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Internship at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

​Job Description:

The intern assists in the operation of the Division of Resource Education  Historic Exhibit/Living History Branch.  This work includes assistance in the management and operation of: all 19th century permanent and temporary period exhibits, staffing for modern exhibits as needed, living history special events and activities, school education programming, volunteer in the parks programs, scheduled tours, and support for blackpowder program.  During the internship, the intern will complete the following major duties:



  1. Presents and interprets the Park's history and six nationally significant themes of industrial history/arms manufacturing, John Brown's 1859 Raid, 1861-1865 Civil War military history, African American history/Storer College, natural history, and transportation, to park visitors while staffing various sites and restored buildings.
  2. Utilizes assigned historical research materials and park planning documents, Independent Service Plans, to prepare and submit a written outline in order to present an interpretive program on the park's historical themes.  Intern will interpret through a variety of interpretive media such as third person living history interpretation, guided one hour public tours, stationary presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits.  Programs are presented on site to varied audiences including specialized groups.
  3. Supports the park's blackpowder demonstration program by adhering to all safety procedures.  Familiarizes self and complies with National Park Service policies, rules, and regulations regarding black powder safety.
  4. Adheres to museum guidelines for care and handling of artifacts, and exhibit opening and closing procedures.
  5. Supports and assists in presenting specialized programs and events involving all aspects of the interpretive program.
  6. Provides assistance in research of assigned historic subject matter.  Uses research to maintain historic accuracy and integrity for special events, public tours, and exhibit operations.
  7. Maintains responsible areas in a neat and safe manner, and reports any deficiencies to immediate supervisor.

Standard Position Description:


This position is located in a National Park Service Unit.  The primary purpose of this position is to give talks, guide people, answer questions, and provide services to visitors.  Major duties included in this position include: (1) presents limited repetitive interpretive programs including introductions to films, map talks, and static exhibit interpretation, (2) orients hikers to conditions and equipment needs, (3) staffs information counter at the visitor center serving as intial contact for visitors, (4) provides information on a variety of subjects and interprets park values for visitors with varying interests and backgrounds, and (5) performs simple roving interpretations, providing visitors with information on park related activities, services and park themes.

​​Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Gained

Knowledge:
I know (the)...
history of Harpers Ferry from its beginnings to the modern day
social customs of nineteenth century America
weapons produced by the Harpers Ferry Armory
major park themes - industry, Civil War history, John Brown's 1859 Raid, African American history, natural history, and transportation history
nineteenth century domestic arts such as cooking, ice cream making, laundressing, and etc.
National Park Service regulations for securing, maintaining, and operating of historic eighteenth and nineteenth century weapons
National Park Service regulations for securing, maintaining, and operating of nineteenth century cookstove
National Park Service regulations for securing, maintaining, and operating of nineteenth century blacksmith forge
National Park Service regulations for opening and closing park exhibits

Skills:
I can...
demonstrate firing procedures for historic flintlock, percussion, and artillery weapons
demonstrate operation of nineteenth century cookstove
demonstrate operation of nineteenth century blacksmith forge
demonstrate operation of nineteenth century treadle sewing machine
demonstrate operation of eighteenth century spinning wheel


Abilities:
I can...
conduct formal and informal interpretation to different sized groups visitors of varied backgrounds
speak publically with comfort and ease
research and develop an Interpretive Serive Plan for guided tours given to visitors
research, develop, and present exterior gun exhibit and domestic arts exhibit
train others in park history and regulations
observe trainees and volunteers in interpretive methods and offer critique where necessary

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