Non-Profit Internships
The Western Reserve Historical Society welcomes undergraduate and graduate students to work and learn with our staff. Internships at WRHS are not just for the History Major, but are also available in all levels of non-profit management. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with one of the finest regional historical societies in the country. At this time, all internships available are unpaid. Students may receive college credit for their internships (depending on their individual college programs).
Applying for an internship? Download the required materials below:
Internship Application | Background Investigation Authorization Form | Confidentiality Policy | Code of Conduct
Public History Summer Internship
The Summer Internship in Public History offered throughout the Western Reserve Historical Society is ideal for those thinking of entering into or working with: Museum Management, History Majors, Fundraising, Education, Interpretation, Non-Profit Management, Curatorial, Registrar, Exhibit Design/Production, Research and other jobs related to Historical Society functions.
Summer Public History Internships are available at both the Cleveland History Center (CHC) in Cleveland’s University Circle, and at Hale Farm & Village (HFV) in Bath, Ohio.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and WRHS Internship Application to Jennifer Dukes, Human Resources Manager, at jdukes@wrhs.org. No phone calls or hard copies, please.
Interviews for the summer internship in public history take place in April and May. Internships will be awarded based on applicant interest and aptitude, as well as available positions. Internships will take place June 2023 through August 2023.
2023 Internship Opportunities
Project Title: Curatorial & Collections Internship
Location: CHC
Department: Collections
Project Description: The Curatorial & Collections Interns will work with the Chief Curator and Collections Manager on curatorial projects at the Cleveland History Center, including cataloging, inventory, and exhibit work. The major focus of this internship will be to assist with a collections storage relocation, with other duties as assigned.
# Of Interns Needed: 2 (Will work as a pair)
Requirements: Attention to detail, work without direct supervision, able to work in storage areas.
Hours Per Week: 20 Hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Costume Collection Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Costume and Textiles
Project Description: The costume and textiles intern will work with the curator on exhibitions and collections management. Exhibition work may include research and installation. Collections management projects include object cataloging, object movement, and collection inventory. Interns are also expected to complete an independent research project of their choosing that will culminate in a small display proposal.
# of Interns Needed: 1
Requirements: Open to graduate and undergraduate students in art history, history, or related fields. Knowledge of historical dress resources and graphic design a plus. Applicants should have demonstrated experience with primary resource research, and be willing to work in a self-directed environment.
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org BY APRIL 15
Project Title: CAAM Records Preservation
Location: CHC
Department: Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
Project Description: We have decades of paper records, documents, and original information filed away which need to be duplicated, digitized, and re-filed. Interns will report to the museum director, and will follow strict guidelines for care and storage of artifacts.
# of Interns Needed: 2
Requirements: Proficient in scanning and organizing, capable of carrying 20 pound loads up and down stairs, some automotive history knowledge preferred
Hours per Week: 10 hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Library Reference Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: Library Reference Intern activities include greeting and registering incoming Library patrons, explaining WRHS Library rules and procedures. Front desk interns will assist the Library Reference Team with visitor inquiries about WRHS collections, access to the WRHS online catalog and on research and genealogy projects. Interns also assist with retrieving and shelving library materials, filling photocopy requests and special research projects. Interns will research their own family history and become familiar with WRHS genealogy and historical resources. Interns will broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources and experience working in a special collections library.
# of Interns Needed: 1-2
Requirements: Interest in History, detail oriented, works well with the public, students, volunteers, trust worthy.
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, mostly Thursday through Saturday during Library open hours.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Italian American Collections Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: The Italian American Collections Intern will assist with a variety of collections management and archival projects, including accessioning, arranging and describing documents and photographs, and digitizing collections. The intern will gain experience in managing both artifact and archival collections, digitization, and procedures for making collections materials available for research in the library and through the digital portal. Intern will broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, and gain experience working in a special collections library.
# of Interns Needed: 2
Requirements: Interest in history, detail oriented, ability to work independently and in small groups, basic computer and data entry skills.
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, Monday-Friday during WRHS open hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Jewish Archives Processing Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: The Jewish Archives Processing Intern will assist in the arrangement and description of archival materials related to the Jewish community of Northeast Ohio. The intern will gain experience in organizing archival materials for researchers to access and be exposed to all steps in the creation of collections in the WRHS Research Library, from meeting donors to processing to research and outreach. Interns will broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, and experience working in a special collections library.
# of Interns Needed: 2-3
Requirements: Interest in history, detail oriented, ability to work independently and in small groups, basic computer and data entry skills
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, Monday-Friday during WRHS open hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Jewish Archives Digital Projects Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: The Jewish Archives Digital Projects Intern will assist in the digitization of materials from WRHS collections. In addition to scanning materials, the intern will help with the identification of materials to digitize, assist in uploading the materials to the WRHS digital repository, and learn more about the digitization of audio-visual materials. The intern will learn about both special collections libraries and digital librarianship. Interns will broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, and experience working in a special collections library.
# of Interns Needed: 1-2
Requirements: Interest in history, detail oriented, ability to work independently and in small groups, interest in photography and knowledge of Photoshop helpful
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, Monday-Friday during WRHS open hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Digital Projects Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: The Digital Projects Intern will assist in the digitization of materials from WRHS collections. In addition to scanning materials, the intern will help with the identification and selection of materials to digitize, assist in uploading the materials to the WRHS digital repository, and create or enhance metadata for digitized collections. The intern will learn about both special collections libraries and digital librarianship. Interns will broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, help improve access to WRHS collections, and experience working in a special collections library.
# of Interns Needed: 2
Requirements: Interest in history, detail oriented, ability to work independently and in small groups, interest in photography and knowledge of Photoshop helpful, interest in learning about metadata and subject authorities such as Library of Congress Subject Headings
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, Monday-Friday during WRHS open hours
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Education & Public Programming Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Education and Public Programs
Project Description: Interns in Education and Public Programs will engage with a variety of projects and events, working closely with PK-12 Education Coordinator, the Education & Public Programs Manager, and other departmental staff. Projects may include: planning and preparing materials for in-person and virtual education programs serving all ages; assisting with summer events and student programs, from set up to tear down; researching best practices for programs and initiatives in development; and/or program sales support. The Education and Public Programs interns will assist in developing and delivering authentic learning experiences that incorporate primary source materials and place-based educational experiences for all audiences.
# Of Interns Needed: 1-2
Requirements: Excellent communication and organization skills, creativity, and commitment to serving the public.
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours (combination of on and off-site work). May include some weekend hours depending on the CHC schedule of events.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Historical Costuming Internship
Location: Joint program between Hale Farm & Village & The Cleveland History Center; opportunities for some off-site construction work
Department: HFV Public Programming & WRHS Costume Department
Project Description: The Historical Costuming Intern(s) will assist in the revitalization of the historic costuming department at WRHS’s living history museum, Hale Farm & Village. Dependent on the applicant’s skill level in costume research, clothing construction, and background with historic sewing techniques, this position may include: interpreting hand sewing skills directly to the public as a costumed intern; conducting research on original garments within the WRHS Costume Collection, under supervision of the Costume Curator; constructing or tailoring garments and accessories for the HFV Costuming department; researching construction techniques, patterns, and available fashions within our historic archives. Interns will work with the HFV Public Programs Manager and Costume Curator to define an appropriate project for their interest and skill level within the first week of the internship and develop a schedule for completion.
Requirements: knowledge and practice in clothing construction, interest in historic fashion or clothing construction, ability to work independently, attention to detail
# Of Interns: up to 2
Hours Per Week: Up to 20 Special Event availability is required of interns with specific dates and locations to be discussed during interview process.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Interpretation Research Intern
Location: HFV
Department: Education and Public Programming
Project Description: The Interpretation Research Intern will have the opportunity to research and design a new component to Hale Farm & Village’s historical interpretation. The intern will work with the HFV Education & Public Programming Managers to quickly identify a project that aligns with their research interests, conduct primary source research on the topic(s), design and implement their program for the general public, and conduct visitor surveys for feedback, culminating in a final project report to be presented to their fellow interns. Dependent on the applicant’s background, projects might include: a first-person presentation of a historic figure; a special themed tour of the gardens or historic site; an immersive historic demonstration such as brickmaking, quilting, etc.
# of interns: up to 3
Requirements: Excellent research and communication skills, a willingness to work with the public (in costume!), and a passion for history education.
Hours per week: 10-15 Special Event availability is required of interns with specific dates and locations to be discussed during interview process.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Project Title: Rentals Intern
Location: HFV
Department: HFV Rentals
Project Description: Interns work closely with the Rentals Manager to assist with entire event coordination. This would include assisting with details meetings with clients, delivering site tours, making rental orders, answering client inquiries, planning & outlining event details, and implementing the rental events most weekends. Projects apply to the day-to-day operation of the museum as well as the coordination of special events, rental events, and client visits.
# of interns: 1-2
Requirements: Interns should display excellent communication skills, creativity, determination, and willingness to be trained in multiple areas to provide hands-on hospitality services. Must be able to lift at least 25lbs and work weekends & late nights.
Hours per week: 10-20
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org