Summer 2010 Internship Opportunities at Stratford

Stratford Hall is pleased to offer paid residential internships for the summer of 2010:

Collections Management Intern ($1,000 stipend)

The Collections Management Intern will assist the Collections Manager with multiple projects. These projects include inventory, researching and re-housing objects, taking digital images, and preparing and updating artifact records in the Rediscovery database. Coursework or experience in collections care and management, experience with digital imaging, and familiarity with database systems is a plus.

Applicants should be enrolled in a BA or BS program majoring in Art History, American Studies, or a related field with an expressed interest in pursuing either further study at the graduate level or a career in museums.

Archival Research Intern ($1,000 stipend)

Archival Research Intern will research on-site archival materials and other sources to add to catalog descriptions of artifacts in Stratford Hall’s curatorial and library collections. This project requires experience in archival research, organizational skills, familiarity with database systems, and a strong interest in material culture. Knowledge of Rediscovery collections management software and Microsoft Excel a plus.

Applicants should be enrolled in a BA or BS program majoring in Art History, American Studies, Library & Information Systems, or a related field with an expressed interest in pursuing either further study at the graduate level or a career in museums.

Outbuildings Intern ($1,000 stipend)

The Outbuildings Intern will be responsible for researching the Kitchen Building. Interns will research architectural changes, historic use of the spaces, and future interpretive programming in order to develop a comprehensive furnishing and interpretive plan. The intern will conduct archival research to learn about Stratford’s enslaved and indentured cooks, research historic foodways, and identify period and reproduction cooking implements and kitchen furniture needed to bring historical accuracy to the space. The final product will guide Stratford’s interpretation of the kitchen and will provide the intern an opportunity to conduct curatorial research in a historic house setting.

Applicants should be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of MA or PhD programs in American Studies, Museum Studies, or related field with a demonstrated interest in material culture research.

Inquiries and applications for the positions described above should be directed to:

Judy Hynson, Intern Coordinator
483 Great House Road
Stratford, VA 22558
jshynson@stratfordhall.org

Building Preservation/Restoration Intern ($1,000 stipend)

The Preservation Department of Stratford Hall is seeking qualified summer interns to participate in its third annual Preservation Field School. Field School participants will assist in the day to day operations of the Preservation Department and will report to the Director of Preservation. Specifically, participants will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a variety of preservation projects, centered on the execution of a Cyclical Maintenance plan. Tasks could include plaster repair, repointing, painting and window and door repair. The interns will also participate in the restoration of two reconstructed Slave Quarters.

Desired qualifications and experience for this position include hands-on historical restoration/preservation training and/or experience. This training or experience should include the following areas: masonry, painting, carpentry and plaster. Interns should have knowledge of 18th century building materials and techniques, the desire to work professionally in a museum setting, the ability to work as part of a team or independently and should be working towards a degree in the Historic Preservation Field.

Applicants for this position should apply directly to:
Stratford Hall Director of Preservation
483 Great House Road
Stratford, VA 22558

Or via email with Preservation Field School Intern in the subject line to pmark@stratfordhall.org

All questions can be directed to Phil Mark, Director of Preservation, at (804) 493-8038 ext. 1559 or pmark@stratfordhall.org.

About Stratford Hall

Stratford is located in Westmoreland County on the beautiful Northern Neck of Virginia. Westmoreland County is a 45 minute drive from Fredericksburg, two hours from Washington, DC, and 90 minutes from Richmond. Stratford is set on 1,900 acres with 2.5 miles of Potomac River waterfront.

The National Historic Landmark Stratford Great House and related buildings were constructed beginning in 1738 and are among a handful of exceptionally intact survivals from colonial Virginia. In addition to the Great House, Stratford also features an operating reconstructed 18th century gristmill and extensive gardens. Stratford was the home of the Lee family, which includes two signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was also the home of Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and birthplace of Robert E. Lee.

The landscape is primarily hardwood forests and pastures but also includes two gardens and extensive maintained grounds. Stratford also has a Dining Room which offers lunch daily, two guest houses, and over 30 rustic cabins that were built to house Stratford’s board members during the twice annual meetings. Intern housing will be in these log cabins.

How to Apply
Each internship carries a generous stipend and free on-site housing with kitchen and laundry facilities. Due to Stratford’s relatively remote location, personal vehicles are recommended but not required. All of these positions require a full-time 10 week commitment with specific dates negotiable depending upon the applicant’s schedule.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter stating their reasons for applying, including their goals for the internship and dates available for work. Also, please attach a resume and contact information for three references.

All applications should be received by April 2, 2010.