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. Students may receive college credit for their internships.
Overview
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). Opportunities are available throughout the year.
Public History Summer Internship Program
2025 Internship Opportunities
Cleveland History Center
Project Title: Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum Collection Intern - Full
Location: Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society
CHC Department: Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum (CAAM)
Project Description: This position will work directly under the CAAM Curator and in coordination with the CAAM Assistant Curator. There are approximately 180 vehicles in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Collection, from cars to motorcycles to aircraft. Condition reporting is an important task in prioritizing care and use for display/exhibits. The CAAM also has decades of paper-based documentation related to artifact acquisition, promotion and technical information that require organization.
1. Perform condition reporting of vehicles and provide an inventory of found in-vehicle items.
2. Review and organize and update the CAAM Artifact/Vehicle and Research Files.
3. Assist in updating the CAAM Vehicle Inventory List
# of Interns Needed: 1
Requirements: Legible handwriting with the use of Excel and Word programs. Organized and methodical. Capable of carrying 20 pound loads up and down stairs.
Hours per Week: 10
Application Instructions: Send cover letter, resume, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Curatorial & Collections Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Collections
Project Description: The Curatorial & Collections Intern will work with the Chief Curator and Collections Manager on curatorial projects at the Cleveland History Center. Projects may include: scanning Deeds of Gift and other donor paperwork; assisting with cataloging and data cleanup as we transition to our new collections management system; assisting with exhibit installation/tear down; and other duties as assigned.
Interns Needed: 2
Requirements: Attention to detail, ability to work without direct supervision, ability to work in storage areas
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: Historic Preservation Intern
Location: WRHS Properties
Department: Historic Preservation
Project Description: Intern assists with evaluating, caring for and documenting all WRHS historic structures. Candidate will learn and apply historic preservation techniques and philosophies as needed for assigned tasks. Candidates must have a willingness to learn and demonstrate construction skills and complete hands on projects relating to historic preservation. Projects could include carpentry, painting, periodic maintenance, masonry/plasterwork, window/door repair, research and information gathering including but not limited to historic structure reports, presentation creation and project management. Intern is encouraged to share interest in specific areas during application process.
Interns needed: 1-2
Requirements: Candidate must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time and work in an outdoor environment. The Historic Preservation internship opportunity will take place at multiple WRHS sites, including Cleveland History Center in University Circle and Hale Farm & Village in Bath. Reliable transportation may be necessary depending on internship focus.
Hours per week: up to 20, by arrangement with supervisor.
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.
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. Also needed is assistance with digitization initiatives. This may include, but is not limited to, scanning of original materials.
# 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: Corporate & Philanthropic History Intern - Full
Location: CHC
Department: Library/Archives
Project Description: The Corporate & Philanthropic History Intern will assist with a variety of collections management and archival projects related to the history of business, labor, and philanthropy in Cleveland. Work will include accessioning, arranging and describing documents and photographs, creating finding aids, and processing archival collections. The intern will gain experience in archival best practices and procedures for making collections accessible to the public. Interns will also learn about digital catalog systems, broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, and gain experience working in a special collections library.
Interns Needed: 1
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: Education Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Education and Public Programs
Project Description: Interns in Education will engage with a variety of projects and events, working closely with PK-12 Education 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 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 or evening hours depending on the CHC schedule of events.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Public Programs Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Education and Public Programs
Project Description: Interns in Public Programming will engage with a variety of projects and events, working directly with the Public Programs Manager, and other departmental staff. Projects may include: Collaborating on the creation of visually appealing event materials to ensure our events resonate across various channels. This involves providing logistics support, including coordinating setup, managing signage and layout, and liaising with vendors. Additionally, contributing to positive guest experiences by providing assistance during events is crucial. Interns must also be able to assist with the setup and teardown of events, including moving tables and chairs alongside CHC staff.
# Of Interns Needed: 1-2
Requirements: Strong organizational skills, consistently reliable with a self-starter mentality.
Hours per Week: Up to 13 hours (combination of on and off-site work)
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Marketing Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Marketing
Project Description: Intern would assist with marketing tasks and social media management as needed. Duties may include writing content for social media platforms on timely historical topics; researching trends in local event and museum promotion; proposing strategies for promoting Cleveland History Center events and programs; creating marketing materials for upcoming events and programs; and assisting with market and distribution research, guest surveys, or events.
# Of Interns Needed: 1
Requirements: This person should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with some knowledge and interest in social media, media/community outreach, and creative. Experience in Microsoft Office applications, various social mediums, and Adobe Creative Suite or Canva required.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Membership Program Intern
Location: CHC
Department: Advancement
Project Description: The Membership Program Intern will work with the Advancement Coordinate to build and facilitate the WRHS Membership Program. This will include conducting surveys and data analysis along with administrative projects including hard files and digital documents. The intern will be responsible for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information and working confidentially with discretion. Interns will learn about company operations and may provide ideas for improvement. They should develop skills such as technology proficiency, time management, attention to detail, and written and verbal communication. The major focus of this internship will be to assist with increasing the number of members to WRHS and to streamline administrative functions, with other duties as assigned.
Interns Needed: 1
Requirements: Attention to detail, ability to work without direct supervision, ability to work in storage areas
Hours per Week: Up to 10 hours, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during WRHS open hours.
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org
Hale Farm & Village
Project Title: Public History Intern
Location: Hale Farm & Village
Department: Education
Project Description: Public History Intern activities include processing reservations, coordinating school field trips, first person interpretation and research. Additionally, the intern will assist in logistical planning and delivery of signature public events. The internship provides the opportunity to learn about work in the fields of public history and non-profit management. It is an especially good opportunity for those wishing to work in the museum field.
Number of Interns: 2-3
Requirements: Interest in History, non-profit management; detail oriented, organized, works well with the public, trust worthy, public speaking.
Hours Per Week: Up to 20
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
Project Title: Marketing and Media Research Intern
Location: Hale Farm & Village
Department: Sales/Marketing
Project Description: Marketing and Media Research Intern would research current social media topics and create content calendars. Content may consist of current and historical data consistent with the WRHS mission. Intern would be responsible for social media analytical data charting. Intern would keep community calendars updated and help to maintain the HFV marketing plan as needed.
Number of Interns: 1
Requirements: Interest in marketing and communications, non-profit management; detail oriented, organized, works well with the public, trust worthy.
Hours Per Week: 5-15
Application Instructions: Send resume, cover letter, and application form to jdukes@wrhs.org.
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 history museum and non-profit 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.
Applications are being taken for 2025 and interviews will 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 2025 through August 2025.
Other Opportunities
Internship opportunities maybe be available during the 2025-2026 academic year. Please send all inquiries, with resume, cover letter, and application form. to jdukes@wrhs.org.
