Summer 2026 Education Internship

The Fells 2026 Education Internship

History: 

The John Hay Estate at The Fells located in rural Newbury, NH, also known as The Fells, is a historic site overlooking scenic Lake Sunapee with views of Mount Sunapee. It is the former lakeside summer home of American writer and diplomat, John Milton Hay (1838-1905). Hay’s son Clarence, with his wife Alice Appleton Hay, transformed the rural retreat into an elegant estate with formal gardens and preserved woodlands. The Fells is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a preservation project of the Garden Conservancy.

The Fells Mission:

We seek to welcome people of all ages to The Fells, making each visit an enriching experience with opportunities to explore and learn from our natural lakeside setting, our renowned gardens, and the historic achievements of statesman, John M. Hay.

The Fells Vision:

The Fells is the restored and preserved Hay Family estate on Lake Sunapee that draws people together to share interest in history, horticulture, ecology, and the protection of the lake; offers enriching educational programs and events to stimulate further the pursuit of those interests; and provides a safe and tranquil environment where visitors can appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the Lake Sunapee region.

The Internship:

The John Hay Estate at The Fells offers a 12-week summer internship for college students to support the Education Department. The Education Intern will work closely with the Education Director, as well as the rest of The Fells staff, to assist will all aspects of the summer programming schedule. This position focuses on both historical education and environmental education, but also incorporates ecology, art, art history, writing, natural history, and museum studies. Interested candidates must enjoy working with children and the general public and be comfortable with multi-tasking in a busy environment.

The internship position is expected to complete a variety of diverse tasks within the organization. An internship at The Fells provides the candidate with an opportunity to experience and learn about the nonprofit operations of a seasonal estate.

Job duties to include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with education events to make sure they run smoothly (includes planning, set-up, break-down). Education events include lectures, talks, workshops, classes, children’s camps, performances, and festivals.
• Supporting staff with special events, as needed. Special events include Members Opening Reception, Gala Auction, Concerts, etc.
• Engaging with visitors and educating them about the estate’s rich history
• Conducting historic house tours, as well as assisting with garden tours as needed
• Collaborating with docents and volunteers
• Acting as co-counselor for our half-day children's camps in July (three-day camps)
• Greeting guests and taking payments in the Welcome Center of the Main House, as needed
• Completion of a special project as determined by the candidate and their direct supervisor

Work Schedule/Housing/Stipend:

• Candidates will be required to work 35 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks
• Some weekend and evening hours are required
• Driver’s license and car are preferred
• Candidate to start approximately May 26, 2026, and end August 14, 2026, exact dates to be determined
• Intern must be flexible both in work activities and schedule to accommodate the demands of The Fells busy summer
• On-site housing (single room) in The Fells historic Main House is provided at no charge
• Intern will provide their own meals (Interns will have access to a full kitchen in the Main House)
• Position includes $5,000 stipend, to be paid bi-weekly with taxes withheld