Photo | Bryan May

Internships

Aspen Historical Society (AHS) enriches the community through preserving and communicating its remarkable history. A 62 year-old nonprofit, Aspen Historical Society operates four historical sites (Wheeler/Stallard Museum and Archives, Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, Ashcroft Ghost Town, and Independence Ghost Town), provides free history education for regional schools, and offers guided tours, programs, and community events year-round. AHS maintains one of the largest public archives in the region, with a portion of its collection available online as a free resource. AHS has started initial planning for its snowsports history museum, which will be in the the historical Skiers Chalet, part of the Lift One base area redevelopment on Aspen Mountain.

Aspen Historical Society offers summer internships for high school students (please inquire for school-year opportunities).

This is a fun and unique opportunity to learn about and share Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley’s remarkable history while working at an established Aspen-area nonprofit. Come spend time this summer at Aspen Historical Society (AHS) with opportunities to help with a broad range of museum activities, programming, and events.

High School Internship | Summer Session

Application Deadline:

April 18, 2025

Expected Interview Dates: 

Rolling interviews begin April 14th’

Summer Session Dates:

June – through mid August (dependent on school schedule; dates may be flexible, please inquire)

Responsibilities

Interns will be have the chance to learn about and help with at least one aspect of what we do at AHS. Samples of activities include:

  • Assisting docents or working as a docent at each of our 4 historical locations. These include the ghost town of Independence, located near the Continental Divide, on Independence Pass (elevation 10,800 ft.); the ghost town of Ashcroft, located in the Castle Creek Valley (elevation 9,521 ft.); the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, located in Aspen; and the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, home of Aspen Historical Society’s administrative offices and public archives
  • Leading or helping to lead interpretive tours of our historical sites and other locations around Aspen
  • Supporting our signature community events (Hoedown, Ice Cream Social, Twilight Cemetery Tour)
  • Assisting with educational programming (including Playing with the Past) for preschool and elementary aged children at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum
  • Working in the gift shops and at book sales (if applicable)
  • Assisting with maintenance on museum grounds
  • Assisting with field tripsAssisting with presentations at local libraries

Training provided

  • All interns will receive local history training from AHS staff and resources to assist them with docent information and tour scripts.
  • Interns will be trained in interpretive guide principles as well as customer service skills that are applicable and valuable in many career settings.
  • Interns will also be trained in computer POS operation, daily accounting practices, and visitor attendance tracking.

Vehicles and Housing

  • Interns must provide their own transportation and housing. The Roaring Fork Valley has a robust bus system, a personal vehicle is not a requirement

Qualifications

Interns should be interested in our local history and have a desire to share that history with others!

Expectations of Interns

  • Interns are expected to be clear about their desired hours and scheduling and to honor those commitments. Schedules can be flexible and allow for things like family trips and other jobs, but it is crucial to communicate in advance.
  • All interns are expected to assume professional responsibilities and to complete tasks as assigned.
  • No use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs will be tolerated on the job.
  • Interns are expected to dress appropriately. Generally, this is very casual, however docent duties and certain tours and events may require a more professional appearance and/or period costuming.
  • Attendance at all mandatory training.
  • Interns are important ambassadors representing Aspen Historical Society and this role will be proudly and enthusiastically accepted.

Scheduling and pay rate

Interns are paid $17-$19/hour depending on experience with hours per week capped at 30, although it is fine to work less. Pay periods fall on/around the 5th and 20th of each month.

How to apply

Please email a resume* and cover letter to outreach @ aspenhistory.org
Please include:

  • Your contact information, including current and permanent address
  • Two References
  • Your availability during the internship period listed in the description

*If you don’t have a formal resume that’s fine, but please include your experience and why you’re interested in working at AHS.

Available Internships

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