Summer Internship

Position Overview
Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens seeks an onsite intern to assist the executive director during the
summer semester in a variety of curatorial, educational, and research activities. The internship
program is intended for students in their final years of undergraduate study, for recently graduated
students, or for those in a graduate degree program.

About Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens
Esta Barett Manor & Gardens is an example of a country home and farm, a rural retreat from the
city that was popular among wealthy families during the late nineteenth into the twentieth century.
The stately home was built in 1917 and designed by noted Rockford architect, Charles W. Bradley.
The historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands majestically above
the Rock and Kishwaukee rivers in Rockford, Illinois.

Position Details

Collections: Learn about the variety of artifacts in the collections. Work to inventory,
catalog, photograph, and create data entries in the collections database,
PastPerfect.

Public Tours: Learn the public tour content. Engage visitors by accurately and
enthusiastically delivering the public tour to guests of all ages.

Research: Research and write content relating to an area of history relevant to the
mission of Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens. (Research topics are to be
selected in consultation with the executive director.)

Qualifications
• Available to U.S. citizens currently enrolled as a student at a college or university; recent
college graduates may apply (within six months of graduating).
• Must have an interest in history, historic sites, and sharing knowledge with visitors.

Working Schedule and Compensation
The internship requires 22.5 hours weekly (three days a week) and eight weeks of service. Summer
internships can occur in any eight-week period between late May and late August. There is some
flexibility in the days of the week, however, availability on Fridays and the fourth Saturday of the
month is required.

• Stipend of $3,000.00, payable in installments.

Worksite Requirements
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of
those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.

Physical demands: In the work environment described below, the position requires working at a
desk and using a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. The
position also requires verbal and written conversation with others, as well as standing, walking,
bending, climbing, reaching, and strenuous lifting/moving of objects up to 10 pounds. Vision
abilities required by the job include close vision. Work may occur in both hot and cold
temperatures.

Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in a multi-level work area over 20-acres
of property. The historic buildings are not accessible to those with impaired mobility.

Training & Orientation Provided
The intern supervisor will share the history of the site and take the steps needed to educate and
mentor the intern in successfully fulfilling their duties throughout the internship. Instructions will
be given in artifact handling and using PastPerfect Museum Software to catalog the artifacts in the
collection.

Expected Learning Outcomes
• Intern will be able to effectively communicate with the public both formally and informally
through speaking, writing, and listening skills.
• Intern will learn to work on a professional team with board members and staff.
• Intern will engage in a research activity for the duration of the internship.
• Intern will learn proper object handling and best practices for working with artifacts.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Foundation does not discriminate due to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin or disability when making decisions regarding employment.

Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens is an equal-opportunity employer.