2010 Osterville Historical Museum Internship Openings

Description of Institution

Background

The Osterville Historical Society and Museum was formed in 1931. Today the Museum is the caretaker of a growing complex that includes three buildings on a two-acre campus. The circa 1824 Captain Parker House exhibits our permanent collection of 18 & 19^th cen. furniture and works of art; the Cammett House, circa 1750, is a unique "one-room deep" dwelling displaying early construction methods and is the second oldest house in Osterville. The third building is a series of Boat Shops replete with 19^th century tools and six full size wooden sailboats built in Osterville. We are open to the public three days weekly from June to October, and have approximately 2500 visitors annually of which over 600 are children. In addition, we assist with archival, photographic, or genealogy requests throughout the year. Our visitors range from local members of the Cape Cod community to visitors travelling from as far as Washington State and abroad. Approximately 500 Cape Cod households support the Museum through membership dues and Annual Appeal donations or contributions.

Mission

To acquire and preserve objects of historical relevance to Osterville, to present them in a dynamic environment, and to offer enrichment and educational opportunities for people for all ages that will develop and encourage an interest in the history of the village.

Staff & Volunteers

The museum employs one full time director; additionally there is a part-time curator who works approximately 10 hours a week. The Museum has a core group of 30 volunteers (exclusive of Board members) and a volunteer Children's Education Coordinator.

Project Description

Over the past several years, the Museum has attempted to reach out to the younger members of our community. As a result, the number of young adults who come to visit our Museum increases yearly, due to the attraction of our children's programs. These entail a weekly Story Hour program for 1^st through 5^th grade campers through the Recreational Department of Barnstable as well as two Story Hour programs on Museum grounds ages 4-10. The Museum offers every young visitor a scavenger hunt throughout the campus as well as several interactive stations which create more relevant learning experiences. All young adult programs run during the two months of July and August when the Museum is open. The Museum's goal is to strengthen its children's programs and educate the next generation of adults about the history of the village.

For High School Students...

The Osterville Museum is offering four internship positions for High School students

looking to gain experience in a museum environment. The internship positions are designed to develop the Museum's programs for young visitors. Working closely with the Director and the Museum's Children's Educational Coordinator, interns will develop the following: leadership skills, knowledge of Children's Program implementation, and strategies for designing programs focused on children's interests. Each intern is expected to volunteer 4 hours, Thursday - Saturday, during the months of July and August. Supervision of the internship Program will be overseen by the Museum's administration. At the conclusion of the internship, each intern will be provided with the following: Certificate of Completion; Recommendation/Evaluation and opportunity for an Exit Interview.

Requirements for Internship Application

High School students applying for a position as intern for the Children's Summer programs must be at least 14 years or older. Download this application for an internship position or it can also be obtained through the Osterville Museum office. Interns in the program are invited to meet with the Director and Children's Education Coordinator prior to being accepted. Applications must be accompanied by a resume & cover letter and received no later than May 1^st prior to the opening of the Museum for the season.