Historical Collections Department, Intern

The Washburn Norlands Living History Center seeks an intern in the historical collections department to work with our curator. Responsibilities include reviewing documents, books, artwork and furnishings in the archive, 1883 library and main family home, revising finding aids, researching collection items to improve the Past Perfect database and identifying possible research topics for historians. Interns will have the opportunity to help create a major project for their internship.

The Washburn Norlands archive is one of the few private family archives in the country and has been used by prominent historians including David McCullough and Heather Cox Richardson. The 7 Washburn brothers included 4 congressmen, 2 governors, 2 Ambassadors, a U.S. Senator, a Civil War General, a Civil War Naval Captain and the founders of Gold Medal and Pillsbury Flour.  There is also a significant Franco-Prussian War and 1870s in Paris collection, a 600 piece Gilded Age couture textiles collection and a growing natural history collection. The candidate should have an understanding of 19th Century United States History, especially the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, with a focus on business and politics.  

The Norlands is a small museum so the ideal candidate is flexible enough to assist in all aspects of operations during opening hours and work on other projects as needed. Interns will be called on to work as a living history interpreters at special events and on our Living History Days when the Norlands is transformed into a 19th century town.  They also may be called on to give tours and assist with educational programs.

This is an ideal job for a team oriented self starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong organizational skills who seeks a career in academic history or museum management. Experience in Past Perfect collections management, French, Spanish, art history, theater, or education are a plus. Baking, cooking, sewing, needlework or farming experience can also be put to good use - we are a living history center! If you don't know, we'll teach you.

The Norlands is a rural estate in Livermore, Maine where one can immerse themselves in an earlier, simpler time and spend hours lost in a 400 acre 19th century wonderland.  While it can feel remote, it is conveniently located 30 minutes from Lewiston/Auburn, an hour from Portland, LL Bean, the coast, Sunday River and Sugarloaf.  It is 2.5 hours from Boston and 4 hours from Montreal.

Interns are provided housing in the Farmer's Cottage of the Mansion with single or shared rooms.  Because of the location, interns sometimes choose to work 10 hour days (if on a 40 hour schedule) and take a 3 day weekend.  Interns are provided with period dress for living history days. 

The Washburn Norlands is a 501-C3 and welcomes working with schools to meet the requirements for students to receive stipends for unpaid/underpaid public service internships.  We also can offer academic credit for internships; interns will have ample time to pursue their own research while on site.  Outside of their internship responsibilities, interns are given the first opportunity to fill any “after hours” paid role which include serving at weddings and farm to table dinners, doing landscape work and “deep cleaning” in our historical areas. 

Start and ending dates are flexible from May - August but candidates should be able to stay for at least six weeks. Our high season runs from June 28 - August 31.