Intern Public Programs & Fergus Falls Project Intern

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul MN 55102

COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary$17.02 hourly

HOURS: This is a part-time temporary position from approximately January 19 2027 to May 23 2027. A part-time intern must be available to work 10 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule coordinated with the interns school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are flexible Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 3:00pm and weekends depending on event needs. Intern should be available between 1-2 days in person.

POSTING DATE: October 7 2026

DEADLINE DATE: October 26 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three in-person seminars focused on professional development learning how cultural organizations operate and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday February 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday March 18 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday April 22 from 2:00-4:00pm

• Final Presentations: May 23 from 11:30am-1:00pm

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Societys career center at include a cover letter resume and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.

DESCRIPTION:The Community Engagement Program Intern (Black Diaspora History Focus) supports the development and delivery of public programs that center the histories cultures and lived experiences of Black communities in Minnesota. The internship offers hands-on experience in museum education community engagement historical research and program coordination. The intern will work collaboratively with staff scholars artists and community partners to create inclusive engaging and historically grounded programming for diverse audiences. One focus during this internship will be on supporting a project working with the descendants of the Fergus Falls First 85 a community of Black families who settled in Fergus Falls MN at the end of the 19th century.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Assist in researching topics related to Black history in Minnesota including migration civil rights arts education business and community leadership; 2) Support planning and implementation of lectures panel discussions workshops walking tours exhibitions and community conversations; 3) Help draft program descriptions educational materials and promotional content; 4) Conduct archival and secondary-source research; 5) Contribute to blog posts social media content and interpretive materials; 6) Assist in developing audience guides and resource lists highlighting Black Minnesotan history; 7) Support outreach to local community organizations educators artists and cultural leaders; 8) Attend planning meetings with community partners when appropriate; 9) Help ensure programs reflect inclusive and community-informed perspectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing or have graduated with a degree in the following areas: History African American Studies Public History Ethnic Studies Museum Studies or a related field.

• Strong research writing and communication skills.

• Interest in Black history and community-centered historical work.

• Basic cultural competence when working with Black communities

• Strong sense of initiative and proactivity

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Personality traits: Enthusiastic and comfortable working in a front facing position.

• Strong interpersonal skills empathetic organized adaptive and creative.

Should you have questions with the application process email or call .

At MNHS we dont just accept difference we celebrate it we support it and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees interns volunteers our products and services and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum and we seek to recruit develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.