Summer Internship Opportunity
The McFaddin-Ward House, an AAM accredited historic house museum in Beaumont, Texas, is offering a paid summer internship in its collections and education department. Built 1905-1906, the Beaux-Arts Colonial mansion was the home of Mamie McFaddin Ward, who left the house as a historic house museum in 1982. The museum, which opened in 1986, ranges over three city blocks and includes the main house, a carriage house, a visitor center, an administrative office, and a collections office building.
Position Summary:
The intern will gain experience in all areas of a historic house museum and will spend hands-on time in collections, archives, education, and public relations.
Collections Management:
Duties include organizing, cataloging, and digitizing archives and photographs. Moreover, interns are expected to research and assist with data management, object photography, environmental monitoring, and taking inventory.
Interpretation/ Education:
Assist with Summer Camp and junior interpreter training. Investigate and develop onsite and outreach programming for other groups. Inventory and organize teaching collection.
Public Relations:
Assist with marketing and promotion of museum activities, including press releases, social media, blogging, and media appearances.
Qualifications:
Applicant must have a strong interest in archives, museum collections, interpretation, and education. He/she must be capable of precise and detail-oriented work. Knowledge of proper museum artifact handling and computer literacy are required. A bachelor’s degree, or coursework, training, or equivalent experience in museum studies, museum education, history, art history, or art education is preferred. Interns must provide their own housing and their own transportation.
Employment Period:
Ten weeks at 40 hours per week, with a $2,900 stipend (taxes will be withheld). Flexible work dates between May and September. Interns may obtain course credit for internship.
How to apply:
Submit a cover letter + resume, including three references, by mail, fax, or email:McFaddin-Ward House
725 Third Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
P: (409) 832-1906
F: (409) 832-3483
Email: jlinsley@mcfaddin-ward.org
Museum Docents (Volunteer Opportunity)
DESCRIPTION:
The McFaddin-Ward House, an AAM accredited historic house museum in Beaumont, Texas, is looking for volunteer docents. Built 1905-1906, the Beaux-Arts Colonial mansion was the home of Mamie McFaddin Ward, who left the house as a historic house museum in 1982. The museum, which opened in 1986, ranges over three city blocks and includes the main house, a carriage house, a visitor center, an administrative office, and a collections office building.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary responsibility of a docent at the McFaddin-Ward House is to interpret the museum and its collection for the visiting public. Through thorough training, docents are equipped to provide a variety of tour experiences for all audiences. Most often, docents offer an individualized guided tour for the general public. The museum also trains docents to give tours structured for specific audiences, such as school children.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have an interest in history and decorative arts, and be able to devote time to training and volunteering. Ideal docents will have a strong desire to share knowledge with the public, a sincere willingness to learn and study, and a pleasant and positive attitude. The position requires a moderate level of mobility and stamina to be able to negotiate stairs and the distance to the museum and carriage house.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a letter of interest to Public Programming Director, Bel Morian, by mail, fax, or email.
McFaddin-Ward House
725 Third Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
P: (409) 832-2134
F: (409) 832-3483
Email: bmorian@mcfaddin-ward.org
Junior Interpreters (Volunteer Opportunity)
DESCRIPTION:
The junior interpreter program began in 1996 under the direction of the museum’s education department. The program inspires teenagers to be lifelong consumers of culture and museum advocates. Through service to the museum, junior interpreters (JIs) learn life and leadership skills, including communication, historical research, and customer service.
Built 1905-1906, the Beaux-Arts Colonial mansion was the home of Mamie McFaddin Ward, who left the house as a historic house museum in 1982. The museum, which opened in 1986, ranges over three city blocks and includes the main house, a carriage house, a visitor center, an administrative office, and a collections office building.
POSITION SUMMARY:
JIs are trained to give guided tours of the three floors of the main house. They attend training sessions during the summer. Training involves printed material, lectures, slide shows, videos, and other activities provided by the McFaddin-Ward House staff. For completion of the program, JIs are required to complete an application, attend all five training sessions (or complete a make-up session), and give a practice tour to a staff member. JIs must be available to give tours on JI Guide Days throughout the year and assist museum staff with other programming the museum offers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be 13-18 years of age, have an interest in history, and be able to devote time to training and volunteering. Ideal JIs will have a strong desire to share knowledge with the public, a sincere willingness to learn and study, and a pleasant and positive attitude. JIs must be able to attend the entire training course and commit to several JI Guide Days throughout the year. JI training takes place each June.
HOW TO APPLY:
For more details or to apply for Junior Interpreter training, contact Public Programming Director, Bel Morian.
McFaddin-Ward House
725 Third Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
P: (409) 832-2134
F: (409) 832-3483
Email: bmorian@mcfaddin-ward.org