903-592-5993

Mary Jane McNamara Internship

This internship is a tribute to the remarkable legacy of Mary Jane McNamara, a dedicated volunteer whose absence is deeply felt. Mary Jane played a vital role in the history of the Carnegie Library and the Smith County Historical Society, devoting her life to enriching her community and preserving its invaluable heritage.

By participating in this internship, a qualified candidate will not only gain valuable experience in a historical institution but also have the rewarding opportunity to connect individuals with the rich tapestry of history. Join us in honoring Mary Jane’s commitment to community and history while making a meaningful impact of your own.

Time Commitment: 

As a small, part-time organization, we operate with limited weekday hours. For that reason, we seek interns whose availability aligns with our schedule (Tuesday–Friday, 10 A.M.–4 P.M.). To ensure a consistent and meaningful experience, we require the following time commitments:

Fall/Spring Semester: 8 hours per week for 16 weeks

Summer Semester: 12 hours per week for 11 weeks

Interns must work in four-hour shifts, totaling eight hours per week. 

What You’ll Do:

At the Society, you’ll become an integral part of our mission to preserve and share the rich history of Smith County. Under the guidance of our Archives Manager, interns participate in dynamic, real-world projects, including:

    • Digitizing Local History: Scan and preserve historical photographs

    • Organizing Archival Collections: Maintain and update our vertical files

    • Engaging with the Public: Assist researchers, visitors, and community members

    • Learning Industry Software: Get trained in PastPerfect museum software

    • Creating Exhibits: Help with planning and installation of exhibits

    • Hands-On Work: Rearrange collection objects, sometimes involving light lifting

With just three staff members on our team, we deeply value collaboration, initiative, and versatility. We’re looking for an intern who is ready to dive in, wear multiple hats, and grow alongside us.

Compensation:

We believe your time and talents are valuable. This is a paid internship, with a stipend of $1,500.00 per semester. Beyond the monetary benefit, you’ll gain:

    • Practical experience in museums and archives

    • One-on-one mentorship

    • Resume-building accomplishments

    • Exposure to real archival challenges and solutions

Intern Requirements:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Currently enrolled in a higher education institution in Smith County, Texas (e.g., Tyler Junior College, Texas College, or The University of Texas at Tyler)

    • Have completed at least one year (24 semester hours) of college

    • Be pursuing a major in History, Library Science, or Education

    • Be able to read cursive handwriting

    • Possess a strong attention to detail and a flexible, team-oriented mindset

    • Be comfortable using computers and technology

For full details or to speak with a staff member, call us at (903) 592-5993.