Museum Education & Interpretation: Religious Studies
We are looking for an intellectually curious and thoughtful intern, with an interest in religious studies/history, to join the Education Department staff and volunteer interpreters as we share the Shakers’ history, beliefs, and continuing relevance with visitors. As an intern in our department, you will gain valuable experience in public speaking and interpretation (both formal and informal), historical research, visitor services, and program planning. With your religious studies/history focus, you will be able to explore more deeply the opportunities and challenges of discussing and interpreting religion in a public, multicultural environment.
What you will do:
Your internship will have three major components:
- working as an interpreter (staffing historic buildings and giving public talks) alongside seasoned staff to support daily public programming at the Village, particularly programs related to Shaker history and religious practices;
- undertaking an independent project, mutually determined by the intern and the supervisor, that investigates an aspect of the Shaker religion pertinent to the museum’s interpretive goals;
- creating a public program/presentation, appropriate for a general audience, from the independent project. To research and develop your project, you will have access to a range of resources at the Village, including archival and library material, collections, and staff.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate for this internship will have at least a general academic foundation in the study of religion; basic historical research skills; demonstrated experience working with people of all ages; excellent communication skills, both oral and written; and demonstrated ability both to take direction and to work independently. The ideal candidate will be open-minded, hardworking, organized, and personable. Preference given to religious studies, sociology, or history majors with a focus on American studies/religion.
General Information
The ten-week summer program begins on Tuesday, June 3, and concludes on Friday, August 8. Internships are full time (35-40 hours/week); most schedules are Monday-Friday, although certain internships include occasional weekend hours (these weekends are known in advance of arrival). All interns will help with the annual Gala on Saturday, August 2.
Internships are available in the departments listed below. Descriptions of and qualifications for each internship follow this general information section.
- Engagement & Development
- Farm Education
- Garden
- Hospitality & Special Events
- Livestock
- Museum Education & Interpretation (Religious Studies focus)
Interns receive a stipend of $3,000, paid in weekly installments of $300, and the opportunity to live in on-site intern housing. Interns must provide their own food and transportation; access to a car during the internship is highly recommended for a better experience but is not required. Shared kitchen facilities are part of the internship housing.
In addition to the duties within departments, all Hancock Shaker Village interns participate in a weekly intern meeting for exposure to all aspects of the operation and enjoy occasional excursions to regional cultural and agricultural institutions. Interns also have the opportunity to attend workshops, lectures, and programs. Interns may have opportunities to work across departments to gain a richer experience of the Village. Hancock Shaker Village is a partner in the Berkshire Intern Project, which offers additional learning and extracurricular opportunities throughout the summer.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit through Handshake OR send the following materials directly to Cindy Dickinson, Director of Education, Hancock Shaker Village, at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org:
- a cover letter naming your preferred department and explaining why that’s a good fit for you
- your resume
- the names and contact information of two professional or academic references
Deadline for applications is Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5 pm.
Questions? Contact Cindy Dickinson at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org or 413-443-0188 x213.