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Internships

You Can't Change History, But It Could Change You™

Join our Summer Internship & Fellowship Program! You might plan a garden with heirloom and native plants, design an educational program about archaeology, learn the art of marketing a living history museum, play 17th-century games with summer campers, help us make collections accessible online...the possibilities are endless!

“It was such a life changing experience for me. I had the opportunity to curate my first exhibit with a fellow intern… made lasting friendships, and learned so much about museums" - Amanda Morgida (Smith College)

By participating in the Internship & Fellowship Program at Plimoth Patuxet, you will:

  • Gain invaluable professional experience while applying your chosen field of study in a unique museum setting
  • Explore Plimoth Patuxet’s unique approach to public history and the humanities through seminars, fieldtrips and group projects guided by staff experts and historians
  • Make life-long friends and expand your professional networks
  • Participate in a vibrant, residential living-learning community at the Center for 17th-Century Studies at Plimoth Patuxet
My internship at Plimoth Patuxet not only gave me international experience (I came over from the UK) but practice carrying out consultancy style ethnographic projects. I was able to directly apply the skills I had learnt through my Social Anthropology degree at the London School of Economics. It inspired me to begin searching for jobs in visitor analysis ... which I believe is a direct result of the responsibilities I was given, and lessons I learned at Plimoth Patuxet." - Amelia Mulcahey (London School of Economics)
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2024 Summer Internships

Program Dates: June 10 - August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

All internship or fellowship candidates must submit an online application including an updated resume or CV and letter of recommendation by March 31, 2024. Some positions may require a writing sample or work portfolio. Please check your preferred internship for details.

Due to a high volume of applications, only those internship candidates selected to interview for the program will be contacted. All candidates can expect notification regarding their status in the two weeks following the application deadline. Both paid and unpaid internships are available. Please check internship descriptions for details. Housing and academic credit are also available.

Archaeology Internship

The Archaeology internship offers experience in preventative preservation practices and collections management of legacy archaeological collections. The Archaeology Intern’s daily responsibilities include cataloging artifacts and creations, organizing accession files, photographing objects, and constructing custom storage containers for rehousing objects. The intern will also be responsible for researching the provenience information of legacy archaeological collections and compiling findings into a collection summary report. Additionally, the Archaeology intern will help reorganize collections storage spaces to promote safe object handling and accessibility. This position will teach collections management methods and techniques as well as how to conduct archaeological research on legacy collections. The Intern will be trained in best practices in preservation care. The Archaeology Intern reports to the Collections Manager & Staff Archaeologist.

  • The Archaeology Intern is directly responsible for completing various tasks including:

    • Cataloging archaeological collections, inventorying artifacts and creations, and verifying storage locations.

    • Creating digital records and input descriptive data in PastPerfect. Create condition reports as needed.

    • Adhering to the artifact catalog standards for archaeological sites in the Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ online database, PastPerfect Web-Edition.

    • Photographing objects and processing images for publication on PastPerfect museum software.

    • Organizing and digitizing accession files, field notes, site reports, and catalog cards associated with archaeological collections.

    • Rehousing objects in custom storage containers and cavity mounts with archival quality materials as needed.

    • Practicing safe object handling.

    • Writing content, collection summary, and finding aid for collections webpage.

    • As requested, participate in professional development activities, including field trips or any final presentations.

  • Ideal candidate is a bright, self-motivated person with attention to detail and experience working with archaeological collections, such as in a field school, Tribal Museum, THPO office, or laboratory setting. Applicants interested in cultural heritage and legacy collections are preferred. They should be open to exploring the intersection of technology and preservation to make the Museum’s collections available online. Experience with collections management systems (CMS) software is not required, but preferred. The ability to work independently is crucial to the successful completion of this internship.

  • Full-time (35 hours/week). A flexible schedule is required. Occasional evening and weekend events may be required.

  • This is an unpaid internship. Academic credit and free housing are available. Students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.

Museum Education & Public Programs Internship

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is looking for dynamic, team-oriented educators passionate about engaging learners of all ages to assist with planning, developing and implementing Plimoth Patuxet’s educational and public programs for youth and family audiences, particularly PPM’s Summer Adventure Camps. These programs involve indoor and outdoor programming at the Museum’s main campus, including the 17th-Century English Village, the Historic Patuxet Homesite, Mayflower II and Plimoth Grist Mill. Interns will also develop an individual lesson or activity to pilot during camp sessions in consultation with museum staff. PPM Education Department staff will provide interns with mentorship, guidance, oversight and support.

    • Organize, prepare for, and deliver a variety of education and public programs with an emphasis on Indigenous and colonial New England lifeways and history. May provide programs in a variety of contexts including but not limited to day camps, overnights, guided tours, workshops, and public programs.

    • Be present for every week of summer day camp sponsored by Plimoth Patuxet’s Education Department and assist in all program activities; be able to lead activities by the end of the summer.

    • Work with PPM Education staff to ensure the health, wellbeing and happiness of campers and provide opportunities that are inclusive for all campers.

    • Interact with the children; ensure the children are safe, comfortable and enjoying the program.

    • Assist PPM Education staff in writing and implementing weekly schedules and activity plans for day camps. Set up, break down, clean up and reset learning spaces.

    • Assist PPM Education staff in maintaining accurate program records including but not limited to logbooks, daily attendance, and sign-out sheets.

    • Identify individual projects and personal focus for the internship.

    • Become familiar with and use the museum’s diverse resources.

    • As requested, participate in professional development activities, including field trips or any final presentations.

  • The ideal candidate is a passionate educator with experience in formal or informal settings and an interest in early American history, Indigenous studies, archaeology, anthropology, museum education or other related fields. Qualified candidates must be able to communicate clearly and engagingly with children and adults and to work both independently and as part of a team of staff, interns and volunteers. Reliability, dependability and punctuality, patience, self-control, courtesy, enthusiasm and a sense of humor are a must! Experience with summer camp is preferred but not required.

  • Full-time (35 hours/week). A flexible schedule is required. Occasional evening and weekend events may be required.

  • This is a paid internship at $15/hr for 35 hours/week. Housing and university credit are available. For credit, students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and fees.

Horticulture Internship

Horticulture interns will work alongside the Museum’s Horticulture and Historic Patuxet Homesite staff to gain an inside knowledge of how historical gardens and landscapes are planned, maintained and interpreted for diverse public audiences. Horticulture interns will hone their horticultural skills in existing gardens and landscapes in the Historic Patuxet Homesite and 17th-Century English Village exhibit and behind the scenes with specific emphasis on invasive species removal and native habitat and plant restoration with the goal of helping staff develop a sustainable horticulture plan for implementation. Horticulture Interns will also have the opportunity to work with staff to develop and pilot a related educational program such as a nature/plant/TEK walk. Time permitting, interns may have the opportunity to apply their research and work to other areas of the museum. This internship reports to the Horticulture Lead.

    • Assist with daily maintenance of gardens in the Historic Patuxet Homesite and 17th-Century English Village including but not limited to planting, pruning, weeding, watering, organic fertilization, propagation, plant identification, and historic and modern plant usage;

    • Engage and educate Museum guests about the plants and horticultural practices used historically by colonial English, Indigenous and Wampanoag communities;

    • Assist the Horticulture specialists and Public Engagement staff with horticulture-related educational programs and special projects.

    • As requested, participate in professional development activities, including field trips or any final presentations.

  • The Horticulture Internship is ideal for students with an interest in horticulture, agriculture, botany, and/or public history. The successful candidate will have some experience in horticulture or a related field. A basic understanding of Indigenous gardening techniques and terminology is preferred, but not required. Candidates should have a willingness to learn through participation and by asking questions to deepen understanding as well as an outgoing personality with good communication skills. Please note that this position requires working outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions; the ability to climb, lift, carry, stoop, and stand for extended periods of time; and a degree of physical strength (lifting up to 50 lbs.).

  • Full-time (about 28 hours/week), flexible hours between 8am and 4pm. Some weekend or evening work may be required.

  • $15/hr. This paid internship is made possible thanks to the generous support of the New England Farm & Garden Association. Housing and university credit are available. For credit, students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.

Historical Clothing & Textiles - Production Internship

Reproducing historically accurate clothing in a museum setting encompasses a multitude of skills and processes, including research and development, the use of period and modern construction techniques, and the ability to share this knowledge and skill with the guests who visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The Historical Clothing and Textiles Production intern will experience the unique day-to-day workings of a wardrobe shop in a museum environment including learning, practicing, and applying skills in period and modern construction techniques, pattern drafting, and 17th-century accessories (thread-wrapped buttons, hat-making, etc.). Depending on the intern’s course of study, interest, and experience, there may be opportunities to conduct historical research with access to departmental and museum libraries.

    • Learn to construct garments from individual measurements to final fitting and finishing with guidance from Historical Clothing & Textiles Manager;

    • Assist in the maintenance of wardrobe pieces for the 17th-Century English Village including mending, laundry, inventory tracking, ordering supplies, participating in fittings, etc.

    • Assist with public programming and projects as needed (summer camp program, special events, retail projects, knitting group);

    • As requested, participate in professional development activities, including field trips or any final presentations.

  • The ideal candidate will have experience with operating sewing machinery - ideally industrial - as well as hand stitching skills, familiarity with textile vocabulary, and knowledge of or interest in 17th-century history. A successful candidate for this position will also be an enthusiastic, self-starter with good communication skills and a willingness to learn and work as part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary living history team. All candidates must provide either a PDF or link to a work portfolio.

  • Full-time (35 hours/week) or part-time (21 hours/week) Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm with occasional weekend events required.

  • This is an unpaid internship. Housing and university credit is available. For credit, students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.

Internship FAQs

Have a question about the Summer Internship Program? You're in the right place. Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please contact us at interns@plimoth.org.

  • Plimoth Patuxet Museums accepts applications from college-level freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduate students. We also accept applications from recent graduates and people making a career change. Our internships are unique opportunities to work alongside skilled, professional museum staff.

  • Yes, housing for interns may be available in the Museum's Center for 17th-Century Studies residence.

  • We offer paid and unpaid positions, depending on the internship, as specified in each internship description. Course credit is also available if needed. Please see below for more information about stipends and course credit as it relates to internships. We advise that students also work with their advisor and university to apply for intern stipends offered through their college.

  • A personal vehicle is strongly recommended, although the town of Plymouth does offer affordable public transportation provided by the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company (known as G.A.T.R.A). This is a bus service with diverse schedules and stops. Please note that this service can be limited. A bus stop is located at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The Museum offers interns complimentary parking.

  • Interns at Plimoth Patuxet receive free admission to all of our museum sites, as well as discounts in the Museum store and café. We also have a great reciprocity agreement with several New England museums and institutions so you can visit them for free (or for a reduced rate) while you are an intern.

  • Most internships run approximately 9-10 weeks and are full-time. We also offer some part-time internship opportunities. Certain internship opportunities also may require evening and weekend attendance.

  • Application deadlines are listed along with the internship descriptions. If there is a position on the site that interests you, please submit your materials in a timely manner, as many positions fill quickly.

  • All applicants who send their materials by email will receive an email confirmation. Applicants who send materials by mail may follow up by email or phone. Please understand that due to a large number of applications received, we are not able to provide ongoing personal status updates to each candidate. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted, and positions will be removed from the website once they have been filled.

  • Yes, as long as your educational institution allows it. Students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.

  • Yes, as long as your educational institution allows it. We can work with students who wish to use their work-study or internship stipends from their school. Students are responsible for all paperwork.

  • Yes. International students are responsible for making all appropriate arrangements with their universities or home countries and internship program sponsors regarding travel permits and/or visas. Please visit the US State Department's J-1 Visa website for additional information.

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