Oral History Intern

Position: Oral History Intern (fall 2026)

Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks

To Apply

Applications must include a resume, a cover letter, and two professional or academic letters of reference. Applicants may apply via Shaker Village's employment portal (package documents as a single file and upload under "Apply with a Resume") or by submitting their application directly to the Collections Manager at ewrightson@shakervillageky.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a final deadline of August 30. Applications will only be reviewed if they are complete and include all requested materials.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.

Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country's largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venue, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.

Oral History Intern Job Summary

The Oral History Intern will work under the direction of the Collections Manager, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of the oral history process. After an initial training and orientation period, the intern will both process existing interviews within Shaker Village's collections and conduct their own interviews. Work may include watching/listening to interviews, helping to create transcriptions and summaries, and entering key metadata into archival databases. Additionally, the intern will learn how to research, write questions, and conduct their own oral history interviews to complete their internship. Topics that may be addressed in interviews include the institutional history of SVPH, Shaker and heritage craft and material culture, the evolution of SVPH's landscape, historic building restoration and preservation, among others.

This internship is a career development opportunity designed to give college students or recent graduates (2 years or less out from graduation) a venue for learning and improving practical skills. This is a temporary position (10 weeks @ 37.5 hours/week) that includes a $1500 stipend. Exact dates to be discussed, but the internship will likely run from Tuesday, September 22 through Friday, December 4. Interns will generally work Monday-Friday and may occasionally assist with weekend/evening special events (such as the annual Harvest Fest).

Responsibilities and Duties

Complete assigned project/s responsibly, with care and attention to detail

Develop accurate, in-depth knowledge of Shaker life, culture, and history

Behave in a professional manner at all times

Adhere to the highest standard of ethics as outlined by the Oral History Association

Follow the SVPH Employee Handbook, particularly with regard to policies for harassment/discrimination, drugs, weapons, and workplace bullying

Work courteously and cooperatively with fellow interns, employees, and volunteers

Maintain open communication with the Collections Manager about work assignments and expectations, the internship process, and any issues that may arise

Skills and Qualifications

Currently enrolled or recently graduated college student with a strong interest in museum programming, studying history or other relevant fields (students from non-traditional majors are encouraged to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how oral history work is relevant to your field of study or your professional aspirations)

Enthusiasm for Shaker Village's mission

Willingness to learn new skills quickly

Articulate and confident when speaking; outgoing personality comfortable interacting with the public

Excellent listening skills

Precise and attentive to details; good at performing repetitive tasks (like entering content into collections database) without losing focus

Comfortable working outdoors and in indoor spaces that have only minimal heating/cooling

Optional: Prior experience conducting interviews, producing oral histories, and/or public history research

Optional: Prior experience interning, working, or volunteering at a museum, special collections library, or archive

Optional: Prior experience with audio-visual equipment, databases, data entry, or other similar, computer-based operations

Physical Requirements

Ability to maintain attention for considerable lengths of time

Ability to sit and stand for considerable lengths of time

Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis

Ability to operate computers and general office equipment

Working Environment and Conditions

This position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, during all seasons and types of weather conditions.

This position may require traveling to offsite locations to meet with known and trusted interviewees.

This position may require some evening and weekend work.

This position is subject to a background check and drug testing.