Historical Clothing and Performance Intern-First State Heritage Park

Bring the past to LIFE! Work alongside our professional staff of historical educators at First State Heritage Park, Fort Delaware, and Indian River Life Saving Station. As an intern in this position, you will increase your knowledge of material culture, gain experience in the reproduction of historic clothing, practically apply your knowledge in living history programming, and learn the organizational skills required to manage a reproduction clothing collection that spans hundreds of years of American history. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of a historic site, emphasizing the use of reproduction clothing
• Apply knowledge of material culture and sewing skills to fabricate, alter, or repair reproduction clothing
• Support interpretive programming, especially living history content, such as historic theatre. 
• Inventory and catalogue existing historic clothing collections
• Inventory existing historic clothing/costume collection
• Organize clothing and accessory storage
• Implement and improve upon sign-out system for clothing collection
• Assess established system and make suggestions for improvement
• Implement approved improvement suggestions
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS 

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and Saturdays 

• An interest in history and experience in fashion and apparel studies, material culture, textiles or related field 

• Must be able to work at least one day a week for the term of the internship 

• Ability to understand and appreciate the historical context of the clothing collection. 

• Professional appearance and demeanor. 

• Responsible and trustworthy 

• Pleasant and personable, enjoys people 

• Independent and responsible 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Systematic and highly detailed oriented 

• Ability to demonstrate competent sewing skills. 

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. 

• Able to stand for long periods, lift and transport up to 25 pounds of clothing 

• Performs duties in compliance with Division and Park Customer Service Guidelines and Safety Guidelines.