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 intern’s 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 Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and 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 internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.   

At MNHS, we don’t 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.