Education and Visitor Services Conservation Associate
John F. Kennedy National Historic Site is a .09 property located in Brookline, Massachusetts. The mission of the site is to preserve and interpret the 1917 birthplace of the nation’s 35th president and the later memorialization of his boyhood home by the president’s mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. The historic house, collections, and neighboring Brookline community document the formative years of one of America’s most prominent political families and permit exploration of early influences that helped to shape the character and ambitions of John F. Kennedy. Primary resources include the Kennedy Birthplace Home and collections representing the 1914-21 period gathered and arranged for room exhibit by Rose Kennedy.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is located in Brookline, Massachusetts. Brookline (population of 57,000) is a suburb of Boston, located approximately 4 miles west of the downtown/capitol area. Amenities are typical of a New England city and include a wide variety of educational and cultural opportunities, as well as professional, commercial and health services. The Boston area is home to nearly 50 colleges and universities. Government housing is not available but a variety of housing options are available for rent or purchase in the local area. The site is located on a residential street and is within walking distance of the Coolidge Corner commercial district. Major bus and trolley lines service Coolidge Corner. Additional information about John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site can be found on the park's website (http://www.nps.gov/jofi) and information about Brookline can be found at http://www.town.brookline.ma.us/
The SCA applicant selected for this internship will gain valuable experience in historic site programming and operations. Specifically, the intern will have opportunities to conduct historical research essential for interpreting site significance; prepare interpretive publications based on primary and secondary source research; facilitate tours of the historic Kennedy house; support curriculum-based programming; collaborate with NPS staff and design professionals to produce web features for the park web site; and assist with special events, including Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy birthday programming (July), a neighborhood Halloween event (October), and a day of Remembrance (November). In addition the intern will work in partnership with the NPS Education Specialist, Lead Park Ranger and educators from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to plan and implement a one-day teacher conference tentatively set for early April 2014, and will work with NPS staff to pilot a new educaiton program for first graders. Finally, the intern will assist with research and event planning to commemorate key anniversaries in 2017 - the 50th anniversary of the park's establishment and the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's birth, and will work with staff to develop, pilot and evaluate a new Jr. Ranger program for visitors ages 5-12. Weekend work is required July-October and on occasion November-April.
Internship Goals and Objectives:
• Develop working knowledge of the resources and stories at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site. • Successfully complete Foundations of Interpretation training and routinely apply principles in interpretive talks and services. • Facilitate tours of the historic Kennedy birthplace based on existing tour outlines. • Provide informal visitor contacts. • Assist with planning and implementation of one-day teacher conference with John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. • Work with NPS staff to plan and implement a variety of special events, including Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy birthday observation, Halloween evening, November Day of Remembrance. • Learn about the history and mission of the National Park Service, and understand the role education and visitor services play in cultivating public stewardship of natural and cultural resources managed by the NPS. - Conduct research and assist with planning for anniversary events in 2017 (50 anniversary of park's creation, 100th anniversary of JFK's birth). • Work with design professionals to develop and “publish” web features that allow virtual visitors to learn about the park significance, themes and programs. - Assist with social media strategy development and program implementation. - Assist with completion and piloting of a new program for first graders (replicable programmig model). - Assist with development, piloting and evaluation of a new Jr. Ranger program for visitors ages 5-12.
