Join Our Team: Internships & Volunteering

 Job Description: 

A Historic Site Administrative and Living History Intern position is currently available at the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House in Edwardsville, Illinois. This non-paying internship introduces basic techniques and procedures required in the daily operations of a living history museum.

Specific Responsibilities:

*Will learn basic techniques and procedures required to operate a small living history site.

*Works closely with the Director to coordinate, develop, and maintain volunteer programs and schedules.

*At the request of the Director(s), will research topics required for programming purposes.

*Assists the Director(s) with inventory and the cataloging of acquisitions.

*Acts as a living history interpreter for the house, in the absence of volunteers, to present and demonstrate historical activities to the visiting public.

Internship Goals

• Learn how to conduct historical research that is turned into a museum exhibit.

• View the workings/management of a historical house museum.

• Gain experience in the various areas required to operate a historic site/museum.

• Learn how to manage collections and artifacts.

• Gain a working knowledge of the inventory/museum program Past Perfect.

• Develop skills in volunteer coordination/management, site interpretation, and public relations.

 Job Description:

The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House is looking for a videographer to storyboard, film, and edit videos for our YouTube channel to increase visitor engagement through its social media platforms. This internship role allows for the opportunity to make immediate and significant creative contributions to our marketing and educational efforts. 

The primary duties of this role will include producing editorially sound and visually compelling content, as well as publishing and promoting videos. The position is ideal for students pursuing careers in content creation, filmmaking, and/or video production.

Responsibilities will include:

· Help develop our YouTube presence and consolidate video assets across multiple platforms

· Brainstorm with the site director and social media committee to build a video editorial calendar that produces high-engagement pieces

· Develop video assets that help increase brand awareness and social following; track analytics to prove success

· Organize internal and external video shoots. Write scripts, research necessary topics, coordinate props, set up equipment, etc.

· Edit one video per week to be posted on YouTube and social media

· Work with the director to ensure the historical accuracy of video topics

Qualifications

· Experience with video editing software 

· Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills

· Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

· Ability to meet team deadlines

• Preferably a local candidate or within reasonable commuting distance

Job Description:

The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House is seeking a creative and motivated Social Media Intern to support our online presence and help grow our audience through engaging, historically inspired content. This internship offers the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the site’s digital strategy and connect modern audiences with 1820s history in fun, imaginative ways.

This position is ideal for students pursuing careers in marketing, communications, digital media, or museum studies who want hands-on experience in managing social media for a historic site.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assist in planning and executing a monthly content calendar across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok)

• Research and develop historically accurate and engaging posts that highlight the daily life, events, and programs at the house

• Write and schedule posts with strong captions, hashtags, and calls to action

• Collaborate with the site director and social media committee to identify upcoming events and themes

• Engage with followers, respond to comments, and monitor account activity

• Track analytics and provide monthly reports to measure engagement and growth

• Help capture and edit photos and short-form videos for daily content

Qualifications:

• Strong writing and communication skills

• Familiarity with social media platforms, trends, and scheduling tools

• Creative thinking and a passion for storytelling

• Interest in public history or early 19th-century American life

• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines

• Preferably a local candidate or within reasonable commuting distance