Interpretation and Educational Curriculum Internship

This project-based internship will work closely with the Interpretation Manager to develop a K-12 curriculum for the West End Museum (WEM). This curriculum will support our mission to interpret and present “the history of Boston’s West End, along with the broader history of urban planning, renewal, development, and activism” and encourage students “to consider the legacy they leave for their communities.”

The intern will develop lesson plans to be done in the classroom, worksheets for the Museum, and a museum tour outline. These lessons will be targeted towards the three grade levels designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to study local history (second grade, eighth grade, and tenth or eleventh grade). This curriculum will tell the basic story of the West End before, during, and after urban renewal and focus on some of the major themes of the Museum including, but not limited to, abolition, immigration, urban villages, urban planning and change, and architecture.

The intern will also finetune a short classroom project plan that teaches basic research skills using the When and Where in Boston database as a tool. The goal of this lesson is for students to find and cite reliable sources, write their findings in their own words using a historian's voice, and submit their post for publication.

If desired, the intern could be trained to be a docent in the WEM galleries, write short historical articles for the website, help to plan educational activities at events, or become a presenter at our When and Where in Your Neighborhood event series. The short articles can follow an intern’s interests as long as they fit within the museum’s mission.

This internship can be done in person, remotely, or hybrid, although we encourage a few visits to the Museum. Hours and length of the internship can be flexible, but WEM would like to be able to implement the curriculum in full by the 2026-2027 school year.

There is no funding available for this position, but we recognize the importance of lowering barriers to museum careers. We thus encourage applicants to seek out grants or stipends from schools, foundations, or other organizations that would support them during their internship.

To Apply:

Contact jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org with your resume.

Include in your email up to 500 words in response to the following prompts:

1. Why are you interested in volunteering/interning at The West End Museum?
2. What do you hope to gain from this experience?
3. (Internship only) How will this internship be connected with a particular University program, class, or project?

→ We will review your materials and contact you for a phone interview. This call is to get to know you, discuss the next steps, and expectations, and note your availability. After a decision has been made by our staff you will be notified via email.

Note: Internships are volunteer based, unpaid, and will be recognized in line with the University requirements for the benefit of the student.

Expectations:

Passion for History: A genuine interest in history, urban planning, and culture are essential for this role.

Research Skills: Strong research skills, including the ability to navigate archival materials, access online databases, and critically analyze historical sources.

Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in recording and documenting research findings.

Communication: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate with team members and share findings.

Flexibility and Reliability: Willingness to adapt, work independently or as part of a team, and contribute to various museum projects as needed. Dependable and punctual attendance for scheduled volunteer shifts and a commitment to fulfilling assigned responsibilities.

Join us in preserving the legacy of the West End for generations to come! Apply now to become an Intern at The West End Museum.