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Graduate History Internships

Public History internships give students professional, hands-on experience in their chosen field and to help them make professional contacts. They are also an opportunity to apply some of the research and interpretive skills learned in the classroom to a public setting.

If completing an internship for academic credit, students will propose a project in cooperation with a professional supervisor at their site of interest. Opportunities are often found at historic sites, museums, cultural resource management firms, preservation groups, government agencies, non-profits, or consulting groups.

Credit Hours

Students can receive 1 - 6 credit hours from AU for their internship. The exact number of credit hours will depend on the total hours worked, which students will coordinate with the Public History Director and internship supervisor prior to the start of the semester.

Graduate students in Public History are not required to complete an internship but are encouraged.

Contacts & Resources

Student Forms

Checklists

Prior to Internship

  1. Meet with the Public History Director to discuss your internship search. Remember many internships have application deadlines months in advance of the start date. So start early!
  2. Consult AU Registrar' Internship & Independent Study guidelines and Career Center guidance for students and for employers.
  3. Complete an Internship Proposal Form and submit to the Public History Director.
  4. Once approved, you must register for the internship. Complete the AU Registrar Form for "Internship Registration" (which includes the required "Internship Consent and Release") and submit.

During Internship

  1. Meet with the Public History Director prior to the start of the semester to obtain a copy of the HIST 691 syllabus and set up a meeting schedule.
  2. In consultation with your intern supervisor and the Public History Director, develop a short reading list of books and articles to support your internship.
  3. Submit four reflection pieces that address questions posed by the Public History Director.
  4. Write final reflection essay critically evaluating internship experience.
  5. The AU Career Center will send an evaluation form directly to your internship supervisor. Remind your supervisor that the evaluation form must be returned to the Career Center in order for you to receive a final grade. Evaluations will be confidential unless your supervisor requests that it be shared with you.

Past Internships

Isaac Makos

During his internship with Colonial Michilimackinac Isaac Makos (MAPH ’20) worked as a costumed historical interpreter.

Sarah Fling

Sarah Fling (MAPH ’21) during her education internship with George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Leah Baer

As a Park Guide for the South District of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Leah Baer (MAPH ’21) had the opportunity to package artefacts for Arlington House at the Harper’s Ferry Center.