What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer 2025 Internship- Poindexter Village African American Museum position at Ohio History Connection?
The Ohio History Connection's mission is to Spark Discovery of Ohio's stories. Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.
Position: Summer 2025 Internship - Historic Sites - Poindexter Village African American Museum
Type: Unpaid Internship
Schedule: Part-time, unpaid ten-week position starting on Monday, May 13 2025 and ending on Friday, July 25 2025
Notes on Schedule: Must be available some weekends for special events, otherwise hours can be flexible.
Locations: The Ohio History Center: 800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus OH 43211; Poindexter Village/Union Grove Baptist Church: 266 N Champion Ave, Columbus, OH 43203; The Maroon (Pythian Theater): 867 Mt. Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH 43203
Reports to: Poindexter Village Project Manager & Poindexter Village Project Coordinator/NAAMCC Curator
Application Period: Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2025. Once the position closes, applications will be reviewed and those candidates best fitting the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.
About Ohio History Connection:
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Chartered in 1885, the OHC carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state's history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.
Summary:
This internship will provide a passionate individual the opportunity to assist in the development of a small, pop-up exhibition detailing the history of Poindexter Village and the Ohio History Connection's efforts to transform the site. This pop-up will honor the overall project's vision to nurture understanding, inspire success, and empower future generations. The person chosen for this opportunity will gain valuable skills in historic interpretation, graphic design, and in community engagement and leadership. The student will work closely with the Poindexter Project Manager but also gain some insight into a variety of professional careers at the Ohio History Connection that are associated with the project.
The pop-up exhibit will interpret the history of Poindexter Village, which was a flourishing, close-knit community and a hub for Black culture and success for generations. However, racially biased policies and systemic inequities slowly eroded its foundation, while disinvestment in infrastructure contributed to its decline. By the turn of the 21st century, the neighborhood was slated for demolition due to the outdated condition of the buildings. Despite a dedicated and passionate effort to preserve Poindexter Village, 33 of the original 35 buildings were demolished beginning in 2013 as part of a larger effort to revitalize the Near East Side.
With support from the City of Columbus, the Ohio History Connection acquired the historic Poindexter Village site from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority(CMHA) in 2017. Our vision is to transform the site into the Poindexter Village African American Museum, honoring the vibrant history of the neighborhood while addressing broader issues of public housing discrimination, redlining and Black culture.
Essential Functions:
- Assist with the preparation of photographs for inclusion in exhibit graphics.
- Assist with the development of interpretive exhibit text.
- Assist with exhibit design.
- Help facilitate the collection of oral histories of former Poindexter Village residents and elders.
- Assist with special events within the neighboring community, including but not limited to: Juneteenth On the Ave, Poindexter Village Drum Circle
Required Education, Skills, Experience:
- Must be enrolled in an academic program OR a recent graduate from an academic program (within one year)
- Majors in Community Leadership, Non-profit Management, Human Resources, History, or Anthropology preferred
- Experience with graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator preferred, Microsoft Office software such as Word and Excel required
Required Competencies:
- Works well both independently and with and in support of colleagues to complete work.
- Demonstrates a potential to communicate well in written and verbal communications, including informal mediums like email and meetings
- Must be able to communicate well with a variety of different community groups and populations
- Must be interested in facilitating positive change with a lasting impact within the Columbus community
Other Requirements:
- Must complete a background check and internship onboarding paperwork
- Must create and account, log internships hours and sign up for internship shifts via Track It Forward
- Must attend virtual summer intern welcome day and present at the summer internship summit
- Must attend professional development opportunities and meetings when requested
Education and Experience Outcomes:
- Students will learn basic techniques for interpretation and design of pop-up exhibits
- Students will learn to employ the concept of shared authority in exhibit interpretation
- Students will learn how to design and fabricate a successful pop-up exhibit that promotes positive change
- Students will learn the history of Poindexter Village and how it relates to Ohio and national history
- Students will learn to effectively communicate across social differences
Application Instructions
To apply, visit www/ohiohistory.org/jobs and use the Applicant Tracking System to apply. Include resume, cover letter, and applicable application materials. For questions and accommodations, email applicant@ohiohistory.org or call 614-297-2500
