Are you up to the challenge?

The member institutions of the Challenging History Collaborative need your help correcting the historical record as it relates to many of America’s marginalized communities. These include African Americans, women, Native Americans, immigrants, and others. Our mission is to “challenge traditional historical narratives to build more inclusive, place-based storytelling about St. Louis’ past.” If you are interested in volunteering or interning with a partnering institution to contribute to this mission, please see available opportunities below.

Together, we can make St. Louis’ history more accurate and inclusive.

Summer 2023 African American History Initiative Internship

The Missouri Historical Society is accepting applications from recent undergraduate students (must have completed 1 year of study), graduate students, or recent graduate students (1 to 2 years out of school) studying history, public history, museum studies, or related fields who are interested in Black history and seek a paid internship through the African American History Initiative (AAHI) housed within the Public History division.

The African American History Initiative strives to promote stories that explore various aspects of the Black experience throughout this region. In addition to the core values of MHS, this initiative supports the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities, the development of future museum professionals, and the preservation of Black resources and history in the greater St. Louis area. Reflecting the goals and priorities of our community, AAHI’s mission is to develop inclusive exhibits and programs that educate, empower, and enlighten our visitors.

This internship is on-site with the opportunity to work remotely as needed.

This internship position reports to the African American History Initiative Director.

Schedule

The intern will be expected to work 30 hours per week for eight weeks. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm. The schedule is flexible dependent upon the intern’s availability.  

The final schedule will be determined with the supervisor.  

The intern’s responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):

• Evaluating public programs by handing out and collecting surveys from guests
• Researching topics related to Black history in St. Louis
• Writing blog posts on relevant topics
• Utilizing museum cataloging standards to work on collection records
• Promoting the African American History Initiative through St. Louis American newspaper columns, KDHX radio spots, and other media
• Creating proposals for exhibits or Thursday Nights at the Museum programs
• Assisting with oral histories
• Creating educational programs and school field trips
• Researching and networking with community organizations, institutions, and community groups to establish deeper connections with the Missouri Historical Society
• Leading a peer group in a professional development/exploration activity
• Leading a community presentation and a presentation to leadership team (in person/virtual)
• Communicating and tracking progress through reflection and self-evaluation
• Developing annotated bibliography/literature review

Intern Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate student studying history, public history, museum studies, African American history, Black studies, American studies, or related fields 
• Interest in Museum education, community/visitor engagement, and research 
• Must have relevant coursework; strong research and organizational skills; experience with Office 365; and strong interpersonal skills in interacting with staff, visitors, and student groups 
• Experience in Black history research, object research, museum studies, and museum education 
• Interest in African American history and culture

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of museums as a career path
• Learn about Black history in St. Louis
• Strengthen professional communication skills through interactions with colleagues and visitors
• Network and establish contacts in the museum field

The applicant must provide a résumé and a short statement of interest and/or intent in applying for the internship. For unpaid internships, an unofficial college or university transcript must also be uploaded with the application. For questions, please contact Kat Bourek at kbourek@mohistory.org.

Tour Guide – Museum Interpretation

Museum Interpreters and Tour Guides at the Missouri History Museum inspire and involve audiences by enriching the “drop-in” visitors’ experience. They engage visitors in meaningful conversations that interpret artifacts and exhibits; lead guided tours; answer visitors’ questions; facilitate short activities such as gallery talks and History à la Cart, and more.

• Qualifications: MHS seeks friendly, outgoing individuals who are good listeners and have great customer service skills to become museum interpreters. Volunteers who wish to serve as museum interpreters must attend an eight-week training on Saturdays in January and February.
• Perks: As a museum interpreter, you’ll get to spend lots of time in our exhibits! You will receive training in best practices in museum interpretation and visitor engagement, as well as exhibit content and “behind-the-scenes” information.
• Location: Missouri History Museum
• Can volunteer remotely? No
• Schedule: One or two shifts per week (for a total commitment of two to four hours per week)
• Computer work required? Yes

If you are interested, please apply online. For questions, please email Hope Mabrey, Manager of Volunteers and Interns at hmabrey@mohistory.org.