Diversity Internship Projects 2015
Applicants should address application to meet the needs of one or more of the following internships available for
Summer 2015.
Division: Archeology
Project Contact: Bradford Jones, Archeologist
Internship Project title: Texas Archeological Sites Atlas Internship
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Familiarity and experience with word processing and database software (Microsoft
preferred), and the use of ARC-GIS software.
Project Description: GIS intern will assist Archeology staff in the creation and submission of GIS data to the
archeological Atlas database for Texas.
Division: Archeology
Project Contact: Bradford Jones, Archeologist
Internship Project title: Archeology Division Collections Internship
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Familiarity and experience with word processing and database software (Microsoft
preferred). Previous archeological field work and lab experience preferred.
Project Description: Assist the AD collections manager and other staff in documenting, analyzing, and curating
artifacts and records from the excavations of the La Belle shipwreck (41MG86), the site of La Salle’s Fort St. Louis
and the first location of the Spanish Presidio La Bahia (41VT4), and other associated archeological collections.
Division: Architecture
Project Contact: Sharon Fleming, Division Director
Internship Project title: Courthouse Activities Packet Project
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Coursework in historic preservation with a focus on architectural evaluation and/or
program and policies. Skills in online research, writing and the ability to think creatively about engaging people in
preservation.
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Project Description: The intern will work to develop a collection of activities designed to interest and inform
young people about courthouse preservation. These may include informational materials as well as hands-on or
creative activities designed for various age groups. The intern will perform research and work with agency staff to
develop activity ideas.
Division: Architecture
Project Contact: Sharon Fleming, Division Director
Internship Project title: Preservation Easement Program
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Coursework in historic preservation with a focus on architectural evaluation and/or
program and policies. Skills in database entry, writing about historic buildings, and on-line research.
Project Description: The intern will work on assembling documentation on easement protected historic
properties throughout Texas to improve the division’s ability to manage and oversee work at these properties. The
intern may also research other easement programs for best practices and make site visits to the properties in the
Central Texas area.
Division: Architecture
Project Contact: Sharon Fleming, Division Director
Internship Project title: Technical Education Program Research Project
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Coursework in historic preservation with a focus on architectural evaluation and/or
program and policies. Skills in online research and writing preferred.
Project Description: The intern will perform research into existing trade and technical preservation education
programs, particularly at the high school level. With a focus on the technical, hands-on aspects of historic
preservation and working with various agency staff, the intern will develop a body of research on technical and
vocational-technical preservation programs and how such a program might be created in Texas.
Division: Architecture
Project Contact: Sharon Fleming, Division Director
Internship Project title: Technical Resource Library Project
Location: Austin, TX
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Basic Skills required: Coursework in historic preservation with a focus on technical aspects of preservation. Skills
in database entry, writing about historic preservation, online research, and hands-on preservation experience.
Project Description: The intern will work to compile existing technical resources for inclusion on the agency’s
Buildings and Property webpage which is a resource for historic property owners and preservationists. The research
and resources collected will serve as a digital resource library with a focus on technical information for preservation
professionals and others interested in historic preservation.
Division: Community Heritage Development
Project Contact: Marie Oehlerking, Project Design Assistant
Internship Project title: Historic Preservation Manual Project
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Strong research, writing, and communication skills. Coursework in material conservation
and building maintenance preferred.
Project Description: Intern will produce a manual on building maintenance for downtown commercial
buildings. Manual will include an introduction to general building components and typical issues that may arise with
those elements and materials. Manual will be distributed to all Texas Main Street cities.
Division: Community Heritage Development
Project Contact: Marie Oehlerking, Project Design Assistant
Internship Project title: Graphic Design Project
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Advanced graphic design skills, proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign CS6,
experience in Adobe Illustrator CS6 is also beneficial.
Project Description: Intern will have the opportunity to pick from three different projects including designing
Main Street / Downtown posters, vacant building window coverings, and/or Main Street children’s activity book.
Intern will work with Main Street design staff to create a final product that will be used by Main Street communities
across the state.
Division: History Programs Division
Project Contact: Laura Casey, Program Coordinator
Internship Project title: Converting Museum Workshops to Webinars Project
Location: Austin, TX
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Basic Skills required: Familiarity with the museum field and webinar formats as well as proficiency in Microsoft
PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with or willingness to learn how to edit videos is a plus.
Project Description: The Museum Services program has several day-long workshops (approximately 7 hours) that
need converting to a webinar format. Each webinar will be one or one and a half hours in length. It will take
several webinar episodes to cover all of the information in the workshop. The workshop topics include exhibit
development, documenting collections, collections care, and strategic planning. The Program Coordinator and
intern will work together to determine which workshop topic will be converted to a webinar based on the intern’s
skills and background.
Division: History Programs Division
Project Contact: Laura Casey, Program Coordinator
Internship Project title: Updating Museum Database Project
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Ability to work with Access and Excel databases
Project Description: In 2014 the Institute of Museum and Library Services released a museum census, the
Museum Universe Data File. It is a list of known museums in the United States based on public records and
administrative data. According to the database, there are 950 history-related museum in Texas. This project
consists of using the IMLS database to update and add to the information currently in the Museum Services
database which is connected to the THC Atlas. This project will require database entry as well as contacting
museums on the IMLS list and currently in the Museum Services database to confirm the listed information. The
result will be a more accurate list of museums in the THC Atlas. IMLS request updates twice a year. This updated
information will be shared with IMLS so they can update their records and have a more accurate listing of Texas
museums.
Division: History Programs Division
Project Contact: Sarah McCleskey, Historian
Internship Project title: Historical Marker Writer
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Research, writing and communication skills; ability to communicate with county historical
commissions and the public; ability to analyze and condense text; database management is helpful
Project Description: Intern will write historical marker inscriptions. Intern will review the historical narrative and
will write historical marker inscriptions utilizing local and online resources.
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Division: History Programs Division
Project Contact: Sarah McCleskey, Historian
Internship Project title: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) Inventory Specialist
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Database management, data entry, knowledge of flatbed scanners and scanning equipment
and software, great attention to detail.
Project Description: Intern will enter data from RTHL Inventory forms received from county historical
commissions into marker database, scan and organize images and update file information. Intern will use mapping
technology and online resources to identify and locate RTHL properties.
Division: History Programs Division
Project Contact: Sarah McCleskey, Historian
Internship Project title: Undertold Historical Marker Researcher and Writer
Location: Austin, TX
Basic Skills required: Research, writing and communication skills; ability to communicate with county historical
commissions and the public; ability to analyze and condense text; database management is helpful.
Project Description: Intern will research and write Undertold historical marker topics. Intern will prepare the
historical narrative, obtain approval from the sponsor and CHC, and will write historical marker inscriptions
utilizing local and online resources.
Division: Historic Sites Division
Project Contact: John Akers, Site Manager
Internship Project title: Eisenhower Birthplace Neighborhood Research
Location: Eisenhower Birthplace SHS (Denison, TX)
Basic Skills required: Strong writing, research, and communications skills. Computer skills, including spread
sheets and word processing. Ability to work independently and on detailed tasks. Interest in community or AfricanAmerican history.
Project Description: Research the people and the economic and social conditions of those who lived in the
neighborhood surrounding the Eisenhower family’s house in Denison. Research questions include the percentage
of African-American residents in the neighborhood, common occupations and incomes of residents, stores and
vendors who served the area, and home ownership levels.
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Division: Historic Sites Division
Project Contact: Amanda Reed, Curator
Internship Project title: Curatorial Internship
Location: Sam Bell Maxey House SHS (Paris, TX)
Basic Skills required: Strong writing, research, and communication skills. Strong organizational, multitasking, and
people skills. Knowledge of standard office computer skills, including word processing. Ability to work
independently and on detailed tasks. Degree or expected degree in history, education, museum studies,
library/archival science, humanities, or a related field. Demonstrated interest in museum programs, education,
and/or history.
Project Description: Curatorial Interns may work on one or more of the following projects: taking digital
photographs of artifacts; digitizing and creating metadata for the site’s paper collection; data entry of collections
records; creating finding aids for the paper, book, and ephemera collections using best archival practices; research
within the collections; developing and planning special events and programming for children, adults, and families;
and developing themed exhibits and corresponding guided tours.
Division: Historic Sites Division
Project Contact: Amanda Reed, Curator
Internship Project title: Museum Education Internship
Location: Sam Bell Maxey House SHS (Paris, TX)
Basic Skills required: Strong writing, research, and communication skills. Strong organizational, multitasking, and
people skills. Knowledge of standard office computer skills, including word processing. Ability to work
independently and on detailed tasks. Degree or expected degree in history, education, museum studies,
library/archival science, humanities, or a related field. Demonstrated interest in museum programs, education,
and/or history.
Project Description: Educational Interns may work on one or more of the following projects: developing
educational programming for K-12, groups (Boy/Girl Scouts, Big Brother/Big Sister, etc.), adults, and families;
developing and planning special events and programming for children, adults, and families; developing themed
exhibits and corresponding guided tours; and organizing site resources.
Division: Historic Sites Division
Project Contact: Amanda Reed, Curator
Internship Project title: Special Events Internship
Location: Sam Bell Maxey House SHS (Paris, TX)
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Basic Skills required: Strong writing, research, and communication skills. Strong organizational, multitasking, and
people skills. Knowledge of standard office computer skills, including word processing. Ability to work
independently and on detailed tasks.
Project Description: The intern will develop, organize, and run at least one educational special event to be held at
the site, as well as organize and run some events that have already been developed. The development of an event
includes picking a theme/topic, researching it, and creating activities site visitors can participate in that correspond
to the theme/topic. The organization of the event includes determining the supplies and volunteers needed,
publicizing the event, and preparing the site for the event.
Division: Historic Sites Division
Project Contact: Anne Rupert, Curator
Internship Project title: Collections Internship
Location: Sam Rayburn House Museum SHS (Bonham, TX)
Basic Skills required: Interest in museums, history, and/or education. Strong writing, research and
communications skills. Strong organizational, multitasking and people skills. Knowledge of American and Texas
history. Knowledge of standard office computer skills, including database software and word processing. Ability to
work independently and on detailed tasks. Degree or expected degree in history, education, museum studies,
humanities or a related field. Demonstrated interest in museum programs, education and/or history.
Project Description: Interns may work on one or more of the following projects: packing and storing artifacts;
cataloging and researching the museum collection; taking digital photographs of artifacts; re-housing and cleaning
artifacts; data entry of collections records; developing events and programming at the site as well as developing
themed guided tours and presentations; and organizing site resources
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