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 Winter/Spring Internship Program
2025/2026 Internship Opportunities
Cleveland History Center
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: 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. The work may involve inventorying audiovisual materials in all kinds of formats. Interns will also learn about the process of digitization, broaden research skills, expand knowledge of WRHS resources, 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, basic computer and data entry skills
Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours, Monday-Friday during WRHS open hours
WRHS is currently accepting applications for the Winter/Spring Internship time frame. Summer internship opportunities will be posted mid-winter.
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.
