Community Engagement Research & History Sharing Intern
TITLE: Community Engagement Research & History Sharing Intern
LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly
HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately September 14, 2026 to May 31, 2027. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
POSTING DATE: June 26, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: July 14, 2026
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Inclusion and Community Engagement and The Arc Minnesota seek an intern to work in collaboration on a project-based internship. Goals of this internship are to:
- Document the history of The Arc Minnesota for community understanding
- Grow the documentation of this history and its impact on state and national disability history
- Ensure this vital history is available to those impacted and to the greater community
- Create a deeper understanding and appreciation of this social justice movement
The project entails:
- Identifying and gathering primary and secondary sources from the Minnesota Historical Society and the Arc Minnesota’s Collections
- Conducting and documenting oral histories and additional research if needed
- Creating an engaging and accessible narrative summary for the public
- Working with the Arc Minnesota to share findings with the community
Potential deliverables may include:
- An ArcGIS StoryMap website
- Creation of an Ancestry Tree/timeline for all Arc mergers across MN
- Poster exhibit display
- Tabling materials
- Website and social media content creation
See project collaboration guide for details. Intern will engage with community members connected to The Arc Minnesota. Engagement may include in-person, virtual and/or phone interviews, going through historical information and conducting additional research. The Arc Minnesota will provide guidance, support, and source finding as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attend meetings with MNHS and the Arc MN staff
- Provide updates of project progress; receive and implement feedback
- Research, write, edit and submit narrative summaries related to the history, role and impact of The Arc Minnesota
- Conduct communication with community members
- Document and share role, history and impact of The Arc MN to the IDD community specifically domestically and internationally
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application. Graduate-level students are preferred.
- Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or have graduated with a degree in the following areas:
- History, Disability Studies, Ethnic Studies, Justice and Human Rights Anthropology, Sociology,
- Political Science, Heritage Studies and Public History, Social Work
- Experience and/or training in research technique and best practice
- Comfortable and willing to work with primary and secondary sources
- Demonstrated writing and editing skills, detail and accuracy oriented
- Can meet deadlines and prioritize work
- Experience conducting oral histories or source interviews preferred
- Preference given to applicants with knowledge of or lived experience as a person with a disability
- Includes virtual work and in-person work at the History Center and some community locations. Must have travel availability and transportation options for travel within the Twin Cities metro area if requested.
KNOWLEDGE INTERN IS EXPECTED TO GAIN:
- Familiarity of MNHS historical resources and how to use them
- Increased community engagement, interviewing and storytelling techniques
- Research, writing, and editing best practices and skills building
- Experience in a professional museum environment
- Creating history telling deliverables such as ArcGIS StoryMap website, poster exhibit display, tabling materials and social media content creation
SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are require 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, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm
- Thursday, October 15
- Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Final Presentations: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm
TO APPLY: Interested applications 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.