Living History Intern - Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Title: Living History Individual Placement
Location: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Appomattox, VA
Positions Available: 1 Internship
Dates: May 15th, 2023 - August 18th, 2023 (14 Weeks)
Pay: $600/week
Status: This is a full-time, temporary 450 hour AmeriCorps National Service position.
Contact: Questions? Email ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org
Position Summary:
Bring history back to life with this fun summer internship!
This is a 14-week AmeriCorps Internship program with the Living History Program at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is a preserved 19th-century village in Appomattox County, Virginia. The village is famous for the site of the Battle of Appomattox Court House, and contains the house of Wilmer McLean, where the surrender of the confederate army took place on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War.
The park was established in 1935, made a national monument in 1940, and a national historical park in 1954. It is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Appomattox, Virginia, the location of the Appomattox Station and the "new" Appomattox Court House. The park has a couple of dozen restored buildings, a few ruins, and some cemeteries.
This position is focused on engaging the public by sharing information on the history of the park, while developing skills like public speaking and interpersonal communication. During their term, this intern will work directly with the park historian to learn the techniques associated with presenting first person living history programs, adopting the persona of a historical figure, speaking as if they were that person in 1865. The intern will learn how to research primary documentation and the life of an actual soldier who participated in the Appomattox Campaign. This intern will gain experience connecting visitors, through a first person lens the stories that are related to the Appomattox Campaign, the surrender, and its legacy. They will also gain exposure to career opportunities in the National Park Service.
IPs receive formal training in interpretation and education skills, Civil War History, and safety plus on-the-job training in presenting interpretive and education programs and park operations. Additional training and professional development opportunities may also be available.
Benefits:
- $600/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
- $1,718.25 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 450 hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
- Possible student loan forbearance and interest payoff
- Access to a ProDeal for discounted outdoor gear for the year
- Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
- Uniform shirts and other necessary safety equipment is provided
- Additional subject-specific trainings may be offered
- Depending upon the academic institution and program, this position may fulfill internship requirements
- Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths
General Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Public speaking and presentation skills and abilities
- Interest and/or knowledge in American History
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.