Internship Program
Volunteer Opportunities
The Rye Historical Society offers hands-on opportunities for students and community members to engage with Rye’s rich history, develop professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to public programs and research.
High School Senior Internship 2026
The High School Internship is a selective, four-week immersive program designed for high school seniors with a deep interest in history, social science research, and public humanities. The internship introduces students to professional historical inquiry while demonstrating how research connects the past to contemporary social, political, and civic life.
This program is ideal for students considering future study in history, sociology, political science, anthropology, public policy, law, education, or related fields. Interns gain hands-on experience working with primary sources, contributing to public-facing historical projects, and engaging with the Rye community through education and outreach.
Eligibility
The High School Internship is open to current high school seniors who demonstrate a strong interest in history or social science research.
Applicants must:
Be enrolled as a high school senior during the 2025–2026 academic year
Demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and academic engagement
Possess strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
Be able to commit fully to the four-week internship period
Prior research experience is not required.
Selection Committee
Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of historians, educators, and public humanities professionals affiliated with the Rye Historical Society.
Applicants are evaluated based on:
Demonstrated interest in historical inquiry or social science research
Quality and thoughtfulness of application materials
Academic engagement and intellectual curiosity
Potential to contribute meaningfully to research, education, and community outreach initiatives
Program Structure and Timeline
The High School Internship is structured as a four-week, immersive experience that allows students to complete a meaningful project from start to finish.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Internship Period: May - June 2026
Program Length: Four weeks
Finalists will be notified in April 2026 following a competitive review process.
Please submit application to:
Natalie Hofstedt
Director of Programming
Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to support Rye Historical Society’s mission on select Saturdays.
Opportunities include:
Assisting with museum tours, educational programs, and public events
Helping to catalog and preserve archival collections
Working behind the scenes and supporting community outreach, marketing, and communications initiatives (i.e. website and social media)
Volunteering provides the chance to develop skills, engage with local history, and give back to the community while working alongside experienced historians and educators.
Application Process
Submit Volunteer Application Form, which asks for:
Contact information and availability
Areas of interest and relevant skills
Your current high school and grade level
Prior volunteers or work experience (if any)
References (optional, depending on the role)
A brief response to the question: What interests you about volunteering at the Square House Museum, and what would you like to learn or experience through this opportunity?
Initial Screening and Interview
Orientation and Training
Begin Volunteering
Contact Us
For more information, please contact
Natalie Hofstedt
Director of Programming
Email: natalie.hofstedt@ryehistory.org