Rufus Porter Museum Internship Program

Summer 2009

Dates: June 20 to October 11, actual dates are flexible

Availability: 1 intern, 40 hours per week

Posted Date: December 15, 2008

Closing Date: April 1, 2009 (acceptance earlier if suitable applicant is found)

Pay Status: $1800 stipend for 10 weeks

Housing: Provided, vehicle required

The Rufus Porter Museum and Cultural Heritage Center opened in June, 2005 in Bridgton, Maine. It is based in a 1789 Federal style house with Rufus Porter 1828 original murals in one room and hallway. The Museum focuses on the achievements of Mr. Porter as an itinerant painter of wall murals and other art, plus his scientific career as an inventor and founder of the Scientific American magazine in 1845. We celebrate the art and history of Western Maine in the 1800s.

Additional exhibit space in downtown Bridgton houses a set of 15 Porter murals, dated 1838 and signed by Rufus Porter and his son, Stephen Twombly Porter. These murals, recovered from the Francis Howe home in Westwood, Massachusetts, are considered to be the premier example of his work.

The summer of 2009 will be active as the Rufus Porter Museum is presenting a special exhibit honoring the art of Tasha Tudor (1915-2008), a world-wide renowned New England artist who illustrated an 1830 lifestyle in nearly 100 books.

The Museum is seeking one intern this season to assist us by:

1. Maintaining the Museum operations.

2. Conducting tours of the Museum at two locations.

3. Developing educational programs for children and adults.

4. Expanding the research center of Rufus Porter materials and murals. Researching and documenting current owners of homes containing Rufus Porter School Murals.

5. Assisting with the Cultural Heritage Series classes and house tour July 7  12, 2009.

6. Maintaining historical gardens.

7. Assisting in the improvement of Museum exhibits.

8. Developing acquisition and inventory procedures.

In addition, the intern will plan and implement a specific project based on museum needs to be established and guided by museum staff.

A prior requirement is to read Rufus Porter, Yankee Pioneer, by Jean Lipman.

Our calendar is flexible for the 10-week internship. We are open from June 24th until October 11th, (closed on Sundays & Mondays), with visitor hours from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, Wed. to Sat. Intern hours are from 9-5.

For more information about Rufus Porter and the Museum, visit www.rufusportermuseum.org. Bridgton is located one hours drive west from Portland, Maine, and one hours drive east from Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We are referred to as the Lakes Region as lakes and ponds are found in abundance. Our winter population of 5,000 grows to 30,000 plus in the summer and offers extensive recreation and cultural opportunities.

This internship is for those majoring in or who have a career interest in museum studies, folk art, history, art history, historic preservation or the conservation and restoration of decorative and fine arts. Preference will be given to those with a demonstrated interest in folk art.

How to Apply: Email resume/CV and cover letter stating your reasons for interest and dates of availability to Julie Lindberg, Curator, j.k.lindberg@att.net.

Please include:

" If this internship is for university credit, please provide the professors name and contact information.

" Your level of expertise with the Microsoft Family of Office Products (PC or MAC)

" Your level of expertise with Past Perfect software.

" Your experience, volunteer or paid, in working with the general public.

" Your museum and academic background.

" Your level of interest in folk art and Rufus Porter.

" What you wish to accomplish with an internship this summer.