Education and Research Intern
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is a 7.21 acre property located in Brookline,
Massachusetts. The site’s mission is to preserve and interpret the legacy and significant
resources associated with Frederick Law Olmsted, founder of American landscape
architecture, and the premier landscape design firm he established in 1883 at his “Fairsted”
property in Brookline, MA. Olmsted retired from practice in 1895, at which point his sons and
successors perpetuated his design ideals, philosophy and legacy over the course of the next
century. The Olmsted home and office were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963
and became part of the National Park Service in 1979. Primary resources include the historic
Olmsted House, Office, residential landscape, and archival collections containing
approximately 1,000,000 original design records associated with more than 6000 projects.
Olmsted National Historic Site manages an active research program that provides access to
archival documentation for the study and rehabilitation of Olmsted-designed landscapes
nationwide. In addition, the park offers programs and exhibits on the firm’s work and legacy;
and engages young people in thinking and learning about the history and contemporary
relevance of public parks through a growing menu of curriculum-based programs. Through
this rich, multifaceted array of programs, the park promotes understanding of the creative
process of landscape design; fosters appreciation of landscape’s influence on everyday life;
and encourages public and private stewardship of our nation’s significant landscapes for the
benefit of present and future generations. The site is currently engaged in a number of high
profile initiatives, including a long-range public planning process (General Management Plan),
launch of a new education program, exhibit planning and installation, and preparation for site
reopening after an extended closure.
The SCA applicant selected for this internship will gain valuable experience in historic site programming and operations, including skills and techniques associated with teaching and learning through landscapes. Specifically, the intern will have opportunities to conduct historical research essential for interpreting site significance; facilitate tours of the historic Olmsted design office and restored landscape; help facilitate the park’s award-winning program for third graders; assist with design and development of a new Jr. Ranger program for young audiences; and work in collaboration with staff from Archives and Education to optimize digital images of historic photos and plans for use in project-based programming, web publications and social media outreach. In addition, the applicant selected will work to create a robust database of visitor contacts (ACCESS or Excel), and help with concept development, planning and implementation of special events (Founders Day, Public Lands Day, Exhibition Opening and Site Re-dedication). The intern will work in partnership with the NPS Education Specialist, Supervisory Park Ranger, corps of Lead Park Rangers, and Archives staff, and will assist with programming and events offered at two other historic sites managed in tandem with Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site and John F. Kennedy National Historic Site). Weekend work is required.
