Internships (3) - Mason County Historical Society (4/30/25)

Posted 3/21/25

Collections Intern

Reports to: Collections Manager

Basic Purpose

Responsible for supporting the Mason County Historical Society’s mission to preserve and present local history.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Assist in collections database improvements, including creating and managing object records, changing locations, uploading object photographs and scans, cataloging, accessioning, and inventory.
• Assist in processing and documenting accessions and deaccessions in accordance with museum best practices. Learn how to handle and digitize artifacts and archival materials.
• Create a small exhibit with other Collection and Education Interns that will be on display starting in August. Work on researching and creating exhibit signage for existing exhibits.

Education and Experience

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a related fi eld such as museum studies, public history, library science, anthropology, or history. Demonstrated experience handling artifacts, working with historic collections in a museum setting, and creating artifact records in a computer database, is preferred.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Reliable, with the ability to follow tasks through to completion and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and display excellent professional judgment in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of and commitment to museum best practices as established by the American Alliance of Museums, including best practices for collection stewardship and digital preservation.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Work Schedule

Collection interns must work 10-20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, June-August. The intern will meet with the Executive Director weekly for one hour on Wednesdays. This is an on-site internship.

Compensation

A $750 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included as part of this internship.

To Apply

Submit cover letter and CV to Amber Valentine at amber@mchshistory.org with the subject line: "Museum Internship Application-Name." by April 30, 2025.

Operations Intern

Reports to: Operations Manager

Basic Purpose

The internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience in museum operations, administration, engagement and events. Interns will gain valuable skills in customer service, merchandising, marketing, planning, design and implementation of educational components. The program aims to bridge academic knowledge with practical application while contributing to the mission of preserving and sharing Mason County’s history.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Learn how to be courteous and professional in working at the Front Desk with incoming visitors.
• Learn how to check visitors in.
• Learn about selling tickets, memberships, and merchandise.
• Learn how to problem-solve and resolve conflicts.
• Learn about inventory management.
• Learn how to attractively display merchandise in gift shops.
• Learn about the software used for members and donors.
• Work on materials related to membership and donor thank you’s.
• Work on at least 1 exhibit to improve or change out to a new exhibit.
• Research current items within exhibits and designing informational signage or brochures to explain exhibits
• Assist Program Coordinator with events, group tours and/or school group education.
• Design displays, brochures and/or other hand outs to be used for education

Education and Experience

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a related fi eld such as museum studies, public history, library science, anthropology, or history. Demonstrated experience handling artifacts, working with historic collections in a museum setting, and creating artifact records in a computer database, is preferred.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Reliable, with the ability to follow tasks through to completion and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and display excellent professional judgment in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.

Work Schedule

Collection interns must work 10-20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, June-August. The intern will meet with the Executive Director weekly for one hour on Wednesdays. This is an on-site internship.

Compensation

A $750 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included in this internship.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and CV to Michelle DeKuiper at Michelle@mchshistory.org with the subject line: "Museum Internship Application-Name." by April 30, 2025. 

Education Intern

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Basic Purpose

The internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience in museum education, administration, engagement, and events. Interns will gain valuable skills in customer service, planning, design, and implementation of educational components. The program aims to bridge academic knowledge with practical application while contributing to the mission of preserving and sharing Mason County’s history.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Assist with planning and leading educational programs for school groups and the general public
• Help create and implement hands-on activities, tours, and interpretive materials
• Work with staff to update and improve exhibits with educational content
• Interact with visitors, answering questions and providing information
• Flexibility to work at any of our three locations

Education and Experience

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a related field such as museum studies, education, public history, library science, anthropology, or history.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Reliable, with the ability to follow tasks through to completion and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and display excellent professional judgment in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.

Work Schedule

Education interns must work 10-20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, June-August. The intern will meet with the Executive Director weekly for one hour on Wednesdays. This is an on-site internship.

Compensation

A $750 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included in this internship.

To Apply Submit a cover letter and CV to Olivia Lambrix at Olivia@mchshistory.org with the subject line: "Museum Internship Application-Name." by April 30, 2025.