There is no experience quite like a summer at the Washburn-Norlands!
The Washburn Norlands Living History Center seeks interns to fill one of three roles for summer 2026.
- Curatorial: Our the historical collections intern will work with our curator. Responsibilities include reviewing documents, books, artwork and furnishings in the archive, 1883 library and main family home, revising finding aids, researching collection items to improve the Past Perfect database and identifying possible research topics for historians. Interns will have the opportunity to help create a major project for their internship.
- Marketing/Events: Our Marketing/Events intern will assist in all aspects of running the museum, with a focus on marketing, development, event planning and constituent relationship management. They will gain valuable experience by evaluating museum records, and determining areas for growth. They will help develop the brand kit for the Norlands, improve the social media strategy and take photos and videos. They will learn to develop donor profiles, plan events and look critically at operations using a data-driven approach. Tnterns will complete a project that relates to his/her interests and provides them with a valuable work sample for future employers.
- Educational Programs: Our Educational Programs intern will revise and develop Living History Curriculum for school groups, homeschool co-ops and adult groups. The intern will work with experienced educator-mentors to review 50 years ground breaking curriculum and an extensive archive of 19th century documents and ephemera to create experiences that will captivate a 21st century audience. They also will work with a team of AP History teachers to develop a high school level archive centered field trip focused on the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. During the internship, they will build several strong work products for their portfolio.
The Norlands is a small museum so the ideal candidate is flexible enough to assist in all aspects of operations during opening hours and work on other projects as needed. Interns will be called on to work as a living history interpreters at special events and on our Living History Days when the Norlands is transformed into a 19th century town. They also may be called on to give tours and assist with educational programs.
This is an ideal job for a team oriented self starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong organizational skills who seeks a career in academic history or museum management. Experience in Past Perfect collections management, French, Spanish, art history, theater, or education are a plus. Baking, cooking, sewing, needlework or farming experience can also be put to good use – we are a living history center! If you don’t know, we’ll teach you.
The Norlands is a rural estate in Livermore, Maine where one can immerse themselves in an earlier, simpler time and spend hours lost in a 400 acre 19th century wonderland. While it can feel remote, it is conveniently located 30 minutes from Lewiston/Auburn, an hour from Portland, LL Bean, the coast, Sunday River and Sugarloaf. It is 2.5 hours from Boston and 4 hours from Montreal.
Interns are provided housing in the Farmer’s Cottage of the Mansion with single or shared rooms. Because of the location, interns sometimes choose to work 10 hour days (if on a 40 hour schedule) and take a 3 day weekend. Interns are provided with period dress for living history days.
The Washburn Norlands is a 501-C3 and welcomes working with schools to meet the requirements for students to receive stipends for unpaid/underpaid public service internships. We also can offer academic credit for internships; interns will have ample time to pursue their own research while on site. Interns who do not have these resources avalable to them should not hesistate to apply; we offer a small weekly stipend to unfunded interns.
Start and ending dates are flexible from May – August but candidates should be able to stay for at least six weeks. Our high season runs from June 28 – August 31.
Interested Candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Ashley Heyer at president@norlands.org.