Description
The Schenectady County Historical Society seeks an outgoing, friendly, and self-motivated individual with an interest in history and strong communication skills for a 12 week internship. Experience with social media is essential, as is comfort with public speaking. The intern will be involved in most aspects of the Society’s operations and can expect to work hands-on in a variety of capacities at SCHS, gaining an understanding of how different departments overlap and work together in a small institution. This position is based at Mabee Farm Historic Site and requires work outside, exposed to the elements.
Responsibilities:
Lead daily and/or weekly guided historic house, kayak, and walking tours for the general public
Lead school programs
Create, schedule, and post social media posts and other content to build followers and grow brand awareness
Responsible for daily farm animal feedings
Responsible for daily raised bed garden upkeep, including watering and weeding beds
Responsible for daily dusting and sweeping of historic houses
Work with staff to ensure historic house, grounds, and gardens are clean and presentable
Research and write 1,500 word newsletter article(s) with a local history focus
Distribute marketing materials in and around Schenectady County
Assist with programs and special events, including parking cars
Assist with other daily operational tasks, including data entry and admissions
Qualifications:
Enrolled as an undergraduate at an accredited college or university with a major in history or related field
Interest in history and plans to pursue a career in a related field
Experience with social media
Comfortable with public speaking
Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
Ability to multitask
Willingness to learn new skills and pitch in where needed
Must be able to talk, hear, stand, bend, and walk; lift, carry, and move 40 pounds; navigate stairs
Must be able and willing to work outside in all seasons of Upstate New York including snow, rain, heat, and humidity
Schedule
The internship schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4:30pm, with some weekly evening hours. The internship runs for a 12-week period beginning on or before May 20. Salary is $16/hour. The successful applicant must be available July 3 and August 22, and must be able to start the internship on or before May 20. Housing is not provided, and the intern must have their own transportation.
To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to: Michael Diana at educator@schenectadyhistorical.org. The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026.
About the Schenectady County Historical Society
The Schenectady County Historical Society brings to life the region’s dynamic history at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction and the Grems-Doolittle Library and the Schenectady History Museum in the historic Stockade district of Schenectady. Featuring interactive exhibits, talks, workshops, concerts, education programs and community events for all audiences, SCHS shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of Schenectady County.
SCHS is committed to being an inclusive organization, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Employment at SCHS is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.
