Teen Historian Apprentice

SUMMARY:

Teen Historian Apprentices work as a team of eight to plan and create a variety of creative public history projects. Using the resources of the Missouri Historical Society, they conduct research on topics they care about and are given a high level of ownership over complex projects that work to fulfill MHS’s mission and reach the broader St. Louis community. Apprentices participate in regular professional development workshops to gain the skills necessary to successfully execute the projects they are working on.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Conducts research, writes content, and develops public history projects in collaboration with fellow Teen Historian Apprentices:

• Uses primary and secondary source material for research.
• Brainstorms and identifies content for inclusion in projects.
• Creates digital content for the Missouri Historical Society’s website and social media accounts.
• Plans and conducts interpretive programming for the public.
• Develops material for other projects as needed.

Participates in evaluation for personal growth, program development, and fundraising:

• Conducts regular check-ins with supervisor.
• Fills out two written self-evaluations each year.

Engages in professional development and team building sessions:

• Attends regular professional development workshops during the school year.
• Attends occasional fields trips to museums and cultural institutions.
• Attends occasional off-site meetings, including See STL walking tours.

Promotes the Teens Make History program and recruits prospective teens:

• Speaks with museum leadership and program donors as needed.
• Informs peers, teachers, and others about Teens Make History programs.

Assists with the STL Changemakers program:

• Reviews applications for the STL Changemakers program and provides input on summer curriculum.

Assists with other programs and events as needed.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Training:

• Must be enrolled in high school and be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade

Experience:

• Strong interest in history, the St. Louis region, and civic engagement
• Familiarity with the Missouri Historical Society and Teens Make History is a plus

Skills and Abilities, which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:

• Willingness to grow and accept feedback
• Ability to work in a team
• Adaptability
• Responsibility
• Time management
• Effective written and verbal communication

Computer Skills:

• Email and word processing (Google Drive and Google Docs)

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids, which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:

• Chromebook

On-The-Job Training Time: Two months

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands: Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Extensive periods of sitting, standing, and walking
• Participates in daily warm-ups and teambuilding activities, including bending, kneeling, stretching, and running (can be modified as necessary)

Work Environment: Environmental and atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Primarily normal office conditions with occasional exposure to weather
• Occasional work is done off-site connected to various projects

Schedule and Hours: This is a part time position that works four hours a week during the school year (September–May). Work meetings are from 3:45-5:45pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Extra hours may be offered on occasion.