Summer 2026

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum invites current or recent undergraduates in Museum Studies, Public History, History, or related fields to apply for a hands-on collections internship within a working maritime museum and historic site.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship designed to provide substantive professional experience, mentorship, and portfolio development in collections management and archival practice.

Duration:
Summer 2026. Flexible start and end dates. Schedule determined in collaboration with the Curator.

Reports to: Alyssa Rao, Curator

About EHSSM:
Founded in 1937, the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum preserves and interprets more than three centuries of continuous shipbuilding on the Essex River. The museum stewards a historic waterfront shipyard, the 1835 Essex Central Schoolhouse, and significant town burial grounds in the center of Essex.

The collection includes more than 10,000 objects and over 30,000 photographs documenting the design, construction, and working lives of Essex built vessels. The archives hold 18th through 20th century manuscripts including daybooks, vessel contracts, labor records, school records, and personal correspondence that illuminate daily life in a maritime community. The museum also stewards over 500 historic shipbuilding tools and approximately 500 vessel plans, along with the 1927 schooner Evelina M. Goulart on site.

Internship Experience:
Interns will engage directly with accessioning, cataloging, digitization, and collections care. Responsibilities may include object photography, transcription of historical documents, inventory verification, scanning of photographs and plans, and maintaining organized digital archives.

This internship offers meaningful exposure to archival standards, preservation practice, and the stewardship of a nationally significant maritime collection within an active public institution.

Applications are accepted through April 15, 2026.

How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter and resume to:
Alyssa Rao
archives@essexshipbuilding.org
Subject line: Internship – Collections Assistant

Season: June through October

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is seeking Visitor Services Associates to join our seasonal team at our working waterfront shipyard and historic campus in Essex, Massachusetts.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy engaging with the public, working in a dynamic environment, and being part of a mission driven organization rooted in craft, history, and environmental stewardship.

Compensation:
Starting wage is $17.50 per hour.

Schedule:
Part time, primarily weekends during the operating season, with additional hours available for events and special programming.

About EHSSM:
Founded in 1937, the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum preserves and interprets more than three centuries of continuous shipbuilding on the Essex River. The museum stewards a historic waterfront shipyard, the 1835 Essex Central Schoolhouse, and significant town burial ground in the center of Essex.

Each season, thousands of visitors come to explore our exhibits, working yard, and educational programs. Our Visitor Services team is often the first point of contact and plays an essential role in shaping the guest experience.

Position Overview:
Visitor Services Associates serve as welcoming ambassadors for the museum. This role combines customer service, admissions and shop operations, and informal interpretation. Associates help visitors understand what they are seeing and encourage meaningful engagement with the site.

This is a fun and engaging position where team members gain knowledge of local history, maritime craft, and the ecology of the Essex River while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. EHSSM is a growing organization, and most of our docents return each summer.

Responsibilities:

• Greet visitors warmly and provide orientation to the site.
• Sell admissions and process museum shop purchases accurately.
• Share basic interpretive information about exhibits and the shipyard.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Support seasonal events and public programs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming admissions area.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfort speaking with individuals and small groups.
• Reliable, punctual, and organized.
• Interest in history, craft, or environmental education is helpful but not required.

We welcome applicants at many stages of life, including college students, gap year students, retirees, and others seeking meaningful seasonal work in a vibrant community setting.

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to office@essexshipbuilding.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.