Revolutionary War Freedom Seeking Intern

Position Title: Revolutionary War Freedom Seeking Intern

Location: Remote

Position Summary: This job/project leverages efforts to understand better freedom seeking in the context of the American Revolution by engaging interns in developing associated digital engagement strategies and interpretation and education products related to the African American struggle for freedom and civil rights. Freedom seeking during the revolutionary era is a largely undocumented piece of the Underground Railroad story. The project will help the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (NTF) illuminate a lesser-known story while contributing new narratives to an inclusive America 250 commemoration. Research may be used to nominate or highlight lesser-known UGRR sites. Simultaneously the NTF is also documenting connections between the Underground Railroad and Indigenous communities, and the project will continue to explore indigenous representation in freedom-seeking. The NTF program allows the NPS to work outside of park boundaries and directly with communities and descendants connected to Underground Railroad history. The NTF has over 730 sites, programs and facilities in 39 states, Washington D.C., and the Virgin Islands.

Position Description: Three research interns with an intern lead/project coordinator will work remotely as part of a team researching stories of enslaved people who achieved their freedom during the Revolutionary War. These interns will delve into primary source documentation to determine these cases' circumstances. Additionally, two interns with specialized skills in digital humanities, digital engagement and interpretation will also be hired to work with the research interns to develop interpretive products from the research.

All these positions will be part of a multi-year project to explore freedom and "unfreedom " during the late colonial-Revolution-early national period (c. the 1760s-1800) to understand the revolutionary ideals of the founding documents translated to the lived experiences of enslaved people.

Open position listings to be filled are below:

The lead Intern /Project Coordinator will supervise research interns and implement project activities and evaluations.

Three Research Interns- should have a strong history background working with primary and secondary sources.

Two HBCU Interns- should have a solid historical background and specialized skills in history/humanities and digital engagement.

Qualifications:

Before starting this position, a government suitability review by NPS Personnel Security is required.

Interns should seek a degree: in African American History, American History, American Studies, or a similar field. Some knowledge or experience in digital history is desirable, along with a strong background in primary and secondary research. These skill sets are critical for this position.

Specialized skills in history/humanities and digital engagement.

Special consideration will be given to interns in graduate school studying relevant fields. The ideal intern understands historical research, public history, and community engagement well. Enjoys and demonstrates the ability to network with partners and stakeholders, research new topics, analyze historical documents, and communicate research findings in written reports, databases, and multi-media

platforms.

The HBCUI intern should demonstrate good note-taking, written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Has the ability to work independently and collaboratively within team environments. Applies tact and diplomacy when communicating with team members and community partners.

Is skilled in using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Teams) and interested in learning other digital platforms, such as web software. Possess a strong interest in pursuing a career in public history or cultural resource management.

Project Duties:

Research interns

Improve a database of freedom seekers for further research, including a short narrative of the story as currently known

Compile biographical details (dates of birth, death, etc.) of the freedom seeker

Draft and answer research questions or fill in information gaps

Document contact information for the source of the story

Identify secondary and primary historical source material to research individual freedom seekers

Identify where critical documentary source materials are located and whether they are accessible to researchers, including any COVID-19 restrictions.

Participate in video calls with an NPS project team from various regions and parks.

Develop a summary report outlining challenges and strategies for future research.

Present findings in a webinar for NPS staff.

Digital humanities interns

Coordinate with NPS Education Strategist to incorporate project deliverables into K-12 NPS education programs as appropriate.

Produce interpretive and educational media and digital engagement with project management support from National Park Service professional/academic/historical staff.

Work with NPS staff to develop digital strategy, conduct research, create supporting content, and present research findings to the public through interpretive media content (Videos, blogs, social media posts, web content) connected to the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and freedom-seeking in the American Revolution.

Survey the current research and knowledge of freedom-seeking stories at NPS units connected to the American Revolution, including any extant theme studies.

Benefits:

Lead Intern Pay rate $30/hour, 25 hours for 40 weeks

3 Research Interns Pay rate, $25/hour, 25 hours for 40 weeks

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Last updated on Jan 9, 2023