Indigenous Interpretive Resource Development Intern

Supervisor
Field Trips Program Manager
Hours
20
Location
Semester(s)
Summer 2025
Status
Paid

Project Summary

Intern will research the land history and associated Nations relevant to Minnesota Historical Society’s 14 directly managed historic sites and museums. They will contribute to handouts for each site to aid interpretive staff in their program delivery of Indigenous content. 

Department

K-12 Education - Field Trips (in cooperation with Native American Initiatives) 

Location

Primary worksite: Minnesota History Center: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102

This is a hybrid role – some work can be done remotely. In-person team meetings would primarily take place at the Minnesota History Center with potential for on-site meetings at other MNHS historic sites. 

# of Positions Available

2

Ideal Degrees

Currently pursuing, or a recent graduate, of a degree in the following areas: History, Interpretation, Education, Museum Studies, or Native American Studies. 

Ideal Degree(s)
  • Education
  • History
  • Museum studies
  • Native American studies
  • other related degrees
Student Qualifications
  • Interest in public history or public education.
  • Basic historical research skills.  
  • Ability to work both collaboratively with diverse individuals and independently to complete projects.
  • Effective communication skills, including ability to write clearly and concisely and effective oral communication with individuals and groups
  • Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the Google Suite. Project may necessitate sitting/standing at a computer for extended periods of time. 
  • Experience working with Native Nations or Communities.
  • Preference given to applicants enrolled in a graduate program.
Student Responsibilities
  • Research and compile information for historic sites regarding their locations’ history and relationship to Indigenous Nations. 
  • Synthesize findings into handouts for each historic site and its staff. 
  • Participate in meetings with Interpretation and Education staff as well as Historic Sites colleagues. 
  • Build and maintain positive rapport with colleagues and other interns. 
  • Maintain consistent communication regarding project progress and challenges with their supervisor. 
  • Optional: Visit MNHS historic sites to observe programming along with a supervisor.
Knowledge Intern is expected to gain
  • The intern will gain knowledge of interpretation best practices and their implementation in public programs at MNHS directly managed sites and museums. 
  • The intern will gain experience collaborating with diverse staff to accomplish shared goals. 
  • The intern will practice their historical research skills and add to their research portfolio. 
  • The intern will gain a better understanding of public history in practice at the Minnesota Historical Society. 
Additional Requirements

None.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, PDF copy of unofficial school transcripts, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.