Keystone Internship at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Museum Education) (College)

Are you exploring the field of public history and looking for some real-world experience? The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Internship Program provides opportunities to pursue your professional growth and contribute to sharing Pennsylvania's rich heritage with the public. Apply now and begin your professional journey on an exciting career path!

The Museum Education Internship will be based primarily in the Education Department at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, home to over 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, as well as extensive archival and non-vehicular object collections. The chosen candidate will work with the Museum Educators to conduct education and outreach programs for school-age children, assist with the Barons and Builders Summer Day Camps, and interpret railroad equipment and artifacts to the public in Rolling Stock Hall. The candidate should expect to assist with educational tours and outreach programs, the interpretation of rolling stock, and working with the summer day camp program at least 75% of the internship hours. By the end of the internship period, the candidate will develop their own special tour or education program based on academic interests and goals, with the guidance of mentors and other staff members, and utilizing materials obtained from the museum's vast archival and object collections.

Additionally, an intern will:

• Interpret railroad equipment and artifacts to the public in Rolling Stock Hall
• Assist the Museum Educators during Outreach Programs and Educational Programs
• Assist the Museum Educators and Programs Coordinator in running the Barons and Builders Summer Day Camp
• Research, organize, and conduct an interpretive mini-tour or cart program for public interpretation
• Work with the Museum Curator and Archives Manager in developing your own public program using artifacts from the museum's collection
• Conduct basic exhibit care and cleaning with Museum Educators

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 10 week internship, May 2026 through August 2026, approximately 225 to 300 hours
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Work hours are flexible and will be finalized between selected interns and their supervisor.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Internship Requirement:

• All applicants must be enrolled at a college or university in an undergraduate or graduate program, at the time of their internship.

• You must be able and willing to report to Strasburg, PA during the Summer Keystone Internship dates, which will be a 10-week period between May 11, 2026 and August 21, 2026. Lodging and transportation are not provided.
• You must be enrolled in degree programs in the following majors: History, Anthropology, Education, Museum Studies, or closely related subjects.
• You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualification (not required):

• Customer service experience working and interacting with the public.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.