2007 Museum Theater Internship Program Announced

Contact: Kathy Talbot
Phone: 301.283.2113 ext. 32
Email: ktalbot@accokeek.org

The Accokeek Foundation is pleased to announce the 2007 Museum Theater Internship Program at the National Colonial Farm. The Museum Internship Theater Program (MTIP) is more than just a weekend of work. It is a hands-on immersion of experiences that takes the classroom experience into the real world. The MTIP helps students gain valuable experiences that are related to careers in history, education, theater and museum studies.

The National Colonial Farm represents a farm of the late colonial years in Southern Maryland. Interpreters at the farm portray the lives of a small tobacco planter's family in Prince George's County. These farm families lived above the minimum requirements for subsistence but well below elite standards. Growing tobacco and selling it in an international market dominated their lives.

This year's MTIP will feature an interpretive theme focusing on the African American life in Prince George's County during the last half of the 18th century. Museum professionals and interpreters who have spent time researching colonial life will train interns on period-appropriate dialect, social norms, costumes and skills to portray life on a middling tobacco farm in colonial Maryland. Interns will immerse themselves in colonial ways by working the farm and presenting to the public their characters' perspectives on slavery. The National Colonial Farm's historic Laurel Branch Farm House and the Hall Tobacco Barn allow interns to study period architecture. Interns will also develop skills in working period tools and cooking using period methods.

Job Requirements: Interns with the MTIP at Accokeek Foundation will develop skills needed to present interpretative presentations to visitors and families by providing the highest quality immersive and interactive experiences for children and families. Each will be responsible for:

• Assisting the Interpretive manager in researching and developing characters and vignettes to be part of the African American Heritage Day presentation.
• Developing their own interpretive skills and character that will be part of the presentation.
• Developing a good understanding of the function of interpretive programs.
• Attending interpretive department meetings, field trips and training.
• Assisting in the maintenance of the working farm - this will include weeding, reshaping of hills and the careful checking of tobacco and corn, possibly simple blacksmithing and wood-working, cooking, laundry and gardening.

How much time is required? Internship opportunities begin on June 23, 2007 and continue through August 4, 2007. Attendance is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays with periodic Fridays included for field trips. Each day will consist of eight pre-scheduled hours.

Who may apply? The internship program is open to qualified high school and college students and recent graduates. While we will consider all majors, we are highly interested in students who have a deep interest in theater, historical interpretation and education.

Is the Internship paid? This year, we will have five (5) paid opportunities. Each intern will receive $1,000.00 upon completing the internship.

How do I apply? To apply for an internship at the Accokeek Foundation, please submit the following:

• Application
• Cover letter explaining in 250 words or less, why you are interested in interning at the Accokeek Foundation,
• Resume

Mail, email or fax your application to:
Kathy Talbot, Special Events and Membership Coordinator
Accokeek Foundation
3400 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, Maryland 20607
Email: ktalbot@accokeek.org
Fax: 301.283.2049

For more information, please contact Kathy at 301.283.2113 ext 32 or Matt Mattingly at 301.283.2113 ext 17.