Job Title: Public Programs & Museum Education Intern
Placements available: 2
Format: Hybrid or in-person as determined by the museum

The Forbes House Museum belonged to four generations of a family prominent in the 19th-century China Trade who were also generous philanthropists and avid collectors – a really interesting place with many stories to tell. The collection includes Chinese export porcelain, Asian art and artifacts, Victorian furnishings, and Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia. Through guided tours, visitors get an intimate look into the lives of a Boston Brahmin family, in many ways typical in their business and personal pursuits, and yet unique in their contributions to this developing country.

Built in 1833, the Greek Revival home has been a museum since 1964 and National Historic Landmark since 1966. The property comprises the house, barn/carriage house and other 19th century buildings, on six acres of land with a beautiful view of Boston and its harbor.

Our mission: Inspired by the Forbes family legacy of entrepreneurship, social action and philanthropy, the museum fosters discourse around civic engagement and cultural awareness.

Job description: Our interns are exposed to the many aspects of operating an independent historic house museum. They have opportunities to assist museum staff in planning and leading educational and cultural programming throughout the summer, and in organizing collections materials and conducting research. They may also get involved in researching and submitting grant proposals.

Other responsibilities include creating educational content, marketing materials and social media posts, developing interactive activities and craft projects for children, helping to identify possible program collaborators, and occasionally leading group tours or assisting with evening events.

Our interns work directly with our executive director and the head of our Development and Marketing committee, as well as other museum staff and trustees, and attend relevant team and committee meetings.

Located in Milton, MA, the museum is accessible via public transportation (MBTA Red Line).

Skills that you may learn and/or expand upon include:

• Developing project management and marketing skills in understanding requirements, identifying resources and creating timelines for completing various projects
• resenting/public speaking to small groups, engaging visitors of various interests, ages and backgrounds
• Writing and adapting content with consistent messaging and branding

Our property and varied collections provide unique opportunities for our interns to pursue interests in art history, American and world history, decorative and fine arts, and preservation architecture. Interns also can take advantage of online learning opportunities such as webcasts offered by the Mass Cultural Council, American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and other member organizations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management skills and ability to work independently
• Proficiency with MS Word, Google Suite and basic desktop tools
• Familiarity with Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms
• Ability to work remotely, as needed
• Basic research skills
• Ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds
• Design experience working with Canva or other platforms a plus