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Internships with the Historic New England are research-based and work to support the interpretation at our historic houses. They are designed to replicate a portion of the programming and interpretive work that commonly happens when managing a historic site—the preparation for and development of historic programs for the public. Interns will gain an understanding of what kind of research is needed for interpretation, how this research is conducted, and the various ways this knowledge is transitioned into an educational experience for the public.
We accept applications year-round and require a minimum of eight hours per week. We have a limited number of positions and so we look for applicants who are a match for the research projects available and who will benefit most from this opportunity.
Our internships are remote and we welcome applicants from all over the United States.
For those who live in the New England area and wish to conduct their internship at a Historic New England site, our Study Center at the Eustis Estate in Milton, Mass. has dedicated office space for interns. There is also the opportunity for potential travel to our archives, collections facility, and various sites.
We are currently only accepting applications from students enrolled in or newly graduated from a Master’s or P.h.D. program in the fields of public history, museum studies, American studies, American history, art history, art conservation, archival studies, library science, agricultural science, and related fields.
If you do not meet these qualifications but are still interested in opportunities with Historic New England, please visit our Employment page.
Internships are unpaid. However, we try to offer compensation in other forms. We will work with you to find a project that most supports your career and educational goals and can support you in building your resume.
Career mentorship is also provided through extensive professional development, including (but not limited to) resume and cover letter writing help, understanding the museum field, and advice on navigating the job market.
Please send any questions to [email protected]
The Scholar-In-Residence is a one-year, term-limited, research-based position available to scholars in the humanities or social sciences who hold a P.h.D. The scholar will work independently to research a proposed topic related to the Eustis Estate or Gilded Age architecture, landscape, decorative arts, or social history, with the goal of completing an academic work. Projects must be connected to New England history, may be at any stage of development, and are expected to be of value to both scholars and general audiences.
We accept applications in the spring to start the following September. When our application portal is open, we will post that information here and on our Employment page.
For those interested in applying, we encourage questions and discussion to support you as you develop your proposal. For this, contact Dr. Alissa Butler at [email protected]
The research fellow is a six-month, term-limited, research-based position available to scholars in the humanities or social sciences. The research fellow will work independently on a topic we have identified as needing focused research attention and will be related to the Eustis Estate, Gilded Age, or other topics supporting the interpretation of architecture, landscape, decorative arts, or social history at Historic New England.
Each round, we will post the topics available and accept applications from scholars at all levels who hold at least a master’s degree and a demonstrated ability to competitively pursue peer-reviewed, academic publication opportunities.
We accept applications in the spring to start the following September. When our application portal is open, we will post that information here and on our Employment page.
For questions, contact Dr. Alissa Butler at [email protected]
The Study Center at the Eustis Estate is dedicated to deepening and furthering our knowledge and understanding of New England’s stories. It is our goal to become the premier place where new areas of research, stories, and interpretation are uncovered, shared with, and made relevant for today’s audiences.
It is also the vessel in which we invest in the public historians of tomorrow, providing students and scholars with hands-on experiential and research opportunities that support them in their education and career endeavors.
Volunteer from home! Help transcribe an important collection from the convenience of your own computer.
Due to COVID-19 we are not currently placing new volunteers at our sites but we do look forward to working with you in the near future. Browse the list of Historic New England sites to find a location near you. Then email us at [email protected] and tell us about yourself and your interest in volunteering. Someone from our staff will be in touch with available opportunities as they open up.