Civil War expertise is not a prerequisite.
- Interest interpretation, public history, or careers with the National Park Service.
- Desire to develop or improve public speaking and written communication skills.
Schedule
Summer interns work a full-time schedule, 40 hour a week, over the course of 12 weeks, from May 18, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Working on weekends and holidays may be required.
Housing
Interns live in park housing located on the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville Battlefields free of charge. Each intern can expect to have their own room while sharing a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and communal space with 2-4 roommates. Please note, while Fredericksburg is not a rural area, because housing is located inside the park it can feel like you are living in the woods.
*Apply by February 7 to guarantee consideration for this summer internship
Maintenance Internships
There are currently no open maintenance internships.
