Our Program

The Historic New Orleans Collection Internship Program provides inventive opportunities of guiding learning and pre-professional enrichment for college, graduate-level, and non-traditional students in the stewardship of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Engaging emerging professionals of all academic backgrounds and fields of discipline, our program seeks to integrate interns in the active work of Public History practices, governance, operations, and administration. We encourage participation pursued for academic credit, civic engagement, career development, or experiential learning.

 

Who can I contact to learn more about the Historic New Orleans Collection Internship Program? 

All inquiries related to our internship program should be directed to Internship Coordinator, Sydney Wessinger.  

 

When are internships offered? 

The Historic New Orleans Collection Internship program is divided into three Project Seasons: Spring (Feb-May), Summer (June-July), and Fall (August-November). Internship programs are offered annually during each Project Season. 

 

Are internships paid? 

Yes. The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to offer compensation to all interns. 

 

Can I apply my participation in the internship program to academic credit. 

Yes. Our Internship Coordinator and Human Resources department can collaborate with the necessary administrative personnel to ensure that your project experience aligns with credit-granting standards. We encourage prospective applicants to review the policies of their respective universities specific to student participation in internship programs. 

 

Can I accept compensation from the Historic New Orleans Collection while also applying my participation in the internship program to academic credit. 

It is contingent of policy of the intern’s college or university if accepting any monetary compensation or incentive from the hosting institution while simultaneously applying hours of participation to academic is permitted.  

 

Are internships hosted on-site in New Orleans, LA?

Yes. Internship projects are hosted physically on-site at our French Quarter campus. Many intern projects involve a degree of hybrid/remote work. 

 

How do I apply for an internship with the Historic New Orleans Collection? 

Applications can be accessed on the Employment and Internship Opportunities page of the Historic New Orleans Collection website.

 

I do not live locally in New Orleans, LA. Can the Historic New Orleans Collection support housing accommodations?

Yes. The Historic New Orleans Collection can provide housing accommodations to non-local interns during the Summer Project Season. Special housing accommodations will be arranged for international interns, or those participating in long-term projects that may exceed a single season.

 

Are there opportunities available for high school students. 

No. Our internship program extends only to college, graduate-level, and non-traditional students over the age of 21. 

 

I participated in the Historic New Orleans Collection Internship Program in the previous Project Season. Am I allowed to apply again? 

Yes. Alumni of our Internship Program may apply to a separate project one full-calendar year after the completion of the previous project. 

 

Current Interns and Fellows – Spring 2024

 

Jane HillJane Hill

  • University of New Orleans
  • BA, Art History
  • Photographic Preservation and Collections Care

Sara SmallsSara Smalls

  • Tulane University, Doctoral Candidate
  • PhD, History
  • Exhibition Research

Shawna BeasleyShawna Beasley

  • Louisiana State University, Graduate Student
  • MILS, Library, and Information Science
  • Exhibition Research

 

SUMMER 2024 PROGRAMS

All Summer 2024 internship positions have been filled. Please frequent our website for updates on future oppurtunities.

 

Intern Testimonies

“My experience at THNOC has been very insightful thus far. My project lead, Sarah Duggan and Lydia Blackwell are amazing. I’m appreciative of their guidance and expertise. I am glad that I can work and be surrounded by people that are passionate about their work. Sydney has created a safe and welcoming environment for this program. She helped create a sense of unity and inclusivity. This internship has expanded my previous views on what I thought I wanted to do in my career. Everyone at the museum that I have met has been open to sharing their own perspectives and experiences. It is also nice to see that Sydney is making predominantly white spaces more open for people of color and showing us that it is possible to work in the professional field of Public History and museums. I’m very grateful for this experience and look forward to finishing strong.”

— Ashanty Felipe (Xavier University of Louisiana, Fall ’22 Intern)

 

"My internship at the Historic New Orleans Collection has been a wonderful learning and professional experience. Every day that I have spent there, I have not only learned something new about the history of New Orleans but also about the profession of history and museums. Sarah and Lydia are great mentors. I’m proud to be a part of their team and a part of this project. All of the staff who work at the collection are always happy to assist me in any way. They answer any questions I may have regarding history, my continuing education, or how my career goals. I have even been given tours of the collection’s sites, acquisitions, and other behind-the-scenes departments that I didn’t expect to be given access to.  My internship coordinator, Sydney Wessinger, is amazing! She doesn’t have to, but she personally drives us to the Royal St campus and back to school each day. Like the other staff mentioned previously, Sydney is always happy to help me and answer any questions I have. It’s great to see a woman of color and fellow Xavierite in this space and creating opportunities for others. I am very grateful to her for providing me with this internship opportunity.”

— Joseph Will (Xavier University of Louisiana, Fall ’22 Intern)