Internships (2) - Holland Museum (4/30/25)

Posted 4/3/25

History Interpretation Intern

Department: Education

Reports to: Curator of Learning & Community Engagement

Basic Purpose

History Interpretation Interns share the stories behind the Settlers House and Cappon House historic homes by conducting weekly public tours, helping our visitors make personal connections with the people and places of the past. This position also conducts historical research and develops interpretive tours for the Cappon and Settlers House sites.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Greet and interact with museum visitors in an open, friendly manner.
• Interpret historic events and facts for a wide range of audiences.
• Staff all operating hours at the historic Cappon and Settlers House sites, as well as additional office hours as assigned.
• Perform tours by appointment, assist visitors as a docent, and assist with public programs on occasion and/or when requested.
• Perform historic research using sources from archival documents, Internet databases, etc. Finish the inventory of the Museum’s Educational object collection located at the historic homes.
• Maintain a professional demeanor, including during training sessions and with other staff and volunteers.
• Participate in the Holland Museum Summer Intern Council. The Council will be guided by the Museum staff to design, research, and install an exhibition that will develop leadership and communication skills. Responsibilities include:
• Look for opportunities to address issues that require cross functional skills, creative problem solving, relationship building, and an understanding of the greater organizational strategy of the Museum.
• Meet with other interns over the course of the summer to develop sub teams and plans to address the project they have chosen.
• The Intern Council will report back to the museum staff to present the results of the exhibition at the end of the summer.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or a recent graduate with a BA/BS in a related field such as museum studies, public history, or history. Demonstrated experience performing historic research in an academic setting. Experience working in customer service is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have strong customer service and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Willingness to learn, a “can do” mentality.
• Creative, with analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and follow through on tasks to completion.
• Ability to work with a diverse public and a diverse workforce.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Windows/Mac OS, email, the Internet, etc.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Work Schedule

Interns must work 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks, June-August. History Interpretation interns must be available on Fridays and Saturdays. Intern Council will meet weekly for two hours on Wednesdays. This is an on-site internship.

Compensation

A $1000 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included as part of this internship.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The Holland Museum is committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We will continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where staff, board, and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds.

The Holland Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, family responsibilities, national origin, or veteran status, or any other protected categories under applicable law. We encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply. At the Holland Museum, you can bring your whole self to work.

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Loren Stevens, Curator of Learning & Community Engagement, at loren@hollandmuseum.org. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.

For more information, check the website: Holland Museum Summer Internships – Holland Museum

Youth and Family Engagement Intern

Department: Education

Reports to: Curator of Learning & Community Engagement

Basic Purpose

Youth and Engagement Programs Interns staff the museum’s hands-on Spark!Lab Smithsonian STEAM exhibit space and support our community outreach initiatives by attending events as representatives of the Holland Museum, as well as through the development of family-focused educational opportunities.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Staff operating hours of our Spark!Lab Smithsonian space, engaging visitors and facilitating hands-on learning for a wide range of audiences throughout the summer.
• Represent the Holland Museum at local summer outreach events like Meet Up & Eat Up, Juneteenth, Fiesta, and the Macatawa Water Festival which develop and build the Museum’s relationships with a diverse local community.
• Perform historic research using sources from archival documents, internet databases, etc. to create curriculum-based traveling trunks to be used in K-12 schools in concert with museum/historic house visits.
• Conduct walking tours engaging community members in the history of the Holland community as needed.
• Maintain a professional demeanor, including during training sessions and with other staff and volunteers.
• Other duties as requested or assigned in support of the department’s mission including assisting with correspondence; coordinating mass mailings; preparing materials for tours, programs, and exhibits, etc.
• Participate in the Holland Museum Summer Intern Council. The Council will be guided by the Museum staff to design, research, and install an exhibition that will develop leadership and communication skills. Responsibilities include:
• Look for opportunities to address issues that require cross functional skills, creative problem solving, relationship building, and an understanding of the greater organizational strategy of the Museum.
• Meet with other interns over the course of the summer to develop sub teams and plans to address the project they have chosen.
• The Intern Council will report back to the museum staff to present the results of the exhibition at the end of the summer.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or a recent graduate with a BA/BS in a related field such as museum studies, public history, or education. Demonstrated experience working with children and families. Experience working in customer service is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish is desired.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be outgoing, with exceptional customer service and both verbal & written communication.
• Willingness to learn, a “can do” mentality.
• Creative, with analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in DEI education.
• Able to work independently and follow through on tasks to completion.
• Ability to work with a diverse public and a diverse workforce.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Must have valid driver’s license and must be able to provide own transportation to and from Meet Up and Eat Up meeting sites.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Windows/Mac OS, email, the Internet, etc.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Work Schedule

Youth and Family Engagement Interns must be available to work Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and every other Saturday. Evening and weekend hours as needed. Intern Council will meet weekly for two hours on Wednesdays. Interns must work 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks, June-August. This is an on-site internship.

Compensation

A $1000 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included as part of this internship.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The Holland Museum is committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We will continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where staff, board, and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds.

The Holland Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, family responsibilities, national origin, or veteran status, or any other protected categories under applicable law. We encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply. At the Holland Museum, you can bring your whole self to work.

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three professional references to Loren Stevens, Curator of Learning & Community Engagement, loren@hollandmusem.org by April 30, 2025.

For more information, check the website: Holland Museum Summer Internships – Holland Museum