Living History Farms, an outdoor historical educational museum near Des Moines, offers a 13-week summer internship program for 26 students (must have completed freshman year; open to sophomore level and up). Interns earn a $2,250 stipend, six hours of tuition-free history credit, and valuable work experience. Credit is provided through Graceland University and students can transfer the credit hours to their own program. Living History Farms pays all tuition costs!

This internship will appeal to students majoring in history, education, agriculture, child development, museum studies, folk art, leisure studies, journalism, marketing or public relations. Interns work as Historical Interpreters, Day Camp Counselors, or Marketing Assistants.

HISTORICAL INTERPRETERS
2008 Internship Dates: May 13 - August 10

Historical interpreters demonstrate and explain what life in Iowa was like in an earlier time. Living History Farms operates four working sites where the daily routines of the past are re-created: a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, an 1850 Pioneer Farm, an 1875 town and a 1900 Farm with horse-powered equipment. Historical interpreters work at a minimum of two sites, are supervised by the museum’s professional staff, and wear clothing appropriate to the time period, which is supplied by Living History Farms. Historical interpreters are scheduled for a five-day work week, which includes weekends throughout the summer.  

DAY CAMP COUNSELORS
2008 Internship Dates: May 12 - August 9

Day Camp Counselors supervise groups of 8 to 12 children in 1st through 7th grades each week during the summer. Day camp sessions at Living History Farms run Monday through Friday. Each group spends a day at a different historical site at the 550-acre, open-air museum. Camp activities include games, crafts and projects that reflect the various time periods: 1700 (Native American), 1850, 1875 and 1900. There will be three weeks of intensive training prior to the first camp session.  

MARKETING ASSISTANTS
2008 Internship Dates: May - August (13 weeks; start/end dates flexible)

Marketing Assistants work in the Marketing & Communications Department to promote the museum’s programs, events and services. Duties include writing and layout of member newsletter, designing print ads, updating web site, writing press releases and other duties as assigned. Applicants with majors and/or experience in journalism, English, marketing, public relations, advertising, or a related field plus strong writing and computer skills are preferred.  

All interns begin the program with an intensive orientation session. Throughout the summer, interns attend four evening seminars that explore some aspect of history, museum operations or related topics. Internship program requirements also include three short writing assignments and completion of a special group project.

Students applying for the internship must submit an application form AND a letter stating the reasons for their interest in the program. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FEBRUARY 15, 2008. Mail the completed application form and letter of interest to: Internship Program, Living History Farms, 2600 111th Street, Urbandale, Iowa 50322. In-person interviews are required and will be scheduled in early March. Living History Farms will notify all applicants of hiring decisions by early April.

• Historical Interpreter and Day Camp Counselor application form
• Marketing Intern application form.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2008. Mail the application and letter to:

Internship Program
Living History Farms
2600 111th Street
Urbandale, Iowa 50322

In-person interviews, scheduled in March, are required for all applicants. Living History Farms will notify all applicants of hiring decisions in early April.

Questions about the Internship Program can be directed to:

Dan Jones (Historical Interpretation/Coordinator) 515-278-5286 ext. 157

Carol Wise (Day Camp) 515-278-5286 ext. 138

Kristen Vander Wall (Marketing) 515-278-5286 ext. 114

Call the Administration Office Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.