Historical Research and Reinterpretation Intern Internship opportunity with the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

This paid internship is funded, in part, by the Institute For Museum and Library Sciences.
Historical Research and Reinterpretation Intern
10-12 hours per week
$15 per hour
Hybrid
Start Date: September 2023
End Date: February 2024

Historical Research and Reinterpretation, Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance
The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, the last farmhouse in Manhattan, is a vital cultural asset in New York City. The mission of the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance (DFMA) is to support the preservation of the historic site, to be a catalyst for engaging, adventuresome programming and to be a good neighbor and a dynamic resource for the community.

DFMA was recently awarded a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences to reinterpret and create an immersive media installation in the museum’s historical kitchen space. DFMA is seeking a graduate intern to assist with the research and planning for this major project. DFMA is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and
detail-oriented individual who is a self-starter and able to work remotely for a portion of this placement.

Description
The DFMA intern will build their research and interpretation knowledge through hands-on projects involving the collections, programs, and exhibitions of a New York City and National Historic Landmark dedicated to the inclusive histories of those who have occupied, lived and worked on the land that is now known as the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. The scope of the projects and duties will vary, but will include:

• Conduct historical research related to the kitchen reinterpretation project. Themes will include, but not limited to, the history of enslavement in the North, African and Indigenous foodways, 18th century gardening and cooking, and related farm tool use.
  ● Research and create budgets for materials and reproductions the museum will need to purchase for the kitchen
  ● Sit in on meetings with Monadnock and other key stakeholders in the reinterpretation project
  ● Develop labels and text panels as part of DFM’s larger reinterpretation plan
  ● Some opportunities to create social media content using new research conducted by the intern
  ● Some opportunities to develop programs or lesson plans related to the history of enslavement in the North and the reinterpretation project

Some training, supervision, and communications will occur online. Depending on the project, the intern will work closely with the museum’s Executive Director and the Digital Content and Programs Manager using video conferencing (Google Meet and Zoom), email, and chat. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in virtual
department meetings, webinars, and other virtual professional development programming for museums.

Qualifications
● Applicants must be graduate students in history, historic preservation, museum studies, or a related field
● Excellent attention to detail, ability to work independently, good time management, and strong interpersonal, research, organizational, and writing skills
● Passion for our mission and commitment to community programming and equality.
● Familiarity with nonprofit organizations, underrepresented communities, and public programming is highly desirable.
● The internship will run between September, 2023 and February, 2024. Candidates must be able to work 10-12 hours per week over the course of the internship.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a resume and letter of interest that best showcases your qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications can be emailed to programs@dyckmanfarmhouse.org

Applications must be submitted by 9 am ET on Friday, September 1, 2023.
No phone calls, please.

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The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. In addition, DFMA complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates. DFMA also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply