Keystone Internship at Ephrata Cloister (Public History Internship) (College)

Are you exploring the field of public history and looking for some real-world experience? The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Internship Program provides opportunities to pursue your professional growth and contribute to sharing Pennsylvania's rich heritage with the public. Apply today to get a head start on your career!

Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by a German immigrant, who came to Pennsylvania to escape religious persecution. The celibate orders of this community emphasized spiritual, rather than material goals and lived a life of strict discipline and self-denial. Ephrata has the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark as well as being accredited four times by the American Alliance of Museums. This beautiful historic site is comprised of 28 acres with 9 original buildings dating from c. 1734 to 1837.

This exploratory internship will include a variety of museum and public history experiences, including learning to orient visitors to the historic site, providing tours to our visitors, and assisting with special educational demonstrations and programming. Opportunities exist to expand this internship include research into an approved topic to deepen the interns understanding of this site, early religion in Pennsylvania, and/or the art and music created here.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 10-week internship, May 2025 through August 2025, approximately 225 to 300 hours
• Work hours are flexible and will be finalized between the selected intern and their supervisor
• Salary: $17.00 per hour
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• All applicants must be enrolled at a college or university in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of their internship.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able and willing to report to Ephrata, PA during the Summer Keystone Internship dates, which will be a 10-week period between of May 12 and August 22, 2025.
• You must currently be majoring, minoring, or have a concentration in History, Public History, Museum Studies or Education, or a closely related subject.
• You must have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Work, academic, or volunteer experience that has prepared you for this internship
• An understanding of how this internship will help you meet your academic and/or career goals

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.