Seasonal State Worker

For the summer of 2018 we are hiring 16 historic interpreters across the state of Michigan. These positions are opportunities to expand skills, gain experience, and work independently in a variety of public history contexts in some of Michigan’s most beautiful places. These are paid positions that could also be treated as paid internships for credit.  Applications open by February 15, 2018. Write directly to each site contact for an application.

Applications for Mann House and Walker Tavern close April 15

One position at each of these sites remains to be filled.

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park (Walker Tavern Historic Site)

Nestled among the rolling green hills and lakes of northwestern Lenawee County, Cambridge Junction Historic State Park is home to Walker Tavern, a National Register designated historic site. Built in 1832 by Calvin Snell, the Tavern became famous in the 1840s under the ownership of Sylvester Walker as a stage coach stop on the “Old Chicago Road,” now US 12. The site has national importance as a place that served a pivotal role in Michigan’s quest for statehood. During the 20^th century Walker Tavern became a colorful part of southeast Michigan’s early tourist economy. The site is generously supported by an active volunteer group, the Friends of Walker Tavern, which operates a weekly farmers market on the site.

Interpreters will hone their skills in educational program creation and presentation, exhibit design, daily operations of an historic site, and collections care. The site affords students of early 19^th century social and political history or early 20^th century tourism the joy of sharing their knowledge with the site’s visitors. This position is perfect for someone with a background in history and/or museum studies who is independent, creative, and looking to gain experience in interpretation and historic site management.

Contact Laurie Perkins, perkinsl1@michigan.gov

Mann House

The village of Concord, Jackson County, is home to the National Register-designated historic Mann House. Built by prosperous farmers Daniel and Ellen Mann in 1883, the two-story middle class Victorian home was once the center of Concord’s social whirl. The Mann daughters Mary Ida and Jessie were women who excelled in a challenging age: pursuing higher education, teaching mathematics, promoting physical education for women, and traveling around the world. In 1969, Jessie gave this family home and all of its contents to the State of Michigan. This historic house museum provides a unique opportunity to interpret the stories and changes in the lives of a multigenerational family.

Mann House interpreters learn about the care of these diverse collections while honing their skills in educational program creation and presentation, exhibit design and the daily operations of an historic site. This position is perfect for someone with a background in history and/or museum studies who is looking for experience in collections, interpretation, and historic site management.

Contact Laurie Perkins, perkinsl1@michigan.gov