Internships

Internships are an excellent opportunity to learn about and gain skills in a potential career field and with an organization before committing to a full-time job.

VCU was one of the first schools in the nation to offer formal internships in history. Since the program started in 1977, more than 360 students have received academic credit and job experience by working on projects of an historical nature with approved museums and agencies. Internships help students to develop a wide variety of professional skills, and serve as professional experience that can become a significant step in building a career in areas as diverse as public history, communications, education and business and entrepreneurship.

The work of the internship varies according to the placement, and our Director of Internships takes particular care to place students in internships which match their interests and career goals. Interns have written research papers and mini-histories, developed interpretive programs, participated in archaeological projects, conducted oral history interviews, prepared exhibitions, catalogued manuscript collections, and performed a variety of administrative duties.

Placements To-Date

  • Agecroft Hall
  • American Civil War Museum
  • Black History Museum and Cultural Center
  • Chesterfield County Historical Society
  • Congregation Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives
  • Henrico County Parks and Recreation (historic sites)
  • Holocaust Museum
  • Hollywood Cemetery
  • Library of Virginia
  • Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
  • Magnolia Grange Museum House
  • Maymont House and Foundation
  • Meadow Farm Museum
  • Petersburg National Battlefield Park
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park
  • Colonial National Historic Park 
  • VCU Libraries Special Collections and Archives
  • VCU Virtual Curation Lab
  • Valentine (museum)
  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources (various divisions)
  • Virginia Museum of History and Culture
  • Virginia State Law Library / State Supreme Court
  • Virginia War Memorial
  • Wilton House Museum

Visit our Internship Guidelines page for the guidance and directions you need to make your internship real.

Director of Internships

Brian Daugherity, Ph.D.
bjdaugherity@vcu.edu
(804) 828-4498

brian daugherity